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Northwest University

Kirkland, WA·Private nonprofit·642 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

88%
Accept
642
Students
$25,161
Net Price
63%
Grad Rate
$46,300
Earnings
10 yr
$15,000
Debt

About This School

Northwest University is a private nonprofit institution located in Kirkland, Washington with approximately 642 undergraduate students enrolled. Northwest University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 88%. The average net price after financial aid is $25,161 per year. The graduation rate is 63%, and the typical graduate earns $46,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

Northwest University may refer to:Northwest University (China) in Xi'an, Shaanxi, China Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, US North-West University in Potchefstroom and Mahikeng, North West Province, South Africa Northwest University, Kano, Nigeria

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the 63% graduation rate and 73% freshman retention suggest a meaningful share of students don't finish, which is worth asking about before enrolling. On the upside, median debt at graduation is a relatively low $15,000, and the small 642-student campus in Kirkland suits students who want a tight-knit, faith-based community rather than a large university experience. Worth considering if that mission aligns with your values, but look closely at student support services and ask what's driving the dropout rate.

Founded
1902
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Health Professions22%
Business & Marketing15%
Biological Sciences10%
Psychology10%
Education8%
Communications6%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
English5%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Wang QishanJia PingwaHuang Jianxin

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1204
Reading 75th %ile660
Math 75th %ile665

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite28

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$36,035
Out-of-State Tuition
$36,035
Avg Net Price
$25,161
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants23%
Median debt at graduation$15,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
63%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
73%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$46,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$39,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$46,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.1x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White62%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino13%
Asian5%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (642 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Northwest University

5520 108th Ave NE

Kirkland, WA 98083-0579

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Washington

Browse all Washington schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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