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Northwestern College

Orange City, IA·Private nonprofit·1,125 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.

87%
Accept
1,125
Students
$23,519
Net Price
64%
Grad Rate
$40,200
Earnings
10 yr
$16,791
Debt

About This School

Northwestern College is a private nonprofit institution located in Orange City, Iowa with approximately 1,125 undergraduate students enrolled. Northwestern College has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 87%. The average net price after financial aid is $23,519 per year. The graduation rate is 64%, and the typical graduate earns $40,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Northwestern College can refer to:Northwestern College (Illinois) in Bridgeview, Illinois Northwestern College (Iowa) in Orange City, Iowa The former Northwestern College (Minnesota) in Roseville, Minnesota, now known as University of Northwestern – St. Paul The former Northwestern College (Wisconsin) in Watertown, Wisconsin, which was incorporated into Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota, in 1995 The former Northwestern College, which closed in 1932. Northwest Louisiana Technical College, Minden, Louisiana Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse City, Michigan

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the 64% graduation rate means more than 1 in 3 students don't finish, which is worth taking seriously before committing. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a reasonable $16,791, and the small campus (1,125 students) suits those who want a tight-knit, faith-based community in a rural Iowa setting. That said, median earnings of $40,200 a decade out are modest, so students should think carefully about their intended career path and whether the return on investment aligns with their goals.

Founded
1902
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing26%
Education14%
Health Professions8%
Visual & Performing Arts7%
Biological Sciences6%
Communications4%
Psychology3%
Social Sciences2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite24

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$35,300
Out-of-State Tuition
$35,300
Avg Net Price
$23,519
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants23%
Median debt at graduation$16,791

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
64%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
80%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$16,791
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$16,791
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$36,100
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.4x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

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

Student Body

White78%
Black2%
Hispanic/Latino6%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,125 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Northwestern College

101 Seventh St SW

Orange City, IA 51041

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Iowa

Browse all Iowa 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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