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Private nonprofit, 4-year

University of Northwestern-St Paul

Saint Paul, Minnesota · www.unwsp.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

93.5%

2025

Peer median 77.9%

Tuition per year

$37,920

$49,454 with room and board

Peer median $34,392

Undergraduates

3,163

Student-faculty ratio 16:1

Peer median 13 : 1

Graduation rate

61.9%

4-year; 6-year rate 69.5%

Peer median 44.6%

“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

The University of Northwestern-St. Paul is a distinguished private Christian university located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Known for its commitment to integrating faith and learning, the university's mission emphasizes the development of students' intellectual, spiritual, and social capacities. With a strong emphasis on a Christ-centered education, the University of Northwestern encourages students to engage in meaningful discussions that reflect Christian values and principles. Its campus offers a vibrant cultural atmosphere, enriched by a variety of events and activities that promote community building and personal growth.

In terms of academic offerings, the university provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, education, music, and the arts. The faculty at the University of Northwestern-St. Paul is highly qualified and dedicated, often involving students in research projects and mentorship opportunities. The university also boasts modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, a well-equipped library, and dedicated spaces for arts and athletics. The campus life is dynamic, with numerous student organizations, clubs, and athletic teams that foster a strong sense of community and school spirit. With a focus on holistic development, the University of Northwestern-St. Paul prepares its graduates to excel not only in their careers but also as compassionate leaders in society.

Analysis of Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention

The tuition fees at the University of Northwestern-St Paul have shown a consistent upward trend from 2014 to 2024, with in-state undergraduate tuition rising from $28,020 in 2014 to a projected $36,830 in 2024. This represents a significant increase of approximately 31% over the ten-year period. Such rising costs may pose challenges for prospective students, especially in light of increasing student debt levels across the nation. The average tuition hike can also affect the university's competitiveness in attracting students, particularly when compared to other institutions that may offer more affordable options.

In terms of graduation rates, there has been a notable fluctuation in the percentage of undergraduate students graduating on time within 100% of the program length. The rates ranged from a low of 47.4% in 2017 to a high of 57.4% in 2023. This inconsistency may reflect varying factors, including changes in academic support services, student engagement strategies, and external challenges faced by the student body. Continuous efforts to improve these graduation rates will be essential for the university to enhance its reputation and ensure student success.

Retention rates have remained relatively stable, hovering around 80% in recent years. The slight increase from 79% in 2014 to approximately 81% in 2023 indicates that students are finding value in their education and are more likely to continue their studies at this institution. This retention is crucial for sustaining enrollment numbers and fostering a sense of community among students.

Finally, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained constant at around 15 to 18 students per faculty member. This ratio is vital for maintaining quality education and personalized attention, which can directly influence both retention and graduation rates. As competition among higher education institutions intensifies, focusing on these key metrics will be essential for the University of Northwestern-St Paul to strengthen its position and appeal to future students.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
Minneapolis, about 7 mi
Nearest international airport
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), about 10 mi
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Also known as
University of Northwestern (MN), Northwestern
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Other Protestant
President
Corbin M. Hoornbeek (President)
Phone
6516315100
City
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Address
3003 Snelling Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55113-1598

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
91.8%
Women
95.2%

In 2020: men 91.3%, women 92.1%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at University of Northwestern-St Paul

The admission data for the University of Northwestern-St Paul reveals significant trends over the years, illustrating fluctuations in acceptance rates, enrollment figures, and the number of applicants denied or deferred. For instance, the male acceptance rate began high in 2009 at approximately 93.7% but showed a notable decline by 2013, dropping to around 56.3%. This decline continued to fluctuate, showcasing a challenging admissions landscape in subsequent years.
Conversely, the female acceptance rate remained consistently higher than that of males, peaking at about 95.2% in 2009 and gradually decreasing over the years. The disparity in acceptance rates between genders highlights the evolving dynamics of college admissions, reflecting broader societal trends and possibly the changing demographics of applicants.
Enrollment numbers also fluctuate significantly, with a peak of 490 students in 2011, followed by a decline leading to a low of 369 in 2021. The substantial increase in the number of denied applicants in 2013, reaching 965, suggests a particularly competitive year, likely influenced by external factors such as economic conditions and the overall applicant pool.
The trends in deferrals are also noteworthy, with a steady increase in deferred admissions over the years, indicating a growing number of students opting to delay their entry into higher education, potentially due to various personal or financial reasons.
Overall, the data reflects an increasingly competitive admissions environment at the University of Northwestern-St Paul, mirroring national trends in higher education where institutions are receiving more applications while striving to maintain selectivity.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition

Nursing School#336▲4

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 4% submitted SAT, 35% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted

SAT total868–1271Peer median 1158
ACT composite20–28
SAT Reading
430–608
600700800
SAT Math
438–663
600700800
ACT composite
20–28
253036

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Test Scores at University of Northwestern-St Paul

The admission data from the University of Northwestern-St Paul reveals intriguing trends in standardized test scores over the years, particularly for SAT and ACT assessments. The percentage of students submitting SAT scores has consistently been low, fluctuating between 5% to 9% across the years, which raises questions about the reliance on standardized testing in the admissions process.

The SAT reading and math scores show a slight decline in the 25th and 75th percentile scores, with the lower end dropping from 530 in 2007 to 480 in 2017. However, the higher end has shown some resilience, with scores reaching 675 in 2009 and maintaining a range around 640-663 in subsequent years. This variability indicates potential shifts in applicant profiles or changes in educational methodologies.

Moreover, the ACT scores reflect a similar narrative. The composite scores have generally remained stable, yet the number of submissions has decreased, suggesting that fewer students are relying on these tests during their college applications. This trend aligns with a broader national conversation about the effectiveness and fairness of standardized testing, especially in light of many institutions moving towards test-optional policies.

Overall, while the University of Northwestern-St Paul showcases a diverse range of applicant scores, the declining participation rates in standardized testing could signify a pivotal shift in the college admissions landscape. As institutions continue to assess their evaluation criteria, the focus may increasingly shift towards holistic review processes that prioritize overall student potential beyond numerical scores.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 9 in 10

1,301 applicants in 2025, 93.5% admitted

1,216 admitted 85 not admitted Yield 30.9%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate600 international (0.0%)
Bachelor's3946 international (1.5%)
Master's320 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
43
Business Administration and Management, General
37
Exercise Science and Kinesiology
29
Psychology, General
27
Accounting
17
Marketing/Marketing Management, General
16
Engineering, General
14
Radio and Television
12
Pre-Nursing Studies
12
Computer Science
11

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's11 (0% international)
  • Lay Ministry · Master's9 (0% international)
  • Organizational Leadership · Master's6 (0% international)
  • Theology/Theological Studies · Master's3 (0% international)
  • Divinity/Ministry · Master's3 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from University of Northwestern-St Paul

The graduation data from the University of Northwestern-St Paul in 2023 reveals significant insights into the distribution of degrees across various disciplines. Registered Nursing stands out with the highest number of bachelor's degrees awarded, totaling 54 graduates. This aligns with the growing demand for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, in the post-pandemic landscape, where healthcare systems worldwide are under pressure to meet increasing patient needs.

In the field of psychology, 19 bachelor's degrees were conferred. The increasing interest in mental health has led to a surge in psychology programs, reflecting societal shifts towards prioritizing mental well-being. However, it is noteworthy that there were no master's or doctoral graduates in this discipline, which may suggest a gap in opportunities for advanced study or a focus on undergraduate training at this institution.

Computer Science and Biology both reported modest figures with 16 and 16 bachelor's degrees respectively, indicating a stable interest in these critical STEM fields. The presence of one international student graduating in Computer Science highlights the institution's engagement with global talent, a crucial factor in fostering innovation and diversity within technical disciplines.

Interestingly, the liberal arts and sciences showed a unique case where 33 associate degrees were awarded, suggesting a strong foundational education focus. This may cater to students looking for versatile skills applicable across various sectors, reinforcing the value of a liberal arts education in today's job market.

Overall, this data reflects the institution's strengths in healthcare and liberal arts, while also pointing towards potential areas for growth in advanced degrees in fields like psychology and computer science.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Businesshas 99 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Business Administration and Management, General.$55,958-$76,240
Organizational Leadership.$55,958-$76,240
Accounting.$63,049
Finance, General.-
International Business/Trade/Commerce.-
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.$46,576
Liberal arts has 56 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.-
Health professionshas 55 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Pre-Nursing Studies.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$78,372
Parks, recreation, leisure has 40 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.$40,666
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.$40,666
Theology has 39 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Bible/Biblical Studies.$47,114
Missions/Missionary Studies.-
Theology/Theological Studies.-
Divinity/Ministry.-
Pre-Theology/Pre-Ministerial Studies.-
Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other.-
Youth Ministry.-
Lay Ministry.-
Psychology has 34 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Psychology, General.$40,659
Health/Medical Psychology.-
Educationhas 32 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Elementary Education and Teaching.$42,676
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.$42,676
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Other.$42,676
Art Teacher Education.$44,792
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.$44,792
Health Teacher Education.$44,792
Music Teacher Education.$44,792
Social Studies Teacher Education.$44,792
Spanish Language Teacher Education.$44,792
Communication has 22 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.-
Radio and Television.$46,261
Public Relations/Image Management.-
Visual and Performing artshas 21 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Graphic Design.-
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.-
Fine/Studio Arts, General.-
Music, General.-
Music Performance, General.-
Music Theory and Composition.-
Computer and information sciencehas 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician.-
Information Science/Studies.-
Computer Science.-
Biologyhas 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$37,374
Biochemistry.-
Engineeringhas 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Engineering, General.$69,327
Homeland security has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.-
Social sciencehas 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Political Economy.-
Communications technologies has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects.-
English has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
English Language and Literature, General.-
History has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
History, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Applied Mathematics, General.-
Foreign languages has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Spanish Language and Literature.-
Philosophy has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Philosophy.-

Students

3,234 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 41:59 · Freshman retention 82.9%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (3,163)

White
2,561 · 81.0%
Hispanic
150 · 4.7%
Two or more races
142 · 4.5%
Black
124 · 3.9%
Asian
94 · 3.0%
Unknown
73 · 2.3%
International
18 · 0.6%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
49.1%
18–19
25.0%
20–21
17.3%
22–24
5.2%
25 and over
3.5%

Graduate students

Under 22
8.5%
22–24
22.5%
25–29
11.3%
30–34
9.9%
35 and over
47.9%

Data insights

Student Demographics at University of Northwestern-St Paul in 2023

The demographic data for the University of Northwestern-St Paul in 2023 reveals a diverse student body with notable gender distributions across various categories. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 398 students, with a balanced gender ratio of approximately 46.5% male and 53.5% female. This trend continues among undergraduate juniors, where 1011 students are enrolled, showing a higher percentage of females at 59.2%, compared to 40.8% males.

Furthermore, undergraduate transfer students comprise 103 individuals, with a female majority of 61.2%. In contrast, the graduate student population is relatively smaller, consisting of 92 students but shows a reversal in gender ratio, with males representing 55.4%.

The overall student body, including non-degree seeking individuals, sums up to 1649, with a significant gender disparity as 34.7% are male and 65.3% are female. This pattern indicates a growing trend of female enrollment, which aligns with national statistics showing an increase in female participation in higher education.

Ethnic diversity is also reflected in the enrollment figures, particularly among white students, who constitute the largest subgroup across all categories. However, the data lacks detailed breakdowns for other ethnic groups, which are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the university's demographic landscape.

Overall, the data highlights important trends in gender representation and the need for continued efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the student body.

Demographic Analysis of Student Age Distribution at University of Northwestern-St Paul

The age distribution data from the University of Northwestern-St Paul reveals significant insights into the demographics of its student body. Notably, a considerable majority of students fall under the age of 24, with the largest cohort being those under 18 years, comprising approximately 33% of the total enrollment. This suggests that the university attracts a substantial number of traditional-age students who typically enter college directly after high school.

As we analyze the age groups, it is evident that enrollment decreases as age increases. For instance, students aged 25-29 make up only about 8% of the total student population, while those aged 30 and above contribute a mere 5%. This trend is consistent with national data indicating that younger students often dominate college campuses.

Interestingly, while the number of male students tends to decline in the older age categories, the presence of female students remains relatively stable across various age groups. In fact, women outnumber men significantly in the under-18 and 18-19 age brackets, which could reflect broader societal trends towards increasing female enrollment in higher education.

Moreover, the data highlights a stark contrast between undergraduate and graduate students, with a notable decrease in the number of graduate male students aged 25 and older. This could indicate potential barriers or varying priorities for older students pursuing advanced degrees.

Overall, the age composition at the University of Northwestern-St Paul mirrors national trends in higher education, emphasizing the predominance of younger, traditional students while also showcasing the evolving landscape of gender representation in academia.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.6%

18 in 2025 · 0.6% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.6%2017: 0.6%2018: 0.6%2019: 0.6%2020: 0.9%2021: 0.8%2022: 1.1%2023: 1.1%2024: 0.6%2025: 0.6%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025
Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2025 · 1.4% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.4%2017: 1.5%2018: 1.0%2019: 2.2%2020: 4.7%2021: 5.6%2022: 4.6%2023: 3.3%2024: 5.6%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 2.2%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at University of Northwestern-St Paul

The data on international student enrollment at the University of Northwestern-St Paul reveals intriguing trends over nearly two decades. Notably, the percentage of undergraduate international students has shown an upward trajectory, increasing from a mere 0.39% in 2004 to 1.08% in 2023. This growth suggests that the university has been progressively attracting a more diverse student body, which is vital for enhancing the educational experience and fostering a global perspective among all students.

The numbers for graduate international students, although less consistent, also highlight a gradual increase in their representation. In 2004, the graduate international student percentage stood at 0%, but it rose to 5.59% by 2021. This change indicates that the university may be successfully enhancing its appeal to graduate students from various countries, possibly due to the growing recognition of the institution's programs and the supportive environment for international scholars.

However, some fluctuations in the data, particularly in the graduate segment, could be attributed to external factors such as visa regulations, economic conditions, and global events. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted international student mobility, which is reflected in the numbers from 2020 onward.

Overall, the increasing presence of international students at the University of Northwestern-St Paul is promising, as it not only enriches the campus culture but also prepares all students for a more interconnected world. As universities continue to adapt to changing global dynamics, fostering an inclusive and diverse academic environment will be crucial for their long-term success.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$49,454

Undergraduate tuition
$37,920
Room and board
$11,534
Graduate tuition
$10,260
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 32% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 29%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$100M

Tuition and fees
$37.9M37.8%
Gifts and private grants
$37.8M37.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$11.1M11.1%
Investment return
$4.1M4.1%
Other
$9.4M9.4%

Expenses$94.7M

Instruction
$20.3M21.4%
Auxiliary enterprises
$14.3M15.1%
Institutional support
$14.2M15.0%
Student services
$12.5M13.2%
Academic support
$3.5M3.7%
Other
$29.9M31.6%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$59,346peers $68,006
Professor
$66,000peers $78,041
Associate professor
$60,863peers $70,202
Assistant professor
$57,922peers $63,827
Instructor
$43,497peers $55,171
Lecturer
$30,600peers $59,832

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · NCCAA · Upper Midwest Athletic Conference

Upper Midwest Athletic Conference: football, basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division III with footballMENWOMEN
Soccer5028
Football77-
Baseball42-
Basketball2016
Track and Field (Outdoor)1518
Track and Field (Indoor)1317
Softball-28
Golf126
Tennis99
Volleyball-17
Cross Country79
2024
NCAA Division III with footballMENWOMEN
Football84-
Soccer4321
Baseball41-
Lacrosse2119
Basketball2016
Softball-26
Track and Field (Indoor)1015
Track and Field (Outdoor)914
Cross Country1110
Golf810
Volleyball-18
Tennis88
2023
NCAA Division III with footballMENWOMEN
Football84-
Soccer3727
Lacrosse2420
Baseball43-
Basketball2115
Softball-21
Volleyball-21
Tennis109
Golf87
Track and Field (Outdoor)76
Cross Country65
Track and Field (Indoor)55

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities around the University of Northwestern-St Paul:

  1. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Ranked 53 in the US News 2024 rankings, this university is a major public research institution known for its diverse academic programs and vibrant campus life.

  2. Macalester College - A highly regarded liberal arts college, Macalester ranks 27th. It offers a strong emphasis on internationalism and social justice, fostering a dynamic learning environment.

  3. Carleton College - Ranked 11th among liberal arts colleges, Carleton is known for its rigorous academics and strong sense of community, making it a top choice for students seeking a comprehensive liberal arts education.

  4. University of Wisconsin-Madison - With a rank of 35, this university is noted for its research programs and extensive resources, providing a wide range of academic opportunities for students.

These institutions each offer unique strengths and opportunities for students in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
32
Drug referrals
26
Stalking
7
Fondling
6
Motor vehicle theft
3
Aggravated assault
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at University of Northwestern-St Paul

The reported crime data from the University of Northwestern-St Paul reveals significant fluctuations in the average crime rates per 1000 students over the years. The data shows a peak in 2016 with a rate of 5.15, which is notably higher than surrounding years. This spike could be attributed to various factors, including increased awareness and reporting of incidents or a rise in specific types of crime such as drug-related arrests and assaults on campus.

In recent years, particularly from 2019 to 2021, the average crime rate showed a downward trend, reaching a low of 1.49 in 2019. This is a positive indication of the university's efforts to maintain safety and reduce crime. However, the figures from 2022 and 2023 suggest a resurgence in crime rates, with the latest data showing an increase to 5.47. This resurgence warrants attention and could be indicative of changing dynamics within campus security or external factors affecting student behavior.

The distribution of specific offenses, such as drug arrests and alcohol-related incidents, seems to impact overall crime rates significantly. It is crucial for the university administration to analyze these patterns and implement targeted interventions to address the root causes of these issues. Continuous monitoring and proactive measures will be essential in ensuring a safe environment for students.

As crime rates in university settings are often reflective of broader societal issues, the university should consider collaboration with local law enforcement and community organizations to enhance safety protocols and educational programs on campus. For further information on how crime rates are calculated, please visit: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of University of Northwestern-St Paul include Sherman Augustus (Actor, martial artist and former NFL player), Dallas Jenkins (Creator and director of The Chosen) and Benjamin Fernandes (Tanzanian entrepreneur and television presenter).

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.