Northwestern Health Sciences University
Tuition per year
$12,015
$26,977 with room and board
Peer median $18,677
Undergraduates
439
Student-faculty ratio 6:1
Peer median 11 : 1
“Peers” are all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) is a distinguished institution located in Bloomington, Minnesota, that specializes in health sciences education. Established in 1941, the university has a rich history of promoting holistic health education and research. One of the university's key characteristics is its commitment to integrative health care, blending traditional and complementary health practices. This is reflected in its diverse range of programs, including chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, and health sciences, making it a unique hub for students interested in various aspects of health and wellness.
The campus environment at NWHSU fosters a supportive and collaborative community. With state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, and clinical spaces, students have access to the resources they need to succeed. The university also emphasizes experiential learning, providing students with hands-on opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Additionally, NWHSU promotes a culture of wellness and active living, encouraging students to engage in sports and recreational activities. The university's dedication to student success is evident in its robust career services, which help graduates transition smoothly into their professional lives, often leading to high employment rates in the health care sector.
Trends in Tuition, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates at Northwestern Health Sciences University
Northwestern Health Sciences University has exhibited notable trends in tuition and enrollment over the years. The tuition for in-state undergraduate students saw a significant decrease from $11,727 in 2014 to $10,007 in 2023, reflecting a commitment to affordability amidst rising educational costs nationwide. This trend is particularly relevant as student debt continues to be a pressing issue in higher education, making lower tuition rates an attractive feature for prospective students.
Enrollment numbers have also fluctuated, with undergraduate students increasing from 113 in 2013 to a peak of 387 in 2022, before declining to 341 in 2023. This peak may indicate a growing interest in the programs offered, potentially driven by changes in the job market and healthcare needs. However, the decline in recent years could raise concerns about retention and the overall student experience, especially when coupled with varying retention rates over the years.
Moreover, graduation rates provide critical insight into student success at the university. While the 100% on-time graduation rate was recorded at 0% in 2017, it rebounded to 50% by 2022, suggesting improvements in academic support and student engagement. The 150% graduation rate also reflects a similar pattern, emphasizing the need for institutions to enhance their efforts in ensuring students complete their programs successfully.
The student-to-faculty ratio has remained relatively stable, ranging from 4 to 20. A lower ratio, such as 4 in 2022 and 2023, can indicate more personalized attention for students, which is crucial for academic success. Overall, the data highlights important dynamics within Northwestern Health Sciences University that warrant further exploration, especially as they relate to student outcomes, institutional strategies, and the evolving landscape of higher education.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Small city
- Nearest major city
- Minneapolis, about 8 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), about 5 mi
- Academic calendar
- Trimester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Deborah Bushway (President and CEO)
- Phone
- 9528884777
- City
- Bloomington, Minnesota
- Address
- 2501 W 84th St, Bloomington, MN 55431
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Chiropractic · Doctoral149 (13% international)
- Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine · Master's24 (0% international)
- Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist · Master's18 (0% international)
- Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine · Doctoral5 (0% international)
- Holistic/Integrative Health · Master's1 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Northwestern Health Sciences University
The graduation data from Northwestern Health Sciences University for 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the distribution of degrees among various health-related fields. Notably, the doctorates in Chiropractic and Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine stand out, with 140 and 13 graduates respectively. This suggests a strong emphasis on advanced studies in these disciplines, possibly reflecting growing interest and demand in holistic health practices. The absence of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in these programs indicates that students may directly enroll in doctoral programs, showcasing a streamlined educational pathway.
Moreover, the data highlights a significant number of graduates in Medical Assisting and Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician, albeit limited to associate degrees. This trend points towards the increasing need for skilled technicians in the healthcare sector, likely driven by the ongoing evolution of medical technology and patient care requirements. The 2023 graduation rates illustrate a burgeoning workforce ready to meet the demands of the healthcare industry.
Interestingly, there are no international students graduating from the bachelor’s or master’s programs in any of the listed fields, which could indicate a need for Northwestern Health Sciences University to expand its outreach or support for international applicants. With the current global emphasis on diversity in education, increasing the number of international students could enhance the learning environment and foster cross-cultural exchange.
Overall, the data encapsulates the university's role in preparing professionals in the health sciences, while also underscoring areas for potential growth and development. The rising interest in specialized fields such as Chiropractic and Acupuncture may reflect broader societal trends towards alternative medicine and holistic health solutions.
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
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiropractic. | $54,863 | ||||
| Medical/Clinical Assistant. | - | ||||
| Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist. | $67,369 | ||||
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | $67,369 | ||||
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician. | - | ||||
| Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist. | - | ||||
| Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. | $21,218 | ||||
| Holistic/Integrative Health. | $21,218 | ||||
| Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage. | $36,374 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Biology. | - |
Students
1,101 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 25:75
- Continuing undergraduates 228
- First-year undergraduates 3
- Graduate students 662
- Transfers and others 208
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (439)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Demographics Analysis of Northwestern Health Sciences University Students in 2023
In 2023, Northwestern Health Sciences University showcased a diverse student body across different classifications. The data indicates a total of 690 graduate students, the largest segment, with a notable gender distribution of 42.9% male and 57.1% female. This suggests a growing trend in higher education where female enrollment continues to surpass male enrollment, particularly in health sciences fields.
Undergraduate students, comprising freshmen, continuing students, and transfer students, totaled 227. Freshmen had a balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, indicating an equal interest among genders. However, as students progressed into their upper years, the gender ratio shifted dramatically, with continuing students showing only 27.6% male and 72.4% female, while transfer students had 23.9% male and 76.1% female. This trend may reflect broader societal changes in educational pursuits and career interests, particularly in health-related disciplines.
Furthermore, ethnic diversity is an essential aspect of the university's demographic landscape. While detailed breakdowns of each ethnic group are not fully available, the significant presence of white and other racial groups suggests a push towards inclusivity.
Overall, the data paints a picture of a university striving for gender balance in its freshman class but seeing a shift towards a predominantly female population in upper classes. This trend aligns with national statistics that show increasing female participation in higher education, especially in health sciences, reflecting ongoing societal changes.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Northwestern Health Sciences University
The age distribution of students at Northwestern Health Sciences University reveals significant insights into the demographic makeup of its student body. The most populous age group is between 22 to 24 years, comprising a substantial 25% of total male students and 36% of total female students. This peak reflects the trend of students pursuing higher education immediately following their undergraduate studies, which is common in fields like health sciences.
Interestingly, the data shows that the number of male graduate students aged 25-29 is notably high at 135, which may indicate a strong trend of individuals returning to academia after gaining some work experience. This aligns with broader educational trends where professionals seek advanced degrees to enhance their qualifications and career prospects in competitive fields.
Conversely, the younger age brackets (18-19 and 20-21) account for a smaller fraction of the student population. This could suggest that many students are opting for gap years or entering the workforce before committing to further education, reflecting a shift in educational pathways influenced by economic conditions and personal choices.
Furthermore, the presence of older students (30 and above) is minimal but noteworthy, indicating that while the majority of the student population is relatively young, there remains a niche group of mature learners who bring diverse experiences and perspectives to the academic environment.
In summary, the age composition at Northwestern Health Sciences University showcases a predominantly young student body with a notable representation of graduate students, reflecting both traditional pathways to education and the evolving landscape of lifelong learning in health-related fields.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
11 in 2025 · 0.6% in 2016
78 in 2025 · 2.3% in 2016
Data insights
International Student Trends at Northwestern Health Sciences University
The data from Northwestern Health Sciences University showcases an interesting trajectory of international student enrollment over the years. For undergraduate students, the numbers reveal a fluctuating pattern, with the highest total of 387 students recorded in 2022, yet the proportion of international students remained relatively low, peaking at just 1.76% in the same year. This hints at a potential challenge for the university in attracting more international undergraduates, especially when compared to the graduate segment.
On the graduate level, the university has seen a significant rise in international student enrollment, particularly evident in the 2021-2023 data where the proportion of international students soared to over 10%. This increase could be attributed to various factors, including targeted recruitment efforts, enhanced academic offerings, or favorable international education policies during that period. The contrast between the two levels of study may suggest that the university has found success in appealing to international graduate students, perhaps due to specialized programs that resonate more globally.
Moreover, the overall trend reflects a broader narrative in higher education, wherein many institutions are increasingly relying on international students to diversify their campuses and enhance global perspectives within their academic communities. As the world adjusts post-pandemic, it will be critical for Northwestern Health Sciences University to continue strategizing on how to further engage and recruit international students across all academic levels to maintain a vibrant and inclusive educational environment.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$26,977
- Undergraduate tuition
- $12,015
- Room and board
- $14,962
- Graduate tuition
- $10,875
Peer median tuition + room and board $30,010 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
Tuition rose 3% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 76%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$28.3M
Expenses$29.3M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of St Thomas (MN)Saint Paul · 8.8 mi
U.S. News #156
-
University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis · 9.2 mi
U.S. News #59
-
Macalester CollegeSaint Paul · 9.3 mi
Liberal Arts #28
-
Bethel UniversitySaint Paul · 16.0 mi
U.S. News #236
-
St. Olaf CollegeNorthfield · 27.6 mi
Liberal Arts #49
-
Carleton CollegeNorthfield · 27.9 mi
Liberal Arts #16
-
Gustavus Adolphus CollegeSaint Peter · 48.8 mi
Liberal Arts #62
-
College of St. BenedictSaint Joseph · 69.4 mi
Liberal Arts #68
-
St. John's University (MN)Collegeville · 72.9 mi
Liberal Arts #74
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Northwestern Health Sciences University:
-
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Ranked 53rd in the 2024 US News, this comprehensive university is known for its research programs and diverse academic offerings.
-
Macalester College - A top liberal arts college ranked 27th, Macalester is celebrated for its strong emphasis on internationalism and social justice.
-
Carleton College - With a prestigious ranking of 9th, Carleton is known for its rigorous academic curriculum and vibrant campus life.
-
St. Olaf College - Ranked 51st, St. Olaf offers a unique blend of liberal arts education and a strong musical tradition.
-
Grinnell College - This liberal arts college is ranked 11th, recognized for its commitment to social justice and student-centered learning.
These institutions not only provide excellent educational opportunities but also contribute to the vibrant academic community surrounding Northwestern Health Sciences University.
Peer median 0.0 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Northwestern Health Sciences University
The crime data for Northwestern Health Sciences University reveals a concerning trend in campus safety. Over the years from 2013 to 2023, the university reported minimal criminal activity, with the most significant incident occurring in 2022, resulting in a crime rate of 0.89 per 1,000 students. This translates to approximately 0.09% of the student population being involved in a recorded offense during that year.
The singular offense reported in 2022 highlights the importance of continual vigilance and proactive measures to ensure student safety. While a low crime rate is commendable, it should not foster complacency within the campus community. The lack of incidents in other years could suggest effective safety measures or an underreporting issue that might require further investigation.
In wider contexts, universities across the nation have been grappling with various crime types, including substance abuse and violence. As seen from national trends, crimes like drug arrests and alcohol-related offenses often present challenges on campuses. Therefore, Northwestern Health Sciences University should remain proactive, enhancing its safety protocols and fostering an environment where students feel secure.
The data also reflects the necessity of ongoing education and awareness programs on issues like domestic violence and assault, which can sometimes remain underreported. Overall, while the university's crime data appears favorable, it is crucial to maintain focus on prevention and support systems to sustain this positive environment. For more information on calculating crime rates, please refer to this link: crime rate calculation method.
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.