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Northwestern College has not appeared in the U.S. Department of Education IPEDS directory since 2025, which usually means it has closed or merged with another school. The data on this page is historical and kept for reference.

Private for-profit, 4-year

Northwestern College

Oak Lawn, Illinois

Acceptance rate

80.6%

2021

Peer median 83.3%

Tuition per year

$18,475

$26,575 with room and board

Peer median $18,677

“Peers” are all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Northwestern College is a private Christian liberal arts college located in Orange City, Iowa. Established in 1882, the college has a rich history and is known for its commitment to providing a well-rounded education that emphasizes both academic excellence and spiritual growth. The college’s mission statement reflects its dedication to encouraging students to grow in their faith while also preparing them for successful careers in a variety of fields. The campus is characterized by a strong sense of community and a vibrant student life, where students engage in numerous extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, and service projects, fostering a holistic educational experience.

The college offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with a strong emphasis on liberal arts education. Northwestern College is particularly known for its robust programs in business, education, and the sciences, which are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for their future careers. The faculty at Northwestern College are highly qualified and dedicated to student success, often serving as mentors and providing personalized attention to help students thrive academically. Moreover, the college’s commitment to integrating faith and learning creates a unique environment where students can explore their beliefs while pursuing their academic goals. With state-of-the-art facilities and a picturesque campus, Northwestern College provides an inspiring setting for learning and personal growth, making it an excellent choice for students seeking a well-rounded, faith-based education.

Trends in Tuition, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates

The data from Northwestern College reveals several significant trends that warrant attention. First, the tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has consistently increased from $16,290 in 2014 to $18,475 in 2023, indicating a steady rise of approximately 13.45%. This escalation in tuition fees could impact students' affordability and accessibility to higher education, particularly in a time when student debt levels are a growing concern across the nation.

Simultaneously, enrollment figures show a decline in undergraduate student numbers, dropping from 804 in 2013 to only 514 by 2023. This reduction of over 36% suggests that the rising costs of tuition, coupled with potential shifts in student preferences or demographics, may be influencing decisions to pursue higher education at this institution. Such a trend raises alarms regarding the sustainability of Northwestern College's student population and could prompt strategic reevaluations of recruitment and retention strategies.

Moreover, the graduation rates exhibit a notable fluctuation. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates peaked at approximately 67% in 2015 but fell to around 29% by 2018. This drop could reflect various factors, including the academic preparedness of incoming students, changes in curriculum rigor, or external economic pressures that affect students' ability to complete their degrees in a timely manner.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has seen some variation, with numbers ranging from 10 to 17 students per faculty member over the years. A higher ratio could suggest larger class sizes and potentially less individual attention for students, which may further influence retention and graduation outcomes.

Overall, these data points highlight critical areas for Northwestern College to address, including tuition affordability, student recruitment, and academic support systems, all of which play a vital role in shaping the institution's future.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
Chicago, about 9 mi
Nearest international airport
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), about 4 mi
Oak Lawn, Illinois
City
Oak Lawn, Illinois
Address
9400 S Cicero Ave., Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 83.3% · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2021

Men
80.0%
Women
80.7%

In 2020: men 100.0%, women 100.0%.

Data insights

Trends in Admissions at Northwestern College

The admissions data for Northwestern College reveals notable trends over the years, reflecting shifts in applicant demographics and institutional policies. The male admission rate peaked at approximately 100% in 2020, indicating a significant easing in admission criteria for that year. This could be attributed to various factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which compelled many institutions to adapt their admission processes.
In contrast, the admission rates for males and females exhibited considerable fluctuations from 2009 to 2021, with male admission rates declining sharply to around 58% in 2016 before rebounding. Female admission rates generally remained higher, peaking around 97% in 2010 and 96% in 2011 and 2018. This consistent higher rate for female applicants suggests a growing trend towards gender inclusivity in the admissions process, possibly reflecting broader societal changes in education and employment opportunities for women.
The total number of students enrolled also fluctuated, with the highest enrollment of 365 in 2010. However, the data shows an overall decrease in enrollment over the years, particularly after 2016, which may indicate increasing selectivity or a smaller applicant pool.
The number of students denied admission has varied, with peaks in 2016 and 2017, coinciding with lower admission rates. This could mirror a tightening of admissions criteria during these years, aligning with a national trend where many colleges and universities are becoming increasingly competitive.
Overall, the data from Northwestern College highlights the dynamic nature of college admissions, influenced by external factors and internal policies, reflecting broader trends in higher education across the United States.

Cost

2024 cost per year

$26,575

Undergraduate tuition
$18,475
Room and board
$8,100
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $30,010 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Tuition rose 5% from 2016 to 2024; room and board rose 0%.

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

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Northwestern College:

  1. University of Chicago - Ranked 12th in the 2024 US News rankings, the University of Chicago is a prestigious institution known for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty. It offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

  2. Illinois Institute of Technology - With a ranking of 98, the Illinois Institute of Technology focuses on technology and engineering education. It prepares students for careers in various fields, including science, technology, and business.

  3. University of Illinois Chicago - Ranked 82nd, the University of Illinois Chicago is a major urban public research university that offers diverse programs and a vibrant campus life.

  4. DePaul University - Ranked 151st, DePaul University is known for its strong liberal arts programs and commitment to community service and social justice.

  5. Loyola University Chicago - With a rank of 142, Loyola University Chicago is a Jesuit institution that emphasizes academic excellence, social justice, and community service.

  6. University of Notre Dame - Ranked 20th, the University of Notre Dame is renowned for its outstanding academic programs and strong commitment to faith and service.

These institutions provide a rich educational environment and numerous opportunities for collaboration and community engagement.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Northwestern College

The crime data from Northwestern College reveals a notably low rate of criminal incidents over the years. From 2013 to 2022, the campus recorded either zero or very few incidents, highlighting a relatively safe environment for students. In 2015 and 2017, there were instances of arrests for carrying firearms, with the rates being 1.35 and 1.46 per 1,000 students respectively. However, these incidents remained isolated and were not indicative of a broader trend.

A significant increase in crime was observed in 2023, where the rate escalated to 7.78 per 1,000 students, driven mainly by four reported incidents. This spike raises concerns and calls for further investigation into the nature of these crimes, particularly examining whether they are linked to specific events or changes in campus dynamics.

The types of crimes reported, including arrests for carrying firearms, suggest that while the number is small, they can have a profound impact on campus safety perceptions. In contrast, the absence of other serious crimes such as robbery or assault over the years can be seen as a positive indicator of the overall campus safety measures in place.

As we reflect on this data, it is essential for the college administration to remain vigilant, especially with the recent uptick in crime, and to reinforce support systems for students to foster a safe educational environment. The proactive measures taken in response to these incidents will be crucial in maintaining the college's reputation as a safe place for learning. For more information on calculating crime rates, please refer to this link.

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.