Northwest Nazarene University Admission
Northwest Nazarene University Undergraduate Program
Northwest Nazarene University Application

The Facts

Northwest Nazarene University is a small, private liberal arts college located in the town of Nampa, Idaho, and is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. The university is home to over 1,163 undergraduate students who are able to take courses in the academic divisions of the fine arts, language and literature, math and natural science, philosophy and religion, professional studies, and the social sciences. These academic divisions offer broad majors in the areas of biological science, business (which includes an interesting program in leisure services), communications and the arts, computer and physical science, education, engineering and environmental design (which includes a unique program in engineering physics), health professions, and social sciences. Some of the most popular majors include biology, education, and business.

Admission to Northwest Nazarene University is pretty competitive among the relatively small number of students who apply, as they have usually been very academically successful in the past. Last year, over 1,100 students applied for admission to the school, and approximately 575 of those students were accepted; of those, about 260 matriculated. The admitted students had an average combined SAT score ranging from 1070 to 1130, and an average comprehensive ACT score ranging from 23 to 32. Additionally, more than 75% of the admitted students were ranked in the top 25% of their high school graduating class with an average high school GPA of about a 3.82.

Northwest Nazarene University has a good student to faculty ratio of 13:1, and there are very rarely any classes held in lecture form. The overwhelming majority of classes have fewer than 18 students, and are discussion based. Students are encouraged to interact with each other and bounce theories and ideas around. Students agree that their professors are remarkably accessible and willing to help students out whenever they may need it. There are also a large number of research and internship opportunities available to students as early as their freshman year.

The Social Scene

The town of Nampa is quite small, and doesn’t really offer students much in the way of entertainment besides a movie theater and a couple of cafes. However, the city of Boise is only about 20 miles away, and most students own cars, making access to the more urban areas very easy. The school has no fraternities or sororities, although there are over 40 student groups and organizations focused primarily on community service. The religious element of the school is prominent, and the administration has very strict policies when it comes to drinking and partying in general.

The dating scene is a bit dull we’re told, and there aren’t that many students to pick from. But, keep looking, and you’re sure to find a gem...

What’s Good

“People are incredibly friendly, and even as a transfer student I felt incredibly welcome here.”

“The classes are TINY, which is awesome. It’s certainly a big change from high school.”

“You couldn’t ask for better professors. They’re dedicated and you always know they’re there for you.”

What’s Bad

“The administration is really strict, and you have to watch out, because it’s pretty easy to get kicked out.”

“You get quite stir crazy here. It’s a pretty small campus, and a pretty small town. Need I say more?”

“There is a total lack of diversity. I wish there were more students here from different social and economic backgrounds.”

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