Students at Northwest Nazarene University benefit from exceptional loan repayment success, with zero graduates defaulting on federal loans, reflecting strong career preparation and financial outcomes.
The university's focused professional programs, particularly in nursing, deliver earnings that significantly exceed the institutional average and provide clear pathways to stable, well-paying careers.
Northwest Nazarene University is a small private nonprofit institution in Nampa, Idaho, that combines Christian values with solid career preparation. While the university's overall earnings outcomes sit around the national average, with graduates earning a median of $51,719 ten years after enrollment, NNU demonstrates particular strength in professional programs like nursing that lead directly into stable, well-paying careers.
The university serves a moderately diverse student body, with about 29% of students receiving Pell Grants and 34% being first-generation college students. As a "Selective Achievers" institution, NNU provides strong outcomes for the students it enrolls, though access is somewhat more limited than at larger public universities. The 60% six-year graduation rate reflects the supportive environment typical of smaller private institutions.
What distinguishes NNU is its focused approach to career preparation in key professional fields. The nursing program stands out as particularly strong, with graduates earning significantly more than the university median. For families seeking a faith-based education with clear pathways to professional careers, especially in healthcare, NNU offers a compelling combination of personal attention and practical outcomes, though the private tuition structure requires careful financial planning.
Northwest Nazarene University's program portfolio reflects a focused approach to professional preparation, with clear standouts in healthcare and business fields. The Adult Health Nursing program represents the university's strongest return on investment, graduating 44 students annually who earn a median of $63,005 ten years out—substantially above the institutional average and reflecting strong demand for healthcare professionals in the region.
Business Administration and Management serves as the university's largest program, graduating 39 students with median earnings of $39,153 early in their careers. While these starting figures are more moderate, business graduates often benefit from NNU's alumni network and employer relationships as their careers progress. The program's size indicates strong student interest and suggests that NNU has developed effective partnerships with regional employers.
The concentrated program mix allows NNU to focus resources on fields where it can deliver strong outcomes. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty, and direct connections to employers in healthcare and business sectors. This focused approach means that career outcomes depend heavily on program choice, but students in NNU's strongest fields receive preparation that translates directly into stable, well-paying careers.
Northwest Nazarene University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with a median earnings figure of $51,719 ten years after enrollment. While this places the university around the national average for earnings performance, the outcomes vary significantly by field of study, with professional programs delivering substantially stronger returns than the overall institutional median.
The university's standout program is Adult Health Nursing, which graduates 44 students annually and produces median earnings of $63,005 ten years out—more than $11,000 above the university average. This reflects the strong demand for healthcare professionals and NNU's effective preparation in this field. Business Administration and Management, the university's largest program with 39 graduates, shows more moderate early-career earnings at $39,153, though business graduates often see earnings growth accelerate in later career years.
The concentrated program portfolio means that career outcomes depend heavily on major choice. Students in nursing and other healthcare fields benefit from NNU's professional focus and clinical partnerships, while those in liberal arts or general business fields may see more gradual earnings progression. The university's small size allows for personalized career guidance, which helps students make informed decisions about their academic path and post-graduation planning.
Affordability at Northwest Nazarene University requires careful planning, as the private tuition structure creates higher costs than typical public alternatives. Low-income students face annual net prices around $22,918, while middle-income families pay approximately $24,101, and higher-income families see costs rise to $28,028. These figures place NNU in the lower quartile nationally for affordability, reflecting the premium associated with private education.
The university does provide meaningful financial aid that helps moderate the sticker price impact. The relatively modest difference between low-income and middle-income net prices suggests that NNU's aid formula provides some support across income levels, though families should expect to contribute significantly more than they would at public institutions. The consistent aid approach helps make costs somewhat predictable for planning purposes.
Debt levels reflect the higher cost structure, with typical graduates carrying $23,750 in federal student loans and families borrowing an average of $16,538 through Parent PLUS loans. However, the university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully. The combination of solid earnings in key programs and strong repayment performance suggests that while NNU requires a larger upfront investment, graduates typically achieve the financial stability needed to service their educational debt.
Northwest Nazarene University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
