
University of Northwestern-St. Paul is a private Christian university founded in 1902 as a Bible and missionary training school. Its early purpose remains visible in the university's religious studies programs and its approach to undergraduate education.
The institution later became Northwestern College and adopted its current university name in 2013, reflecting a broader range of undergraduate and graduate offerings. Its history matters to applicants because Christian teaching is not confined to theology majors; it is part of the institution's stated educational identity.
University of Northwestern-St. Paul offers undergraduate and graduate study across the liberal arts, sciences, professional fields, and biblical and theological studies. Prospective students can explore programs in areas such as business, education, nursing, communication, psychology, music, computer science, and ministry.
The program directory is more useful than a broad faculty label when comparing options: a nursing applicant needs to examine clinical requirements, for example, while an education applicant needs to check the pathway for the teaching license they want. Northwestern also offers learning options beyond traditional residential undergraduate study, so applicants should verify the degree level, delivery format, and campus requirements for their particular program.
University of Northwestern-St. Paul is located at 3003 Snelling Avenue North in Saint Paul, Minnesota, near the Roseville border. Its campus provides a residential setting within the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area rather than in downtown Saint Paul.
The location gives students access to regional employers, churches, cultural institutions, and internships, although travel to many off-campus destinations requires planning around local transit or a car. About 39% of students commute, according to institutional housing figures. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport serves the region; students arranging travel should allow time to get between the airport and campus.
Northwestern states that its mission is to provide Christ-centered higher education that develops students intellectually and spiritually and prepares them for service in their professions and communities. The university's evangelical Christian identity shapes its curriculum and campus expectations.
For applicants, this is a practical consideration as well as a statement of values. Biblical learning, chapel, and faith-related expectations may form part of a student's experience outside a religious major. Prospective students should read the current academic catalog and student handbook to understand how those commitments apply to their intended program and campus life.
Name of the institution
University of Northwestern-St PaulLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
Suburb: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999School type
Comprehensive higher education institutionMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1902University of Northwestern-St Paul is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degreeData last updated on November 5, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.