Research.com
University of Northwestern-St Paul logo

University of Northwestern-St Paul

#1136 in US ranking Saint Paul, MN
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

Represent this school?

Update this profile on Research.com

Cost

Cost / year
$51,208
Tuition & fees
$38,946
Avg. aid
$21,857
Receiving aid
100%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
93%
SAT range
868–1271
ACT range
20–28

Outcomes

Graduation rate
68%
Median salary
$48,243
1 yr after graduation

What is the history of University of Northwestern-St Paul?

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.

What are the faculties and departments at University of Northwestern-St Paul?

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.

What is the location of University of Northwestern-St Paul?

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.

What is the mission and vision of University of Northwestern-St Paul?

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.

University of Northwestern-St Paul Profile - Basic Information

Name of the institution

University of Northwestern-St Paul

Level of institution

Four or more years

Control of institution

Private

Setting type

Suburb: Large

Institutional Category

Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or above

Institution size category

1,000 - 4,999

School type

Comprehensive higher education institution

Main student body

Coeducational

Calendar system

Semesters

Foundation year

1902

University of Northwestern-St Paul Accreditation

University 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.

University of Northwestern-St Paul Programs and Degrees

iconCertificate of less than 1 year
iconCertificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
iconAssociate's degree
iconBachelor's degree
iconPostbaccalaureate certificate
iconMaster's degree

Data 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.

Recently Published Articles