Tuition + Financial Aid

Tuition +

Financial Aid

Start your standout story.

You can afford Northwestern College. Yes, you!

Whatever your financial situation is, there's already a student here just like you. And we'll help, starting with a guarantee that you'll receive at least $17,000 in Northwestern scholarships and grants when you enroll here (probably more).

Tuition, housing*, food and fees

$49,300

Average scholarships + grants**

-$26,500

Federal direct loan

-$5,500

Tuition, housing*, food and fees

$49,300

Average scholarships + grants**

-$26,500

Federal direct loan

-$5,500

Tuition, housing*, food and fees

$49,300

Average scholarships + grants**

-$26,500

Federal direct loan

-$5,500

*Average of housing rates; rate varies depending on campus housing choice
**Individual scholarships and grants depend on a family's FAFSA results. The average is based on a student with a GPA of 3.75 and a student aid index (SAI) of $21,858.

How do I pay for my Northwestern education?

How do I pay for my
Northwestern education?

No one attending Northwestern pays the full amount. Here's how we help you lower your out-of-pocket cost:

Co-curricular and Stand Out scholarships

We value your contributions and potential for leadership in student life, athletics, esports, music, theatre and worship arts. When you apply, tell us what you're involved in and why you want to be part of NWC's Christian academic community. It may lead to a scholarship that helps you stand out as a Raider!

Additional scholarships

Grants

Next, we'll check your eligibility for grant awards like the Northwestern Grant or Legacy Grant ($1,500/year award for students whose siblings, parents or grandparents attended NWC). Once you've filed your FAFSA, you may also receive federal and state grants based on financial need. These funds will not need to be repaid after graduation.

Additional grants

PRO TIP: If you're an Iowan planning to attend Northwestern, you could be eligible for the Iowa Tuition Grant with awards of up to $7,500 per year. To apply, submit your FAFSA by June 30. Learn more

Loans

Finally, we'll subtract student loans if you choose to take them. Filing the FAFSA gives you access to federal direct loans and determines whether you'll need to pay interest while in school. If you need additional help covering costs, a private loan or parent PLUS loan might be an option worth considering. For more information on Northwestern's preferred vendors and the maximum state and federal grant and loan assistance available, visit the private loans page.

Looking for graduate, online or adult learning costs? Visit the graduate and online tuition and fees page.

FAQs

I've worked hard in high school. Will I receive an academic scholarship?

How will Northwestern's financial aid package compare to that of other colleges I'm interested in?

Will I have a lot of debt when I graduate?

Is NWC worth it? What's my ROI (return on investment)?

As a Northwestern graduate, you'll be prepared for a great job or a top graduate school and a successful career. More than that, you'll be equipped and empowered to lead a life of significance—standing out in your family, church, community, city and country in ways that honor God and serve others. Sound like a valuable education? It is.

Run the numbers:

$49,300

Tuition, housing + food

Total varies slightly, depending upon residence hall. No student pays this full amount.

$26,500

Average scholarships + grants/year

Avg. based on a GPA of 3.75 and student aid index (SAI) of $21,858. Your gift aid depends on your family’s FAFSA results.

$5,500

Federal loan

35% of NWC graduates finish college without any loan debt. Of those who do graduate with debt, the avg. is $29,600, which is $8,200 less than the national avg.

$17,300

Avg. out-of-pocket cost/year

For any financial aid offers you receive, you should compare actual costs—and make sure you understand what aid is guaranteed and what aid is subject to eligibility.

$80,000+

Annual salary for 55% of NWC alumni

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the difference in median income between a graduate with a B.A. and someone with just a high school diploma is more than $30,888/year.

Priceless

An education that prepares you to stand out

A degree from Iowa’s Standout Christian College prepares you not just for a successful career but also for a life of significance as a Christian who leads + serves, is smart + strong, courageous + faithful, and values community + belonging.

$49,300

Tuition, housing + food

Total varies slightly, depending upon residence hall. No student pays this full amount.

$26,500

Average scholarships + grants/year

Avg. based on a GPA of 3.75 and student aid index (SAI) of $21,858. Your gift aid depends on your family’s FAFSA results.

$5,500

Federal loan

35% of NWC graduates finish college without any loan debt. Of those who do graduate with debt, the avg. is $29,600, which is $8,200 less than the national avg.

$17,300

Avg. out-of-pocket cost/year

For any financial aid offers you receive, you should compare actual costs—and make sure you understand what aid is guaranteed and what aid is subject to eligibility.

$80,000+

Annual salary for 55% of NWC alumni

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the difference in median income between a graduate with a B.A. and someone with just a high school diploma is more than $30,888/year.

Priceless

An education that prepares you to stand out

$49,300

Tuition, housing + food

Total varies slightly, depending upon residence hall. No student pays this full amount.

$26,500

Average scholarships + grants/year

Avg. based on a GPA of 3.75 and student aid index (SAI) of $21,858. Your gift aid depends on your family’s FAFSA results.

$5,500

Federal loan

35% of NWC graduates finish college without any loan debt. Of those who do graduate with debt, the avg. is $29,600, which is $8,200 less than the national avg.

$17,300

Avg. out-of-pocket cost/year

For any financial aid offers you receive, you should compare actual costs—and make sure you understand what aid is guaranteed and what aid is subject to eligibility.

$80,000+

Annual salary for 55% of NWC alumni

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the difference in median income between a graduate with a B.A. and someone with just a high school diploma is more than $30,888/year.

Priceless

An education that prepares you to stand out

$47,500

Tuition, housing and food

This total varies slightly, depending upon which residence hall and meal plan you select. No student pays this full amount.

$26,000

Average amount of scholarships + grants/year

This average is based on a student with a GPA of 3.75 and student aid index (SAI) of $21,858. Your gift aid will depend on your family's FAFSA results.

$5,500

Federal loan

Most students use some loans to finance their college experience. 35% of NWC graduates finish college without any loan debt. Of those who do graduate with debt, their average is $34,664, which is similar to the loan debt for college/university graduates across Iowa.

$16,000

Average out-of-pocket cost/year

When you receive financial aid offers from other colleges, you should always compare our actual cost with their actual cost—and make sure you understand what in their offer is guaranteed and what might seem like an offer but is actually subject to eligibility.

$80,000+

Annual salary for 55% of NWC alumni

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the difference in median income between a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree and a high school graduate who doesn’t attend college is more than $30,888/year. Over a 40-year career, that’s more than $1.2 million in lost income potential.

Priceless

An education that prepares you to stand out.

A degree from Iowa’s Standout Christian College prepares you not just for a successful career but also for leading a life of significance as a Christian who leads + serves, is smart + strong, courageous + faithful, and values community + belonging. You stand out. Your college experience should too.

$47,500

Tuition, housing and food

This total varies slightly, depending upon which residence hall and meal plan you select. No student pays this full amount.

$26,000

Average amount of scholarships + grants/year

This average is based on a student with a GPA of 3.75 and student aid index (SAI) of $21,858. Your gift aid will depend on your family's FAFSA results.

$5,500

Federal loan

$16,000

Average out-of-pocket cost/year

$80,000+

Annual salary for 55% of NWC alumni

Priceless

An education that prepares you to stand out.

$47,500

Tuition, housing and food

This total varies slightly, depending upon which residence hall and meal plan you select. No student pays this full amount.

$26,000

Average amount of scholarships + grants/year

This average is based on a student with a GPA of 3.75 and student aid index (SAI) of $21,858. Your gift aid will depend on your family's FAFSA results.

$5,500

Federal loan

$16,000

Average out-of-pocket cost/year

$80,000+

Annual salary for 55% of NWC alumni

Priceless

An education that prepares you to stand out.