Orientation

Raider Nation Orientation

We make sure your first Northwestern experiences are welcoming, fun and productive because we know your first days at Northwestern set the tone for your entire four-year college experience. During Raider Nation Orientation, you’ll be guided through all the business of getting your college career started, like confirming your course selections and becoming acquainted with the people and resources that will support your learning both in and out of the classroom. You’ll meet professors, residence life staff and other new students—some of whom will become lifelong friends.

Fall Raider Nation Orientation: Aug. 23-25, 2024

Northwestern’s orientation for students entering college in the fall will be held the weekend before fall semester classes begin. You can begin moving into your dorm room on Friday, Aug. 23.

Spring Raider Nation Orientation: Jan. 5, 2025

Northwestern provides a midyear orientation for students entering NWC at the start of the spring semester. 

Why Northwestern?
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Your success starts here
Students choose NWC for standout academics,
strong faith and a sense of belonging.

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Scholarships
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We want you to be a Raider.
Our investment in you starts with scholarships
that reward your hard work and recognize the
ways you’ll enrich our campus community.

Explore scholarships

Student satisfaction
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Better than the rest
Survey says … Northwestern students are
supremely satisfied with life in Raider Nation.
We bested our competitors in personal
attention, school spirit and more.

Check it out

Raiders Stand Out
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Inside Raider Nation
Get to know the faculty, staff and students who will
influence you, and alumni who are leading lives
of significance.

Meet standout Raiders

Win-win

Smart and Strong
Want a standout college that’s strong academically, spiritually, relationally and athletically? Choose Northwestern.

Learn more

We our studentsand our students love us

“Besides an education, I have had so many different experiences at Northwestern. Each area of experience has given me good friends who push to make me and the world around them a better place. ”

William Minnick William Minnick History major from Orange City, Iowa

William's story

““To the King”—which is something casts say before every show—helps me focus on why I do what I do and how my art glorifies God. I never connected those two ideas before I came to Northwestern.”

Madilynn Loats Madilynn Loats Theatre major from Mason City, Iowa

Madilynn's story

“After seeing the college’s new science facilities on a campus visit, I knew that Northwestern was the place where I would have the best experience in science education. ”

Marshall Kleinhesselink Marshall Kleinhesselink Biology/Secondary Education major from Sheldon, Iowa

Marshall's story

“The community of Northwestern is unlike anything I've ever experienced. From professors and coaches to fellow students and cafeteria workers, I’ve formed truly special connections at Northwestern.”

Dylan Kirkeby Dylan Kirkeby Biophysics major from Brandon, South Dakota

Dylan's story

“Northwestern is a place where we live, learn and work in community, seeking to leverage each person’s talents for the benefit of God’s kingdom. ”

Ella Van Zee Ella Van Zee Spanish major from Pella, Iowa

Ella's story

“Northwestern’s faculty are amazing. Every professor cares about his or her students and strives to make their college experience special.”

Kip Cullinan Kip Cullinan Chemistry major from Urbandale, Iowa

Kip's story

“From professors in my major to those teaching general education courses, each Northwestern professor has sought to help me flourish at college.”

Aaron Eckmann Aaron Eckmann Political Science major from Cavour, South Dakota

Aaron's story

“I chose Northwestern College for the standout education, Christian experience and close-knit community it offers.”

Andrew De Noble Andrew De Noble Exercise Science major from Rock Rapids, Iowa

Andrew's story

“My professors have been such a blessing to me! Because they are very knowledgeable and approachable, I have enjoyed staying back after class to talk with them or listen to the conversations they have with other students or professors. ”

Elyssa Tang Elyssa Tang English Teaching major from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Elyssa's story

“I want to become a certified nursing assistant because I care about people and want to help them feel better. ”

Daniel Mills Daniel Mills NEXT Program major from Blackstone, Massachusetts

Daniel's story

“I’ve grown so much as a person while at Northwestern. There are countless opportunities for leadership development through clubs, Spring Service Partnerships, student government and residence life. ”

Brandon Kjonegaard Brandon Kjonegaard Business Administration/Marketing major from Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Brandon's story

“The science faculty are all great people. They want to help students succeed—getting you well prepared for not only future schooling but also life.”

Dominick Pickard Dominick Pickard Biochemistry major from Kalona, Iowa

Dominick's story

“The opportunities Northwestern provides to travel and serve, like the Spring Service Partnerships (SSPs) or study abroad programs, are what I appreciate most about Northwestern. These opportunities allow for students to explore God’s kingdom and grow in faith-filled trust. ”

Madelynn Harre Madelynn Harre English Teaching major from Maplewood, Minnesota

Madelynn's story

“I love helping people. It’s fun to watch people grow and mature throughout the school year in the classes I tutor. ”

Kaytlyn Harms Kaytlyn Harms Biology-Health Professions major from Farson, Wyoming

Kaytlyn's story

“The nursing program at Northwestern has been such a blessing to me. Not only do the courses challenge me academically, but they also are taught by incredible professors who really care about every student”

Jackson Henry Jackson Henry Nursing major from Kailua, Hawaii

Jackson's story

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