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Northwest University


About

Northwest University (NU) was founded in 1934 and is located near Seattle, Washington, one of the most innovative technology hubs in the United States. We offer high-caliber bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees designed to increase your job marketability and take your career to an even higher level.

Northwest University (NU) was founded in 1934 and is located near Seattle, Washington, one of the most innovative technology hubs in the United States. We offer high-caliber bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees designed to increase your job marketability and take your career to an even higher level.

Many of our professors come directly from the corporations that surround us, such as Microsoft and Amazon. The real-world experience we offer is highly prized by employers who hire students from NU because of their proven ability to add value to any organization from the first day they are hired.

In addition to exceptional academics, NU is situated in what many consider to be one of the most beautiful locations in all of America: The Pacific Northwest. Nestled on 56 acres of rolling grass and towering evergreens, NU is close to mountains, lakes, parks, hiking trails, ski slopes, and more.

The Pacific Northwest offers just about any recreational adventure you can imagine.

Our Commitment to International Students

We have a team dedicated to ensuring that our international students have a smooth transition from their home countries.

Our International Student Services (ISS) exists to help students from all over the world achieve their educational goals while they attend Northwest University. The ISS department includes our visa information, immigration assistance, OPT, CPT, and international academic advising for undergraduate and graduate students. Our experienced team of professionals are here to help make sure your academic experience is deeply satisfying and successful.

Our History

Northwest University was founded by the Northwest Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God and opened to students on October 1, 1934. The District Presbytery appointed Dr. Henry H. Ness to be the first president. The University was housed in the facilities of Hollywood Temple, Seattle, Washington, for the first twenty-five years of its existence.

Academically the University progressed from a three- to a four-year curriculum in 1948, and in 1955, a Liberal Arts division was organized. Milestones of academic development and progress were marked by the achievement of professional accreditation by the American Association of Bible Colleges in 1953, and in 1973 by the granting of regional accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

In May 1992, Northwest University became the eighty-fifth college approved for membership in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, an association of Christ-centered colleges and universities of the liberal arts and sciences.

In 1958, the University secured a new thirty-five-acre campus in Kirkland, Washington in the greater metropolitan area of Seattle. Since then, 21 more acres have been added to make the present fifty-six acre campus. Located just ten miles from downtown Seattle, the campus is an ideal setting for study, recreation, and inspiration. The campus is also located near some of the world’s most innovative companies—such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon— offering a wealth of potential employment opportunities.

Over the years, the University's graduates and former students have gone on to become leaders in tech, education, health care, business, ministry, and many other occupations.

Mission Statement

We, the people of Northwest University, carry the call of God by continually building a learning community dedicated to spiritual vitality, academic excellence, and empowered engagement with human needs.

Who We Are

Northwest University is a regionally accredited, Christian institution awarding associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Located in Kirkland, Washington, we have been preparing students to lead in their careers since 1934 and offer a variety of degree programs to meet the needs of an ever-changing society.

Our traditional undergraduate experience includes a wide variety of majors and programs—as well as off-campus internships—to equip students for success in their careers. Our online degree programs provide the flexibility of classes that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. And our hybrid graduate degree programs offer international students a highly efficient way to earn their advanced degrees by attending class online, along with monthly weekend residencies that build a strong community and career network in the U.S.

Our beautiful campus is a semi-wooded tract of 56 acres that overlooks Lake Washington and is just minutes from the world-class city of Seattle with all its amenities. A view of the snow-clad Olympics graces the skyline to the west. At NU, opportunities for fun abound, from hiking and snowboarding to art galleries and restaurants to watching the 2014 Super Bowl Champions, the Seattle Seahawks.

But there is more to our location than recreation. We are also neighbors to some of the most successful companies of the 21st century, including Microsoft, Google, Boeing, and Amazon. These game-changing corporations are great places to intern or work once you graduate. Kirkland is also one of the safest communities in Washington State. It’s no wonder why our home, Kirkland, was voted by Money Magazine as the third best place to live in the U.S.

Since our beginning, Northwest University has been a Christ-centered institution, and we have not wavered. Today, we continue to build a Christian community wholly dedicated to the spiritual vitality of each student—where our love, respect, and support for one another are evidence of God’s presence.

    International Admission Requirements

    Pre-Admission Requirements

    Admission to study at Northwest University is granted to applicants meeting the University admissions requirements. The University does not consider, sex, race, age, national or ethnic origin, or physical disability in making admissions decisions.

    Undergraduate Requirements

    To be admitted to Undergraduate study at Northwest University the international applicant must:

    • Be a high school graduate or be eligible for graduation before attending Northwest University.
    • Complete the Application form and pay a USD 30 non-refundable application fee.
    • Submit High School transcripts.
    • Submit transcripts from any previous College or University work in English. If a student wishes to transfer credit from a previous College to Northwest University the student must request a course-by-course evaluation by an NU-approved evaluator.
    • Please submit proof of English proficiency. Proficiency can be demonstrated in the following ways:
      • TOEFL internet-based (iBT) score of 80,
      • IELTS score of 6.5 (with a minimum score of 6.0 in each band),
      • SAT 500 in Writing and Reading
      • ACT 18 in writing.
      • If you have completed 30+ semester credits at a regionally accredited college/ university in the U.S. with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
      • CELE program completion
    • If you have competed in Level 6 (bridge) of the ESL program at the Center of English Language Education (CELE) at Northwest University with a grade of 80% or higher and a GPA of 2.5 in NU Bridge Classes.
      • Duolingo English Test score of 105

    Graduate Requirements

    English Language Proficiency Requirement

    Graduate students are exempt from the English Language Proficiency Requirement if their native language is English, or if they have completed a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college/university with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Holders of an equivalent degree from another English-speaking country may also be exempt and should speak with their enrollment counselor.

    Graduate students to whom the requirement applies must fulfill it via one of the following test scores to qualify for admission to Northwest University:

    For admission to any graduate program (except doctoral programs):

    • TOEFL internet-based (iBT) score of 90
    • IELTS score of 7
    • Duolingo English Test score of 115
    • Completion of Northwest University’s Center for English Language Education (CELE) program Level 6 Bridge with a grade of 85% or higher and a GPA of 3.0 in NU Bridge Classes

    For admission to any doctoral program:

    • TOEFL internet-based (iBT) score of 100
    • IELTS score of 7.5
    • Duolingo English Test score of 125
    • Completion of Northwest University’s Center for English Language Education (CELE) program Level 6 Bridge with a grade of 85% or higher and a GPA of 3.0 in NU Bridge Classes

    At the discretion of each program’s leadership, a waiver may occasionally be granted to a student who demonstrates exceptional English language proficiency through other means.

    Foreign Degree Requirements

    Any college or university transcript that is submitted from a school located outside of the US and Canada must be supplemented by an official evaluation of the transcript for US degree equivalency and GPA, performed by an institution approved by NACES (Course-by-course evaluations are not required unless the program you are applying to has prerequisite courses or transfer credit is requested; for more information, please consult the enrollment counselor for the program to which you are applying.)

    International Student Admission Requirement

    In addition to program-specific admission requirements, international students (those on or seeking an F-1 student visa) must:

    • Have a valid passport
    • Have proof of adequate funds to cover all expenses as required by the U.S. government

    International students wishing to study in the US must obtain a visa from the United States. To do this, a student must meet all the requirements for admission and be admitted to the University. The University will issue a form I-20 which the student must take with them to the embassy or consulate for the visa interview.

    The visa process includes obtaining and filling out application forms, making an appointment for an interview, and providing the necessary documentation. The embassy or consulate will then collect and cross-check names before issuing a visa. The student needs to be aware that this process may take several weeks, possibly up to two months, and should plan accordingly to be able to arrive at the University in time to begin classes. The student must also be prepared to pay the necessary fees for application and for SEVIS registration before the interview.

    Steps for Obtaining a Visa

    • Apply to and be admitted to the University. Upon completing all University requirements the student will receive an I-20 that allows a student to be eligible for an F-1 Visa.
    • Obtain and fill out the application form for a Visa. This may be obtained at the embassy or consulate
    • Make an appointment to visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Appointments can be made by telephone, mail, over the Internet, or in person depending on the circumstances in your country. Be aware that wait times for appointments may be longer than in the past. You should schedule your appointment as soon as you can—no more than 90 days before the beginning of the program of study.
    • Be sure to ask about the required fees and how they can be paid. Application fees are non-refundable and must be paid before your appointment.
    • Get all of your documentation together. Documentation required will include:
      • A valid passport
      • A completed application form
      • An acceptance letter
      • Proof of payment for all required fees
      • A valid I-20
      • All financial documentation that demonstrates the ability to meet the financial obligations of study in the United States. This would include bank statements, loan approvals, scholarship letters, or financial support from a U.S. sponsor. Any information that demonstrates how you will pay for your education and living expenses while in the U.S.
    • At the interview, you will be required to submit all of the documentation listed above. The interviewer will review the application, and in many cases, the application will be reviewed in Washington, D.C. as well. In most cases, the visa will be issued within a few weeks.
    • Be aware that in some cases additional reviews may be required. This may take as much as 4-6 weeks. If the student’s visa is denied, NU will refund the funds the student paid to NU for tuition, fees, and room & board.

    We know you’re looking for scholarships. Below are a few local and national resources for graduate education grants and scholarships, as well as a strategy guide, to help your dream of making a difference through teaching a reality.

    • 2022-2023 Rachel Royston Scholarship
    • American Association of School Administrators Awards and Scholarships
    • American Association of University Women of Washington State
    • Best Colleges — Scholarships for Education Majors
    • Foundation for Technology and Engineering Educators
    • Knowles Science Teaching Foundation
    • Michigan State University Libraries Database for Education Funding Opportunities
    • National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program
    • SR Education Group Graduate Scholarship for Teachers
    • The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program
    • U.S. Department of Education Funding
    • Washington Educational Research Association
    • Washington Student Achievement Council

    Financial Aid

    Financial aid can help make a degree more affordable. Northwest University has established a financial aid program designed to limit the high costs often associated with tuition for our students.

    Undergraduate Kirkland Campus Student Scholarships for the 2024–2025 Academic Year

    Whether you are an incoming freshman or transfer student, there are many scholarships available for Kirkland campus undergraduate students. These scholarships may be based on your need according to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), your academic performance, and/or a particular talent. Please note, that if you have been awarded a Northwest University Grant, some of the scholarships listed below may replace those funds. In addition, a student may not receive more than two scholarships from the list below. Please browse the fund names below to receive detailed information about the available scholarships.

    Available to undergraduate Kirkland Campus first-year and running start students:

    • President’s Scholarship
    • Academic Scholarship
    • Bible Quiz
    • College of Ministry 50% Tuition Guarantee
    • District Youth Directors Scholarship
    • Music Scholarships
    • Northwest Athletic Scholarship
    • Program Scholarship

    Available to undergraduate Kirkland Campus transfer students:

    • Transfer Academic Scholarship
    • College of Ministry 50% Tuition Guarantee
    • Music Scholarships
    • Northwest Athletic Scholarship
    • Program Scholarship

    The above scholarships are awarded when you enter Northwest University and recipients are required to meet satisfactory academic progress standards.

    Northwest University is honored to be recognized as among the best academic institutions in the Western Region and in Washington state in several different categories by the following publications:

    U.S. News & World Report ranked us as one of the top 50 schools in the West in 2022. We also appeared on several of their other lists:

    • #19 Best Value among Regional Universities in the West.
    • #19 Best College for Veterans among Regional Universities in the West.
    • #26 Top Performers on Social Mobility among Regional Universities in the West.

    Fortune.com named us one of the Best Online Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs in 2022.

    Niche.com, a leading search tool used by prospective students and their families in the college search process, listed us as #50 for Best Christian Colleges in the U.S. They also acknowledged us in the following categories for schools in Washington state:

    • #2 Nursing Program.
    • #3 Colleges with Best Student Life.
    • #3 Best Small College.
    • #4 Safest College Campus.
    • #5 Best College for Business, Communications, and Psychology Programs.

    We are grateful to be identified as one of the best institutions by these highly reputable entities. It is a testament to the many dedicated faculty and staff who work tirelessly to make Northwest University a vibrant learning community. Our caring faculty are committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence and equipping our students for success in their careers. Our staff work diligently to provide students a place where they can fully live, learn, and thrive. We are thankful to see these efforts recognized.

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    • Kirkland

      5520 108th Ave. NE Kirkland, Washington, 98033, Kirkland

    Northwest University