Campus Identity
Northwest University is a small private nonprofit university in Kirkland, WA. Approximately 645 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 83% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Washington, just 1 mile from the water. Ski resorts are within 40 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 71/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Northwest University is a small private nonprofit university in Kirkland, WA. Approximately 645 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 83% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Washington, just 1 mile from the water. Ski resorts are within 40 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 71/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
Northwest University is a 1,000–4,999, suburban school with NAIA athletics. The campus is 40 miles from The Summit at Snoqualmie.
Athletics
NAIA
Cascade
School Size & Setting
1,000–4,999
Suburban setting
Weather
Warm Climate
49°F avg school-year
Ski Town
Northwest University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is The Summit at Snoqualmie, 40 miles away with 20 lifts and 1,994 skiable acres. All are within 52 miles of campus.
Washington
Washington
Washington
Lake Life Campus
Lake Washington is less than a mile from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving Northwest University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Lake Washington
Lake access within 0.7 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Kirkland, WA
Kirkland has a cool climate, with winters averaging 42°F in Dec and summers peaking around 67°F in Aug.
Station: SEATTLE SAND POINT WEATHER FORECAST OFFICE · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Northwest University in WA earns a composite safety score of 71/100, rated Pretty Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $36,035 |
| Fees | $480 |
| Room & Board | $11,180 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $47,695 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
53 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Northwest University located?
Northwest University is located in Kirkland, WA. The main campus address is 5520 108th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Northwest University?
Northwest University has an acceptance rate of 83%, making it accessible. Out of 625 applicants, 520 were admitted in the most recent year. 645 students enrolled.
How much does it cost to attend Northwest University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Northwest University charges $36,035/year in tuition. Including room and board ($11,180/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $33,980/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $22,288/year — what students actually pay. Use Northwest University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
Does Northwest University have college sports?
Yes — Northwest University competes at the NAIA level in the Cascade. Division III programs emphasize academic achievement alongside athletic competition, without athletic scholarships.
Is Northwest University the right fit for me?
Whether Northwest University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (83% admit rate), avg net price ($22,288/year after aid), campus culture in Kirkland, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Northwest University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Northwest University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Kirkland, WA
- Size
- 1,000–4,999
- Degrees Offered
- Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
- NCAA
- NAIA
- Conference
- Cascade
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 49°F avg
- On Campus Safety Score
- 71/100
- Nearest Airport
- Seattle, WA (BFI) · 10 mialso SEA (16 mi), PAE (18 mi)
Location
Kirkland, WA