University of Northwestern-St Paul (UNSP, University of Northwestern (MN)) Academics and Admissions

Academics

Northwestern College is a private college located in St. Paul, Minnesota. This Christian college was established in 1902 as the Northwestern Bible and Missionary Training School and is the only non-denominational private Christian college in Minnesota.

The North Central Association of Colleges and School accredits Northwestern College, which currently offers 55 bachelor’s degrees, 4 master’s degrees. Eleven of the bachelor’s degree offerings are through the FOCUS Degree Completion Program.

Northwestern College consists of 15 departments: Department of Art and Design, Department of Biblical and Theological Studies, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Department of Business, Department of Christian Ministries, Department of Communication, Department of Education, Department of English and Literature, Department of History, Department of Mathematics and Engineering, Department of Music, Department of Psychology, Department of World Languages, Department of Multidisciplinary Studies, and Department of Physical Education, Health, and Kinesiology.

Among the many possible majors that students can choose are Visual Arts Education, History, Mathematics Education, Interdisciplinary Studies, Accounting, International Business, Biblical Studies, Professional Writing, Kinesiology, Journalism, Early Childhood Education, Communication Studies, Urban Studies, Spanish, and Electronic Media Communication. Graduate level degrees consist of Human Services, Organizational Leadership, Divinity, and Theological Studies. Certificates are available in Leadership and Christian Studies.

The college’s Focus Degree Completion is for those students who started college but did not complete a degree. There are various factors that prevent students from completing a degree, but the university understands this and supports student needs. Northwestern College offers the Focus program to help students reach educational goals. The college accepts transfer credits from other universities and colleges as long as the courses meet specific criteria. The Focus Degree Program offers certificates, associate, and bachelor’s degrees in 11 dynamic areas that include Business Management, Global Studies, Christian Counseling, Business Administration, Biblical Studies, Human Resources, Communication Studies, General Studies, Psychology, Ministry, Marketing, and Human Resource Management.

The college also offers the Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program and Early College program for students who want to get a head start on earning college credits. Students can begin taking courses during the junior and senior year if attending qualified Minnesota high schools. Courses are available online to offer flexibility that fit each individual’s needs.

Distance education is available in 8 areas of study. Students can earn a certificate, associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree online. Over 50 distance education courses are available in the liberal arts and Bible. Degrees and certificate are available in Bible, Biblical Studies, Global Studies, Christian Studies, Theological Studies, Leadership, and Organizational Leadership. Northwestern College has received 6 Course of the Year Awards for distance education curriculum between 1996 and 2007.

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Information Summary

Ranks 32nd in Minnesota and 1176th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	78.0
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$44,340
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	27 / 1248
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	26 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	77% / 13%
Enrollment Total (all students)	3,623

Admissions

Students applying for traditional undergraduate admission must first complete the admissions application and pay the non-refundable application fee. The fee is waived if students apply by early November. Two reference forms must be completed: church reference and academic reference. These forms can be found on Northwestern College’s website. Students must also submit a high school transcript and a college transcript (if applicable). ACT and SAT schools must be submitted to the college. International students my sent TOEFL scores to the admissions office. International students must also submit the International Student Assistance Application Form and the Northwestern College Financial Aid Application. International students must also complete a Financial Verification Form. Once all of the required information is submitted, students receive an admissions decision in three weeks or less.

Students applying for admission into the graduate program must complete the admissions application and submit the non-refundable application fee. Additionally, students must complete the required admissions essay (located in the application form), submit official college transcripts, and submit a minimum of two admissions recommendations. Other factors that influence the admissions process include, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0), submitting GMAT or GRE scores higher than the 50th percentile or a reference from a former professor, employer, or supervisor; evidence of a new life in Christ, and willingness to abide by the conducts and patterns of the Northwestern College as written in the Declaration of Christian Community.

Admission for Focus students includes an application and a non-refundable application fee, requested essay, GPA essay (if applicable), official college transcript, and high school transcript. Students should also show evidence of new life in Jesus, likeliness to succeed in college, ability to contribute in a positive way to the college, and willingness to abide by the college’s conduct and patterns.

The requirements for the Early College Program and the Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) include high school GPA of 2.0, ranking in the upper third as a high school junior, ranking in the upper half as high school senior, SAT scores of 580 (standard score of 50% or better); submit standardized test scores within one year of application in PSAT, ACT, SAT, Accuplancer, or PLAN; and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to remain in the program.

Financial Aid

Complete the FAFSA application as the first step of the admissions process. Students can begin submitting FAFSA forms in early January. Students should complete the Northwestern College Financial Aid Application between early January and early May. Aid is subject to available funding so students should submit the applications as early as possible. Students may qualify for scholarships, grants, loans, and discounted tuition.

Students may qualify for several types of scholarships, including freshman scholarships, endowed scholarships, academic tuition benefit, theatre arts scholarships, leadership scholarships, music scholarships, transfer scholarships, and Eagle Scholars Honors Scholarships at Northwestern College. Scholarships are bases on ACT or SAT scores and GPA. A few of the scholarships that students may qualify for are Presidential Scholarship ($10,000), Founders Scholarship ($3,000), Deans Scholarship ($8,500), and Faculty Scholarship ($7,000). Academic Tuition Benefit is for full-time continuing education students that maintain a certain GPA. The benefits range from $3,000 to $6,200 per year.

Tuition discounts are available to students with a parent working full-time as a missionary or a pastor. The Christian Work Discount offers a $1,500 discount. Another discount is offered to students who have parents that are alumni of Northwestern College. The discount is also $1,500. Students may receive both discounts if applicable.

Students may also qualify for one of many Northwestern College grant programs. This money is available to students and does not require repayment. A few of the grant programs include Minnesota State Grant, Northwestern College Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and Federal Pell Grants. The awards range from $200 to $9,059. The Northwestern College Minority Assistance Program offers a grant of up to 85% of college tuition for Minnesota minority students (at least 50 percent heritage of an ethnic group that is under-represented) with a financial need. The deadline to apply for this grant is early May.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 1169th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Minnesota.

Students

Northwestern University has 8 residential halls with apartment-style accommodations. The halls are fully furnished with kitchens or kitchenettes in each facility. A few of the halls on campus include Antioch Hall, Hartill Hall, KnuHa Hall, Knutson Hall, Moyer Hall, South Hall, Southeast Hall, and Snelling Terrace.

There are many student opportunities available on campus. These activities include skill-building and communication-related activities. Students do not need to be a communications major to participate in these opportunities, which include Five 16 Film Festival, Student Media (The Column, WVOE-FM 97.7), Theatre Arts, Speech/Forensics (dramatic interpretations, debates, and impromptu speaking), and Honor Society (Lambda Pi Eta).

Northwestern College also has a longstanding heritage of music in the community. The National Association of Schools of Music accredits the Music Department. College students can enjoy the nationally renowned ensembles, which include Jazz Band, Women’s Chorale, Symphony Orchestra, and Men’s Chorus.

Students organizations and clubs targets six areas of activity that include relational, educational, recreational, opportunities to witness/service, spiritual, and vocational. A few of the groups and organizations are Arabic Club, Criminal Justice Club, College Republicans, Dance Ministry Team, Management of Information Systems Club (MIS), TriBeta, Wingz, NWC MuKappa, Psi Chi, and The Outdoor Club.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

Northwestern College teams participate in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II. Northwestern College is a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association.

The eagles have 18 intercollegiate sports, which include men’s and women’s tennis, softball, baseball, men’s and women’s outdoor and indoor track, football, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s cross country, and men’s and women’s golf, and men’s and women’s basketball. The facilities include Reynolds Field, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, football, and baseball; and Erickson Center, men’s and women’s basketball team, track and athletic training facility.

The men’s basketball team won the NCCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Tournament in 2010 with a score of 58-54. The football team became the first college team in history to play and win two games in the same day on October 8, 2005.

Other notable accomplishments include 9 conference champions, volleyball; 3 time conference champions, softball; 2 time conference champions, women’s track; 7 time conference champions, baseball; 11 time conference champions and 2 NCCAA Victory Bowl National Championships, football; 4 time conference champions and 1 time Post-Season Conference Tournament Champion, men’s soccer; 2 time NCCAA National Champions and 3 time conference champions, men’s outdoor track.

Bibliography

Heitzman, Heidi. Northwestern College – Saint Paul 2012. Albion: College Prowler, 2011. Print.
Northwestern College. 1 May 2011. Web. 1 May 2011.
Risjord, Norman K. The Popular History of Minnesota. St. Paul: Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2005. Print.

University of Northwestern-St Paul