Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education
Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education is a private nonprofit university in Kirkland, WA ranked #1739 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C, and enrolling about 477 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, 70.8% first-year retention, and 30.8% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $26,734, about $9,736 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -52.8%, roughly 138.1 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $50,495. That's about $6,807 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education graduates 30.8% of students within six years and keeps 70.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $14,652 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,128 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $30,923 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 20.7% of Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $22,003 to $30,786 depending on family income. Use Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $28,928/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $30,786/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $50,495
- 10-Year Median Earnings $50,495
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 65.7%
- Employment Rate 87.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education graduates earn $50,495 median, the -52.8% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 477
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 70.8%
- Graduation Rate 30.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1
How to Get Into Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education undergraduates. Theological and Ministerial Studies, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Theological and Ministerial Studies 46.1%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 29.1%
- Psychology, General 22.0%
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General 1.4%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 0.7%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 0.7%
See more majors
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 0.0%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 0.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations $78,310
- 2. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $64,477
- 3. Theological and Ministerial Studies $60,290
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $47,645
- 5. Psychology, General $30,547
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $136,477
- 2. Education, General (Master's Degree) $69,209
- 3. International/Global Studies (Master's Degree) $59,535
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degree) $37,178
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $78,310—156% more than Psychology, General ($30,547). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $136,477 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard does not list any fully online degree programs for Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education. This institution may offer hybrid or partially online courses, but no fully online degree programs are reported in the latest data release.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 477
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 44.9%
- Female Students 55.1%
- Caucasian 54.5%
- Asian 1.9%
- Hispanic 12.4%
- Black 9.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 20.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 20.7% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education provides online education with -52.8% ROI, offering flexible access for working adults and non-traditional students. Ranked #1739 in our dataset, the program balances convenience with career outcomes.
Online programs sacrifice traditional campus experience for flexibility and lower costs. At $26,734 annually, students access education while maintaining employment, with career outcomes depending heavily on individual motivation and program selection.
Online Program Value: Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education
C grade | #1739 of 6272 online/distance programs
Online Education Trade-offs: Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education's -52.8% ROI reflects online education's value proposition—lower costs and work flexibility against reduced campus resources and networking. Success depends on program quality and student self-discipline.
Best For: Working adults seeking career advancement or career changes. Military service members and families needing geographic flexibility. Students with strong time management skills who don't require traditional campus structure.
Consider Carefully: Online program quality varies dramatically. Research employer acceptance of Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education's credentials in your target field. Traditional campus programs often provide better networking, internship access, and employer recognition—factors not captured in pure ROI metrics.
Key Takeaways
- 30.8% six-year graduation rate sits 31.7 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 70.8% first-year retention is 6.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -52.8% return on investment is 138.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $50,495 run about 16% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $26,734 is roughly $9,616 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 19:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 70.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.0% employment rate within three years sits 18.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $26,734 is about $9,616 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 20.7% trails the national share by 18.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education is a private nonprofit university based in Kirkland, WA and earns a C overall grade. It is currently ranked #1739 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion C, Support C+, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability C.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
70.8% of learners come back after year one while 30.8% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -52.8%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $26,734 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $30,923.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $4,189 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 20.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $50,495 six years after entry. This is roughly 16% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 87.0% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -52.8%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Kirkland, WA 98033
- Website www.northwestu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)