Pre-Admission

Pre-Admission Requirements

Admission to Northwest University is granted to applicants meeting the University admissions requirements without regard to sex, race, color, age, national or ethnic origin, or physical disability. However, admissions are made on a selective basis according to criteria described below.

The following is required to be considered for admission to Northwest University’s traditional undergraduate programs, with the method of communicating the requirement to the Admissions Office in parentheses. (Admissions to the College of Adult and Professional Studies and Graduate Programs are detailed in their respective catalogs.)

• Application Form (Application Packet)
• Application Fee ($30)
• Biographical Essay (Application Form)
• Entrance Test (ACT or SAT) – *See Below for Covid-19 Test Optional Policy
• Official High School Transcripts of work completed at time of application (or GED)
• College Transcripts (previous college work)
• International Student Admission Requirements (see section below)

Salvation Experience

“The mission of Northwest is to provide, in a distinctly evangelical Christian environment, quality education to prepare students for service and leadership.” As a Christian Liberal Arts University, all experiences are directed to students discovering and preparing for God’s plan for their lives. Therefore, a vital experience of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is required to be admitted.

Application and Fee

The Admission Application inquires about a student’s preparation to pursue higher education at Northwest University. The application requirements, completed in entirety, provide an assessment of the applicant’s preparation to benefit from and contribute to Northwest University’s learning community. Applicants must submit all official test scores, transcripts, and a non-refundable application fee in order to complete the application for review. Application deadlines are August 15 for Fall Term and December 15 for Spring Term. No assurance of acceptance shall be assumed until the applicant receives an official letter of approval from the Admissions Office. Northwest University reserves the right to revoke, suspend, or modify an admission decision if application information is falsified, incomplete, or withheld.

High School Graduate

Applicants must be graduates of a recognized high school. The following years of preparatory work are recommended:

• English – 4
• Math – 3
• Social Studies – 2
• Science – 2
• Foreign Language – 2
• Electives – 3

Applicants may be admitted on the basis of satisfactory scores on the General Educational Development Tests as established by State Competency Standards.

Home schoolers are strongly encouraged to present transcripts and a diploma from a recognized home school organization, or complete the GED tests. Students who are home schooled, but show the ability to benefit from college course work by scoring in the top 25 percentile on the SAT or ACT (for college-bound students), may also be admitted.

A limited number of mature persons who are not graduates of a high school may be admitted on a selective basis as special students. However, special students are not allowed to earn degrees, diplomas, or certificates at the University.

Entrance Tests

*Covid-19 Test Optional Policy: Applicants for admittance in 2021 may submit test scores for purposes of application evaluation, scholarship eligibility, and academic advising. Due to limited testing availability during the Covid-19 pandemic, applications will be evaluated without submissions of tests scores. However, admitted students who seek qualification to the invitational President’s Scholarship Competition must submit entrance tests per requirements outlined within the President’s Scholar overview.

The ACT (American College Tests, College Code: 4466) or the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Tests, College Code: 4541). These tests are normally administered at high schools on a set schedule but require registration as early as possible. Transfer students with a minimum of 30 transferable quarter credits (20 transferable semester credits) from accredited colleges or universities are exempt from submitting test scores. (This does not include credit from Technical Institutions.)

Transcripts

It is the responsibility of the applicant to see that an official high school transcript and official transcripts for any college work completed are sent to the Admissions Office. This may be done by filing a letter of request with the schools concerned.

After the application, application fee, SAT or ACT scores, and transcripts have been received, the Admissions Committee will evaluate the application. Applicants will be notified by mail whether or not they are accepted.

International Students

• International students must have an adequate source of funds to cover all expenses relating to tuition, room and board, fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel from and to the home country.
• International students may be required to have a sponsor who is a citizen of the United States who will guarantee that all financial requirements can be met by the applicant.
• International students whose native language is not English must submit a TOEFL score from an exam taken no more than six months prior to application to the University. The minimum scores for admissions are: 500 – paper based test; 173 – computer based test; or 70 – internet based test.
• International students may work not more than 20 hours per week, and only on campus.
• The application deadline for the fall semester is June 1; the application deadline for the spring semester is November 1.

Application Process for International Student

More information on admissions requirements for international students.

1. Submit the Application for Admission, including:
   • $30.00 (US Funds) Application Fee
   • High School transcript in English
   • University/College transcript(s) in English
   • TOEFL score of 500 or more
   • An affidavit of financial support and supporting documentation - Northwest University is required by the United States government to obtain evidence that each applicant has adequate funds to pay for educational and living expenses for the period of study and may require a sponsor if the student does not have sufficient personal or family funds to meet the cost of education and living in the United States.
   • If the student is being sponsored by a US citizen, the sponsor must fill out an affidavit of support, have the form notarized, and provide supporting documentation as required.
2. If approved for admission:
   • Make a deposit with the University equal to the full cost of attendance for the first semester.
   • Complete the Confirmation Form and Housing Form.
3. Northwest University will then send an I-20 Form for the procurement of a student visa.