Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
- Complete the online application.
- Request your official transcripts from all the colleges you have attended.
- Request your official high school transcript (may be waived if you have earned 60 semester or 72 quarter credits).
- Complete your FAFSA.
When is the application deadline?
The last possible day you can submit your application is 15 days before the program start date. Please keep in mind that you will need to have all your application pieces submitted by this deadline to be considered for enrollment.
I’m still taking classes at another school. When should I submit my transcripts for my application?
We recommend completing your application and submitting your current official transcript(s) so the Admissions team can make an admissions decision. Once you finish your current classes and your final grades are posted, submit another official transcript so that the Registrar’s office may transfer your credits.
Will my credits transfer?
If you would like an idea of how many credits will transfer to NU, please email your unofficial transcripts to online@northwestu.edu so we can conduct an unofficial review of your credits. Please include the major that you’re interested in. If you are accepted to NU, the Registrar’s office will conduct an official review of your credits and send you the official transfer evaluation via email.
I completed an AA. Will all my credits transfer? Will I be a Junior when I come to NU?
If you completed a Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) from a Washington or Oregon community college (it will say on your transcript if you did), we will automatically transfer in 60 semester credits, and you will have Junior standing when you come to NU. You will still need to complete Bible/Theology and Formation & Calling classes, which are required of all NU students regardless of their major.
I have attended a non-regionally accredited college (such as Portland Bible College) or completed credits through a Discipleship Training School with YWAM. Will my credits transfer to NU?
NU will accept up to 30 semester credits from non-regionally accredited institutions. Please provide your official transcripts for admission and transfer credit purposes.
How long will it take to complete my degree?
The timeline for degree completion depends on how many credits transfer into your NU program. If you would like, we can complete an unofficial transfer review to give you a better idea of how many credits NU will accept. Please see the “Will my credits transfer?” dropdown for more information on this step.
The timeline for incoming freshman with zero transfer credits can be seen below:
- Certificate: approximately 10.5 months while attending full-time.
- Associate: approximately 1 year and 8 months while attending full-time.
- Bachelor’s: approximately 3 years and 4 months while attending full-time.
How long will it take to receive my transcript evaluation and register for courses after acceptance?
It can take up to two weeks to receive a transcript evaluation and finalize a course schedule with your academic advisor. We recommend completing your steps as soon as possible. We assist students on a first come, first serve basis.
How can I sign up for classes?
After enrollment, you will meet with your Academic Advisor to finalize a course load that fits your needs. Once you approve your course recommendations, your Academic Advisor will register you for your courses.
I’m in the military and will be coming to NU on my GI-bill (or my parent’s or spouse’s GI Bill). How does that work?
Sandy Hendrickson and Bill Dillon are our VA Coordinators. You can contact them at veterans@northwestu.edu.
How can I get financial aid?
After you submit your FAFSA and are admitted to NU, you will meet with your financial aid advisor to review your federal aid and payment options.
If you have questions or concerns regarding financial aid, please refer to our Online Undergraduate or Online Graduate Financial Aid pages, or contact the SFS team at financialservices@northwestu.edu.
How do I drop or add courses?
Fill out the Registration Change form and send it to registrarsoffice@northwestu.edu.
How do I prepare for graduation?
Fill out the online Graduation Form and pay the graduation application fee (covers cap and gown).
Are there tutoring services available for Online students?
Yes, we offer both virtual 24/7 tutoring services and personal writing tutoring through our CAPS and Graduate Writing Center.
What is the Northwest Eagle website? How do I log in?
Northwest University’s Eagle website is the internal Northwest University website for current students and faculty.
Your username is your entire NU e-mail address, and your password is “northwest” + your student ID number (ex. northwest000123456).
How do I access my Eagle profile to view my course and account balances?
If you're logged into the Eagle Website, click the My Profile link in the top right corner. This page contains information about your account balance, courses, and more.