Northwest Nazarene University
Nampa, United States • Founded 1913
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Established in 1913, the Northwest Nazarene University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Nampa (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Idaho.
Officially accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Evangelical religion. Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 111-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
NNU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where to find Northwest Nazarene University, plus its phone, email, website, and social media links. Confirm the published channels here are current before sending application materials.
Academic Details
The academic indicators below give context on how Northwest Nazarene University operates at scale. A lower staff-to-student ratio generally signals more faculty access, though research-heavy institutions skew the read.
Academic Structures
Each constituent academic unit at Northwest Nazarene University is captured below — including research centres alongside teaching faculties. Research centres often signal the institution's strategic priorities.
Unit 5 items
- School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- School of Business
- School of Education, Social Work and Counseling
- School of Health and Science
- School of Theology and Christian Ministries
Programs Offered
The programmes available at Northwest Nazarene University are organised by level. Most institutions cluster intake decisions by faculty, so application timelines often run in waves through the year.
78 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 50 programmes
Showing 10 of 50.
Master's Degree 14 programmes
Showing 10 of 14.
Doctorate 2 programmes
Professional Doctorate 2 programmes
Associate's Degree 5 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 5 programmes
How to apply to Northwest Nazarene University
A practical five-step guide to applying to Northwest Nazarene University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Northwest Nazarene University runs 78 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Before applying to Northwest Nazarene University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.
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3
Assemble your application package
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Northwest Nazarene University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Submit your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.nnu.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (877) 668 4968. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Northwest Nazarene University
Common questions students ask about Northwest Nazarene University — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.
When did Northwest Nazarene University open?
Northwest Nazarene University traces its founding to 1913 (approximately 113 years ago).
Where can I find Northwest Nazarene University?
The institution is located in Nampa, United States.
Is Northwest Nazarene University public or private?
Northwest Nazarene University is a private institution.
How many students does Northwest Nazarene University have?
The institution has a student body of 2,000-2,999.
What is Northwest Nazarene University's religious tradition?
Yes, Northwest Nazarene University is affiliated with Christian-Evangelical.
How is Northwest Nazarene University organised academically?
Northwest Nazarene University has 5 academic units.
Who recognises Northwest Nazarene University?
The institution holds recognition from Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
How do I find Northwest Nazarene University online?
You can find Northwest Nazarene University online at www.nnu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Below are the highest-ranked universities in the United States — natural comparison points for Northwest Nazarene University. Top institutions in the United States typically have the strongest international recognition and graduate-school placement.
Members of Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)
Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)-affiliated universities form a network of comparable institutions — Northwest Nazarene University sits among them. Network membership often signals shared values around academic quality and student support.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Evangelical
Other Christian-Evangelical institutions in the United States offer comparable campus values to Northwest Nazarene University. Values continuity across affiliated institutions provides a sense of cultural fit that can ease transition into university life.
Faculties at nearby universities
The universities below sit close to Northwest Nazarene University geographically and may suit students who want to stay within the same region for study. Proximity affects commuting cost, family contact, and the ease of switching institutions if circumstances change.
Where Else to Study Religious Studies
Programme-led research opportunities for Religious Studies students differ. Research-active programmes give undergraduates access to active labs; teaching-only programmes do not.
Universities Compared with Northwest Nazarene University
Below: institutions that students typically weigh against Northwest Nazarene University when finalising their shortlist. The comparison set reflects scale and prestige; specific programme fit still needs separate verification.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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