Pursuit Spring 2024

FINDING YOUR FIT

Looking at colleges from the outside, it can be difficult to tell which one is right for you.

This issue of Pursuit is specially designed to help you better understand NU and if it would be a good fit for your university experience. We have so much to offer!

Northwest University could be a great fit if you:

• Have a hunger for Jesus and seek a deeper relationship with Him.

• Appreciate a smaller, more welcoming college experience where you get to know your classmates, professors, and can even have lunch with our president.

• Want to explore your calling and career possibilities with hands-on internships that help prepare you for work on day one.

• Seek a loving and supportive community of fellow believers who will encourage your faith and become friends for life.

• Value the natural beauty and adventures of the Pacific Northwest found at nearby lakes, forests, and mountains, alongside Seattle—brimming with music, tech, and coffee.

• Are serious about building a career network in a job-rich location—setting yourself up for success once you graduate.

• Desire a university experience that will change you for life.

If you said yes to most of these, there’s a good chance NU could be a great fit. But keep on reading to see the many ways we help you find your place once you’re here.

And know that our prayer for you is this: that God will lead you to the university of His choice for your life.

INSIDE THE NU EXPERIENCE

There is no such thing as the average college student. Each one is unique with different interests and a different story to tell. Over the next few pages, we ’ll introduce you to some of our current students who each have diverse backgrounds, circumstances, God-given gifts, and academic interests. But there’s one thing they all have in common: They chose to be part of a community that is unified in its love for Jesus. As you get a glimpse into the ways that they are forging their distinctive paths at NU , perhaps you’ll be inspired to forge your own.

POV: FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS

HOW ABIGAIL SPENDS HER TIME AT NU:

STUDENT ACTIVITIES BOARD (SAB) EVENTS

CAMPUS MINISTRIES

RESIDENCE LIFE EVENTS (LIKE HALLS-O-WEEN)

LIFE GROUP

CHORALONS

DANCING FOR JESUS CLUB

ABIGAIL SCHINDLER FIRST-YEAR STUDENT | ENGLISH MAJOR

The clubs and groups that I am a part of at Northwest have blessed me with some wonderful relationships and opportunities. Through them, I have expanded my circle of friends and strengthened my relationship with God. I am grateful to be at a university that encourages and cares for us through a variety of activities.

LEVI NICHOLS

FRESHMAN | PASTORAL MINISTRIES MAJOR

Northwest University has far exceeded my expectations both academically and relationally. I’ve had hard days even here at NU, but this community has walked with me, prayed with me, and welcomed me as Christ would—which ultimately has led to a personal growth that is filled with joy!

SCOTT BAISDEN

JUNIOR

NU has shaped my sense of belonging by providing a space to be part of an amazing community. When you are around such a community, you begin to set your course to become the person God created you to be.

NU has shaped my sense of community and belonging by providing many opportunities to serve and participate in activities year-round. Serving as a resident assistant showed me that putting myself out there and being available to friends is the best way to form community in college.

HOW LEVI SPENDS HIS TIME AT NU:

| EXERCISE SCIENCE MAJOR

HOW SCOTT SPENDS HIS TIME AT NU: CROSS COUNTRY | RESIDENT ASSISTANT FOUNDER OF THE DISC GOLF CLUB

ELLIE LODHOLM SENIOR | EDUCATIONAL STUDIES MAJOR

POV: TRANSFER STUDENTS

HOW KAELYNN SPENDS HER TIME AT NU:

WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM ASSOCIATION OF STUDENT ATHLETES (ASA) BOARD

CELLO FOR NU ORCHESTRA EQUIPMENT MANAGER FOR CREATIO VIDEO DEPARTMENT

KAELYNN TEAGLE

TRANSFER JUNIOR | VIDEO PRODUCTION MAJOR

NU has given me the courage and opportunities to chase after my dream of working in film. And even though I came in new as a junior, I was able to build so many deep and Godfearing friendships.

JAMELAH LEWIS

TRANSFER SENIOR PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR

NU has shaped my college experience in a profound way. I had the opportunity to engage in campus community while being encouraged in my faith and maintaining focus on my academics and collegiate athletics. There is a strong sense of belonging at Northwest where faculty, staff, and my peers have poured into me by encouraging me to step into leadership roles and continue to walk alongside individuals for the Kingdom of God.

HOW JAMELAH SPENDS

HER TIME AT NU:

• BLACK STUDENT FELLOWSHIP

• MOSAIC (MULTICULTURAL ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS ACTIVE IN CHRIST)

• RESIDENT ASSISTANT FOR NU STUDENT APARTMENTS

• NORTHWEST CHORALONS

• MISSION TRIPS

HOW WE HELP TRANSFER STUDENTS BELONG

During Welcome Weekend in the fall, we facilitate group activities for our transfer students so they can participate alongside other transfer students who know what it is like to have attended another college or university. We also have a transfer student workshop that invites our transfer students to hear from current or former transfer students. This gives our incoming students a chance to gain some tips and tricks on how to make the most of their time at NU.

SHELBIE FRYE

POV: FIVE-YEAR BA TO MA STUDENTS

HOW TYLER SPENDS HIS TIME AT NU:

CAPTAIN OF THE MEN’S SOCCER TEAM

ENTREPRENEURSHIP CLUB

LIFE GROUP LEADER

TYLER HOPP

FIVE-YEAR BA TO MA | BUSINESS MANAGEMENT MAJOR AND MBA GRADUATE STUDENT

At Northwest University, I’ve been blessed with an invaluable network of friends, teammates, coaches, and professors. I’ve been able to form connections that will remain close to my heart forever. NU has provided me with personal growth, including a stronger faith in Christ, and is helping me to transform into the person I am today.

DID YOU KNOW...

NU offers a unique, accelerated dual degree program that allows high-achieving students like Tyler to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree simultaneously. Students pursuing these degree plans are able to graduate with both degrees in five years instead of a traditional six-year plan.

To learn more about our accelerated bachelor’s to master’s programs, visit northwestu.edu.

ACCELERATED BACHELOR’S TO MASTER’S PROGRAMS:

BA to Master in Teaching

BA to Master of Arts in Bible and Theology

BA to Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership

BA to Master of Business Administration

BA to MS in Information Technology Management

I love seeing how employable our accelerated bachelor’s to master’s students are after the first year of their program. Many times, our students will get hired even before they complete their master’s degree because they’ve already demonstrated their commitment to further growth by starting a graduate program in their senior year of undergrad!

STEPHEN WAGGONER

GRADUATE ENROLLMENT COUNSELOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

POV:

FIRSTGENERATION STUDENTS

HOW FERNANDO SPENDS HIS TIME AT NU:

MOSAIC NU SOCCER CLUB

VIDA (HISPANIC AND LATINO HERITAGE CLUB)

FERNANDO LOPEZ-MATA

FIRST-GENERATION SOPHOMORE

VIDEO PRODUCTION M AJOR

I love NU because of the community of people who are always willing to pour into your life—whether that is helping you in your walk with Christ, with difficult classes, or with personal things. I found my sense of belonging through all the people I have met here because everyone is excited to meet new people and create a supportive environment where people can be themselves.

MONIQUE EVANS

FIRST-GENERATION SOPHOMORE AND RUNNING START STUDENT | EXERCISE SCIENCE MAJOR

Involving myself in different groups has allowed me to find a sense of belonging here at NU. I know these are people I can rely on to support me—not only through the struggles of life but also the accomplishments. The connections I have made through these groups has allowed me to see that I am not alone, and there are people on campus who look like me and share similar life experiences.

HOW MONIQUE SPENDS HER TIME AT NU:

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM | VIDA BLACK STUDENT FELLOWSHIP | ACT SIX

CHRIS HEREDIA

FIRST-GENERATION SENIOR | UX DESIGN MAJOR

I have a better sense of who I am because of my time at NU. Living in the residence halls has made it possible for me to meet my closest friends. It has also pushed me out of my comfort zone to get involved in student leadership and campus events.

HOW CHRIS SPENDS HIS TIME AT NU: RESIDENT ASSISTANT SAB SOCIAL MEDIA AND GRAPHICS COORDINATOR

HOW WE SUPPORT OUR FIRST-GEN STUDENTS WITH FINANCIAL AID

For many first-generation students, there can often be a struggle when it comes to understanding how the college process—especially financial aid—works. Northwest University has resources and staff in place to help make college a successful reality for our first-generation students. Student Financial Services works to ensure that we are readily available to answer any questions and provide guidance throughout the entire financial aid process. If you’re a firstgeneration student with concerns about your college plans, we can help.”

MEKHA

THYPARAMBIL

Where Passion Meets Play

Northwest University Athletics

Men’s Sports:

Basketball

Cross Country

Soccer

Track and Field

Women’s Sports:

Basketball

Beach Volleyball

Cross Country

Soccer

Track and Field

Volleyball

There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as college sports, and at NU, we take our sports seriously. Our student-athletes come to us with a deep passion for the game and a strong commitment to demonstrating Christlike character on and off the field, track, or court. NU is part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and we offer several collegiate sports programs.

But what if your love for sports doesn’t involve competing at the collegiate level?

Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. No matter what your physical abilities or fitness levels are, there’s room for you to satisfy your competitive streak through intramurals and student-led sports clubs.

Intramural Basketball

Intramural Flag Football

Intramural Volleyball

One-Day Tournaments

Pickleball Club

Referees

Soccer Club

DESTINATION:

Our 56-acre campus is located in Kirkland, Washington, which has been voted by Money magazine as the Fifth Best Place to Live in the U.S. It makes sense why: Kirkland and the Greater Seattle Area are not only home to some of the best activities and amenities but is also ground zero for some of the most influential companies in the world. Studying at NU means you’re positioning yourself for a future of bright possibilities—one that may even land you in your dream job.

To see all that Kirkland and NU have to offer, schedule a visit. We’d love to show you around.

Sign up at northwestu.edu/visit .

DREAM JOB

NU’s Student Activities Board and Hidden Campus Gems

If you walk up to just about anyone at Northwest University and ask them what they love most about our campus, we can almost guarantee they’ll answer with a single word:

How do we cultivate such a strong community?

Our student-led Student Activities Board (SAB) is responsible for some of the most iconic campus events and activities that happen at NU. SAB doesn’t take their job lightly in making sure you have a great time while at Northwest.

Follow SAB on Instagram:

SAB Annual Events: Welcome Back Bash | Late-Night Breakfast

Screaming Eagles Week | Mr. Northwest Evening | Northwest Fest

You’ll also find plenty of hidden gems at NU: clubs, dorm events, and impromptu student activities that help make Northwest a vibrant place to live and learn.

Hidden Gems:

GPC Boujee Christmas Party | End Scene Improv K-pop Club | Poetry Club | Dancing for Jesus Club

Chess Club | Entrepreneurship Club | International Student Club | Vida (Hispanic and Latino Heritage Club)

UPCOMING EVENT FEATURING

Josiah Queen April 12th

Who doesn’t love a concert filled with good music and friends? It’s even better when you can walk to the concert venue from your dorm! NU is hosting Christian indie artist Josiah Queen for an on-campus concert on April 12. Current students, prospective students, and local youth groups are invited to experience a night filled with Jesus, music, and community !

For more information and to RSVP, visit northwestu.edu/events.

Imagine an Entire Student Body Gathered in His Name.

At NU, worshipping God is central to what we do. And amazing things happen when hundreds of students who love Jesus gather in His name. Healings are experienced. Community is built. Love and encouragement pervade. Anxiety is replaced by peace. Yes, we are a university that values academic rigor. But what truly separates us is that we are a university that puts Jesus first. The result? An academic experience that nurtures your soul and challenges your intellect.

How We Help You Love, Trust, and Follow Jesus

Chapel Services

Chapel services are offered three times each week. It’s a time to come together as one body and allow God to dwell in us, convict us, and encourage us.

Pursuit

Our student-led Pursuit worship gatherings happen every Monday night. Students gather and dedicate themselves to corporate prayer, worship, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Life Group

A Life Group is a small group of people who meet weekly in fellowship as they build community around Jesus.

Global Missions Trips

We partner with established missionaries and ministries both domestically and internationally to fulfill the call of the Great Commission.

Local Missions

We are called to a life of service right where God has placed us. Some of our local missions partners include Lighthouse, which serves those experiencing homelessness, and Embargo, which helps fight human trafficking.

For a very long time I had been praying to see God move in the area of healing. When my mom was injured at her job, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity. I prayed and prayed for her healing, and nothing happened. I would even say I lost hope and was upset with God for not coming through as His Word said He would. Then, in September, a guest preacher at chapel began to speak about healing, which stirred my spirit. After the service I called my mom, prayed over her, and the area that needed surgery because of the amount of pain she was experiencing was healed. She no longer felt pain, and we were both able to witness God’s magnificent power and glory through a Northwest University chapel service and phone call.

Hilcia Magallanes Diaz Nursing Major

The Epic Eastside

NU’s campus is located on Seattle’s Eastside in Kirkland, Washington, which is home to some of the best restaurants, coffee shops (seriously, so many coffee shops!), shopping centers, and parks. As an NU student, you’ll never run out of things to do on your days off and weekends. We recently asked our students, staff, and alumni to recommend some of their favorite Eastside spots, and here’s what they said.

Restaurants:

DERU Market

Coastline Burgers

Chick-fil-A Totem Lake

Tres Hermanos

Toshi’s Teriyaki

Din Tai Fung

Metropolitan Market (for the most delicious chocolate chip cookie!)

Coffee Shops:

Five Stones

Mercury’s Zoka

Thruline

Seasonal Favorites:

Snowflake Lane at Bellevue Square Mall (Winter)

Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden (Winter)

Kirkland Farmers Market (Spring/Summer)

Parks and Outdoor Spots:

T-docks

Waverly Beach Park

Juanita Bay Park

O.O. Denny Park

Bridle Trails State Park

Follow us on Instagram for more info on some of our favorite events, activities, and places—on the Eastside and beyond:

@northwestu

New Programs at NU

Hear from our directors and faculty as they answer:

What excites you about these programs at NU? What’s the importance of preparing students both spiritually and academically for these fields?

VIDEO GAME DESIGN AND VIDEO GAME DEVELOPMENT

“NU is located at the epicenter of video game production, and after four years of preparation I’m thrilled that we are finally ready with our two latest degree programs: Bachelor of Arts in Video Game Design and Bachelor of Science in Video Game Development. Video games have become the most important form of entertainment for the current generation, and it’s our students—inspired by their Christian values— who will be instrumental in shaping the future of this influential medium.”

Craig Chapman | Director, Creatio Center for Technology, Media, and Design

USER EXPERIENCE DESIGN (UX) DESIGN

“Our students apply a Jesus-first mindset by considering the needs of others as they learn to create technology that’s useful, beautiful, and easy to use. In a world with evolving technology that contains complex ethical questions about technology’s use and application, our NU students will be able to lend their voice to represent a Christian worldview.”

Jenni Cyrek, MBA | Faculty Lead, UX, Creatio Center for Technology, Media, and Design

PRE-MED AND PRE-HEALTH

“I have spoken to nursing managers, medical school admission personnel, and local health care providers, and they have all mentioned how our NU students are competent, compassionate, and full of integrity. This is a testimony of NU’s rigorous academic training with a strong focus on spiritual formation.”

Tong Pineda, MD | Patient Care Simulation Facilitator, Buntain School of Nursing

Full-Time Ministry at Half the Price: 50% Tuition Guarantee.

Northwest University is committed to equipping the next generation of pastors. It’s why we make this promise: Every on-campus Kirkland undergraduate student pursuing a ministry degree will receive financial aid equal to at least 50% of tuition. At NU, you’ll earn your accredited ministry degree at half the cost and ease your financial concerns.

Learn more at northwestu.edu/college-ministry

CAN I AFFORD A PRIVATE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY?

The answer might surprise you.

As you can see from the graph, NU’s total cost is significantly lower than other private universities in the area. But our accreditation and academic standards are high. It’s why we were recently selected as a College of Distinction and have been rated as an exceptional value.

NU Tuition and Room and Board*

Tuition: $35,535

Room and Board: $10,647

Student Fees: $500

Total: $46,682

*Prices are from the 2023–2024 school year.

HOW MUCH WILL THIS COST ME?

While we can’t give an exact number before an application has been submitted, our net price calculator helps students and families plan for the future by generating estimates of actual costs.

To use this tool, visit: northwestu.edu/netcalculator.

DON’T BE MISLED BY A LARGER SCHOLARSHIP.

For private schools, typically you’ll see one of two options when it comes to tuition: Either 1) a college with a lower overall starting cost but minimal scholarships, or 2) a college with a higher sticker price but strong scholarships. At NU, we mix the best of both worlds. We start with a lower “sticker price” than many

schools in our region, and we add an extensive amount of generous scholarships. This leaves our average cost for students at a fiercely competitive price with any school in the area. This is just one of the reasons that U.S. News & World Report listed us as one of their Top 20 Best Value Schools.

$

46,682 Starting Costs

*Includes tuition, room and board, and student fees. We start with the lowest cost for a private Christian university in the region.

26,182 $ Actual Costs

*Includes tuition, room and board, and student fees. Final costs may vary.

With NU’s average financial aid award of $20,500, your final costs are drastically reduced. And your financial aid package may be even higher.

OUR STUDENTS COME FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE.

Household Income Distribution for 2023–2024 Students Receiving Financial Aid

You may assume that students who attend a private Christian university come from high-income homes. Here again is a surprise. A quick look at this graph shows that our students come from every economic background.

HOW TO PACK A WHOLE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY INSIDE YOUR LAPTOP.

An on-campus experience doesn’t fit all students. Some prefer the convenience of 100% online classes. At NU, here’s the good news: The same private Christian education we offer on campus is also available online from anywhere you happen to be.

You’ll study the same courses. You’ll learn from many of the same professors. You’ll earn the same degree. You can even walk in the same commencement ceremony.

Here’s the biggest difference: Unlike other large online universities, your faith is welcome at NU. We’ve designed each course with a faith component so it’s integrated into your learning. And at NU you won’t get lost or overlooked. Here, your learning experience is more personal and tailored to your needs.

See what a difference a private Christian university can make to your online experience.

To find out more, visit northwestu.edu.

MAJORS AND PROGRAMS

BUSINESS DEGREES

Business Administration

Finance*

Information Technology*

Management

Marketing

COMMUNICATION, ENGLISH, AND HUMANITIES DEGREES

Communication Studies

English

• Creative Writing*

• Literature*

• TESOL*

• Writing*

Interdisciplinary Studies

Philosophy*

EDUCATION DEGREES

Educational Studies

• Community Planning

• Elementary Education

• Instructional Design

• International Education

Elementary Education*

Secondary Education*

QUICK FACTS

MINISTRY DEGREES

Biblical Languages*

Biblical Studies

Communication and Preaching*

Global Development*

Intercultural Studies

Media Ministry*

Pastoral Care*

Pastoral Ministries

University Ministry*

Worship and Music Studies

Youth, Children, and Family Ministries

MUSIC DEGREES

Music Production

• Producer

• Recording Arts Technology

Music Technology

PSYCHOLOGY DEGREES

Psychology

• Counseling Studies

• Cultural Psychology

• General Psychology

• Marriage and Family Studies

• Organizational Psychology

• Research

• School Psychology

Sociology*

SCIENCE AND HEALTH DEGREES

Biology

• Animal Biology

• General Science

• Pre-Health

• Pre-Medicine

Chemistry*

Environmental Science

• Natural Science

Exercise Science BA

Exercise Science BS

Health Science AA

Nursing

TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA, AND DESIGN DEGREES

Art*

Audio Production

Audio Production Technology*

Computer Science BA

Computer Science BS

Graphic Design*

Music Production

Music Technology

User Experience Design

Video Game Design

Video Game Development

• Game Programming

• Game UX

Video Production

*Minor

We offer a wide variety of career-focused academic programs, each one designed to uniquely prepare you for your chosen field. For a complete list of majors, minors, and concentrations, visit northwestu.edu/programs .