2020–2021 ACADEMIC YEAR
FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
T N E D I S E R P U N R U O
Dear students and parents, Economic studies consistently prove that, in general, higher education offers a strong financial return to students in the form of eventual careers. But that is only part of the story. During their time at Northwest University, students become deeper, more well-rounded human beings with a rigorous education that includes literature, science, history, arts, theology, and philosophy. More importantly, these are all presented within the context of a Christian worldview. Here, students are well prepared for careers and for life—both this one and the next. To help you take full advantage of all that is offered, we’ve created this handbook. It outlines the scholarships, loans, and grants that are available to you, as well as the application process and deadlines for each one. Our Student Financial Services personnel consider their work as a calling from God to serve students. If you have any questions about paying for your education, please don’t hesitate to call us. With prayers for provision for you, Joseph Castleberry, EdD President
I have been greatly blessed with the financial provision I have received here at NU. It is because of the athletic and academic scholarships and other aids that my schooling here is possible, and I could not be more thankful. K ATA R INA SA NCHE Z , S E N I O R
Coming from a single parent, low-income household, college was never on my radar. I visited Northwest with the hope that God was going to provide, to the exact cent, so that I could attend the college I felt called to. If it wasn’t for Northwest’s amazing financial aid program, I would not be here, studying what I feel called to and am so passionate about. Through the College of Ministry and leadership opportunities on campus, I received enough money to attend NU. After getting my financial aid package, I knew that Northwest was where God wanted me. And every year since then, NU has provided exactly what I needed. SYR A CAN TER, J U N I O R
As an 18-year-old who had to pay for college on my own, I was terrified at having to make a decision that could have detrimental effects on my future. I knew that God was calling me to attend NU, but I thought that attending a public school would be a much more affordable option for me. With the various scholarships offered to me at NU, I was able to follow His calling and confidently and proudly attend a school where I knew both my spiritual and academic well-being would be better off. JA K E FANK HAUSE R , S O P H O M O R E
S T N E D U T S OUR
T S O C OUR
T HE VA LU E O F O U R E DU CAT I O N When it comes to a private university education, the first question that most students ask is: What will it cost me? Price is one piece of the value equation, but there are other important factors to think about when choosing a university. At NU, we strive to deliver exceptional value. • You’ll thrive with excellent academics, spiritual vitality, and a location that is unmatched in career development and breathtaking beauty. • You’ll learn from professors who know you and are deeply committed to your success with our 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. • You’ll live in a close-knit community of students who love Christ, encourage your spiritual growth, and become friends for life. At NU, a quality Christian education is made more affordable by a variety of grants, scholarships, and loans. Let us put together a financial aid package just for you.
COSTS COMPARED TO OTHER PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN AREA
$54,276
HOUSEHOLD INCOME DISTRIBUTION FOR 2018–2019 STUDENTS RECEIVING FINANCIAL AID
$56,073 Unreported
1%
12
$120,000–$159,999
$0–$39,999
27 %
%
$42,920
$160,000+ 16%
21%
Northwest University
Local Private University 1
Local Private University 2
Costs include tuition and room and board for 2019–2020. Prices do not reflect student fees, books, personal expenses, etc.
23% $40,000–$79,999
$80,000–$119,999
TOTAL ENROLLMENT:
2,457
JOB PLACEMENT OR GRADUATE SCHOOL SIX MONTHS AFTER GRADUATING:
92%
NU HAS INCREASED SCHOLARSHIPS BY:
$2,000+ NU GRADUATES WHO SAY THEY WERE PREPARED FOR THEIR CAREER:
STUDENTS RECEIVING FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS:
93%
98%
AVERAGE GIFT AID FOR A FIRST-YEAR STUDENT: NU GRADUATES WHO ARE EMPLOYED IN A FIELD RELATED TO THEIR MAJOR:
76%
NU STUDENTS WHO HAVE PAID LOCAL INTERNSHIPS WHILE ENROLLED:
$22,790
88%
E U L A V OUR
L A I C N A N I S F N R O I T OU AID OP SCHOLARSHIPS Eligibility and Features President’s
Incoming freshman for fall semester. High school GPA of at least 3.75 and test score of 1300 SAT or 28 ACT. Renews annually.
Amount Full tuition
Academic Merit First-Year Students
Scholarships are determined by calculation of GPA and SAT or ACT scores. Renews annually. Provost: Dean: Faculty: Northwest:
$16,000 $14,000 $12,000 $8,000
Academic Merit Transfer Students
Scholarships are determined by transfer GPA. Renews annually. Provost Transfer: (3.60+ GPA) Dean Transfer: (3.30–3.599 GPA) Faculty Transfer: (3.0–3.299 GPA) Northwest Transfer: (2.50–2.999 GPA)
$12,000 $10,000 $8,000 $6,000
Application Process Invitation to Scholarship Competition.
Automatically awarded.
Automatically awarded.
Athletic
Athletes selected by NU coaches.
Varies
Contact coach.
Debate
Active participation on the NU debate team as selected by the debate coach.
Varies
Complete form on your submitted admission application.
District Youth Director nominates high school senior. One-time award.
$1,000
Nomination from DYD due by February 15.
Theatre
Active participation in the NU theatre program as selected by faculty.
Varies
Complete form on your submitted admission application.
NU Grant
Student with demonstrated financial need and academic potential. Eligible for renewal based on annual financial aid application and FAFSA.
Varies
Submit FAFSA.
Bible Quiz
Participation in a district, regional, or national competition. Renews with 3.0 GPA.
$1,000
Submit application by February 15.
Music
Recognized instrumental or vocal talent with active participation in a music ensemble as determined by music department faculty.
Varies
Live audition with faculty. Register on your submitted admission application.
Visit
New students who attend a scheduled visit or a Northwest Friday visit by February 15 of their senior year. One-time award.
$500
Visit Northwest by February 15.
District Youth Director
Scholarships: Awarded to students based on merit, talent, or need and do not need to be repaid. For a complete list, visit northwestu.edu/scholarships.
Grants: Awarded based on financial need. Do not need to be repaid. Loans: Borrowed money to help pay for your education. Payments are often postponed until after graduation.
Work Study: Money earned from part-time work at NU or off-campus employment.
GRANTS Eligibility and Features Federal Pell Grant Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) TEACH Washington College Grant College Bound
Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) Alternative Loans
Submit FAFSA.
Based on need from FAFSA. Limited funding.
$3,000
Submit FAFSA.
Education majors with 3.25+ GPA.
Approx. $4,000
Submit FAFSA and request grant. Visit studentaid.gov for more information.
Based on need from FAFSA. Student must be a non-ministry major. Parent and student must be eligible Washington state residents.
Varies
Submit FAFSA or WAFSA.
Eligibility based on Washington state requirements.
Varies
Submit FAFSA.
Amount
Application Process
Based on need from FAFSA. Payment and interest start six months after the last date of enrollment. Interest is subsidized by the government while in school.
Varies
Submit FAFSA.
Not based on need. Interest is not subsidized, but accrues while in school. Payment starts six months after last date of enrollment.
Varies
Submit FAFSA.
All dependent students. Not based on need. Parents can borrow on behalf of students based on credit eligibility. Interest is not subsidized.
Not based on need. Student loans made through a lending institution. Based on credit eligibility.
WORK STUDY Eligibility and Features Federal Work Study Washington State Work Study
Application Process
$657–$6,345 est. by federal government.
Based on need from FAFSA.
LOANS Eligibility and Features Federal Subsidized Direct Loan
Amount
Up to the cost of attendance, minus any other financial aid.
Submit FAFSA and apply at studentaid.gov.
Maximum amount determined by bank, but not to exceed cost of attendance minus other financial aid awards.
Apply with bank, receive bank approval, and complete paperwork with bank.
Amount
Application Process
Based on need from FAFSA. Student may find on-campus employment.
Varies
Submit FAFSA.
Based on need from FAFSA and must be a resident of the state of Washington. State Work Study is an off-campus employment program that supports part-time employment.
Varies
Submit FAFSA.
A P P LY STEP 1 Apply for admission at northwestu.edu/apply.
STEP 2 Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form as soon as possible. FAFSA is available October 1. fafsa.ed.gov FAFSA Code: 003783
W E B S I T E : northwestu.edu E M A I L : admissions@northwestu.edu P H O N E : 800-669-3781