Northwest Nazarene University
Northwest Nazarene University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Northwest Nazarene University at a Glance
Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) is a private Nazarene university in Nampa, Idaho.
1913
113 years old
$40M
US$40 million
1,774
1,068 undergrad · 618 grad
Identity
Is Northwest Nazarene University Worth It?
At a value score of 29/100, Northwest Nazarene University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $51,719 — 4% below average — while paying $29,580/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.3-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 65% graduation rate means roughly 35% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Northwest Nazarene University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Northwest Nazarene University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #49 of 111 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #3 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #4 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #5 | Saint Vincent College | 45 | $23,510 | $59,982 |
| #6 | Carroll College | 44 | $23,960 | $61,772 |
| #49 | Northwest Nazarene University | 29 | $29,580 | $51,719 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Northwest Nazarene University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Northwest Nazarene University
The highest-earning program at Northwest Nazarene University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $61,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $32,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Northwest Nazarene University earns $61,900, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $32,500. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $27,168 in median debt vs. $24,500 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $29,580/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $61,900 | $61,900 | $27,168 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $38,000 | $38,000 | $23,543 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $32,500 | $32,500 | $24,500 |
Similar Colleges in ID
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Nampa, ID
- Student Body
- 1,024 students
- Admission Rate
- 65%
- Graduation Rate
- 65%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $29,580
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,719
- Median Student Debt
- $23,750