by our College Data Analytics TeamIs NWC worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
NWC is ranked #2,192 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of F. Within Iowa, it ranks #44 of 48 for value.
Among the majors NWC offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Teacher Education | #50 of 55 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #87 of 185 |
| Secondary Education | #303 of 404 |
| Early Childhood Education | #367 of 446 |
| Accounting / Finance | #488 of 693 |
| Accounting | #488 of 693 |
| Elementary Education | #522 of 681 |
| Athletic Training | #524 of 757 |
| Teacher Education Grade Specific | #601 of 789 |
| Registered Nursing | #687 of 966 |
Read the full NWC value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
Northwestern College is ranked #10 out of #51 in Iowa for quality and #44 out of #48 for Iowa value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the NWC financial aid page to be sure.
Northwestern College is ranked #2,192 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Northwestern College is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at NWC costs about $26,626. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $106,505 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $49,884 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $25,907 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $26,626 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $106,505 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about NWC net price and the factors that affect it.
What NWC costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a NWC degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $199,536 | — | — |
| All Students | $106,505 | #2,192 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $103,628 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $199,536 | — | — |
| All Students | $106,505 | #44 | D |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $103,628 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at NWC shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $21,342 |
| $30K–$48K | $22,811 |
| $48K–$75K | $20,674 |
| $75K–$110K | $21,234 |
| Over $110K | $26,036 |
About 97% of NWC undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $23,305 per year. Get more details on the NWC financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average NWC cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.