NNU vs. Saint Benedict

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID with College of Saint Benedict in Saint Joseph, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwest Nazarene University is larger than Saint Benedict based on total student enrollment (1,635 students vs. 1,429 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest Nazarene University is located in Nampa, ID (Small City setting); College of Saint Benedict is in Saint Joseph, MN (Small Suburban setting).
• Northwest Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. College of Saint Benedict is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest Nazarene University 14:1; College of Saint Benedict 11:1.

NNU vs. Saint Benedict Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NNU or Saint Benedict? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at College of Saint Benedict than NNU ($28,400 vs. $30,178).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest Nazarene University are 3.8% lower than at College of Saint Benedict ($12,070 vs. $12,550).
• College of Saint Benedict is 36.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than NNU (about $14,962 more per year; $55,756.00 vs. $40,794.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.7% higher at Saint Benedict than at Northwest Nazarene University (about $14,962 more per year; $55,756.00 vs. $40,794.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of Saint Benedict than at Northwest Nazarene University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of Saint Benedict students is 59.3% larger than aid received by Northwest Nazarene University students ($40,048 vs. $25,146).

NNU vs. Saint Benedict Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NNU or Saint Benedict? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Saint Benedict and NNU.

• Northwest Nazarene University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of Saint Benedict (1140) is 20 points higher than at NNU (1120).
• Incoming NNU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Saint Benedict).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 1005/1240; College of Saint Benedict 1048/1233.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 22/27; College of Saint Benedict 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NNU - Open admission; Saint Benedict - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NNU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Saint Benedict students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at NNU (3.59).
• Saint Benedict has a higher acceptance rate (91.5%) than NNU (64.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at NNU vs. 21.6% at Saint Benedict.

NNU vs. Saint Benedict Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NNU and Saint Benedict? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• College of Saint Benedict's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Northwest Nazarene University's (52%).
• Graduates from College of Saint Benedict earn a median of about $10,700 more per year than NNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $43,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwest Nazarene University graduates have a $343 lower median loan debt than Saint Benedict graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,343).
• Among borrowers, NNU graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saint Benedict graduates ($268 vs. $272).
• More Saint Benedict graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NNU students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 66%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.