NNU vs. Pacific

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID with Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pacific University is larger than NNU based on total student enrollment (3,427 students vs. 1,635 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest Nazarene University is located in Nampa, ID (Small City setting); Pacific University is in Forest Grove, OR (Large Suburban setting).
• Northwest Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest Nazarene University 14:1; Pacific University 10:1.

NNU vs. Pacific Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NNU or Pacific? 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 Northwest Nazarene University than Pacific ($30,178 vs. $35,235).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest Nazarene University are 22.7% lower than at Pacific University ($12,070 vs. $15,620).
• Pacific University is 38.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than NNU (about $15,580 more per year; $56,374.00 vs. $40,794.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.2% higher at Pacific than at Northwest Nazarene University (about $15,580 more per year; $56,374.00 vs. $40,794.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwest Nazarene University than at Pacific University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific University students is 47.7% larger than aid received by Northwest Nazarene University students ($37,139 vs. $25,146).

NNU vs. Pacific Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NNU or Pacific? 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 Pacific and NNU.

• Northwest Nazarene University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwest Nazarene University (1120) is 50 points higher than at Pacific (1070).
• Incoming NNU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Pacific).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 1005/1240; Pacific University 900/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 22/27; Pacific University 18/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NNU - Open admission; Pacific - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NNU Aug 15, 2027; Pacific Aug 25, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Pacific students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at NNU (3.59).
• Pacific has a higher acceptance rate (89.6%) than NNU (64.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at NNU vs. 13.1% at Pacific.

NNU vs. Pacific Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NNU and Pacific? 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).

• Pacific University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Northwest Nazarene University's (52%).
• Graduates from Pacific University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than NNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,800 vs. $43,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwest Nazarene University graduates have a $156 lower median loan debt than Pacific graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,156).
• Among borrowers, NNU graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pacific graduates ($268 vs. $270).
• More Pacific graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NNU students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.