NNU vs. St. Mary's University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID with St. Mary's University in San Antonio, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

St. Mary's University is larger than NNU based on total student enrollment (3,456 students vs. 1,635 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest Nazarene University is located in Nampa, ID (Small City setting); St. Mary's University is in San Antonio, TX (Large City setting).
• Northwest Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. St. Mary's University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest Nazarene University 14:1; St. Mary's University 11:1.

NNU vs. St. Mary's University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NNU or St. Mary's University? 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 St. Mary's University than NNU ($20,412 vs. $30,178).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest Nazarene University are 6.4% lower than at St. Mary's University ($12,070 vs. $12,894).
• Northwest Nazarene University is 9% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Mary's University (about $3,360 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $37,434.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9% higher at NNU than at St. Mary's University (about $3,360 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $37,434.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at St. Mary's University than at Northwest Nazarene University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by St. Mary's University students is 9.2% larger than aid received by Northwest Nazarene University students ($27,464 vs. $25,146).

NNU vs. St. Mary's University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NNU or St. Mary's University? 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 St. Mary's University and NNU.

• Northwest Nazarene University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwest Nazarene University (1120) is 10 points higher than at St. Mary's University (1110).
• Incoming NNU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at St. Mary's University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 1005/1240; St. Mary's University 900/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 22/27; St. Mary's University 15/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NNU - Open admission; St. Mary's University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NNU Aug 15, 2027; St. Mary's University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman St. Mary's University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at NNU (3.59).
• St. Mary's University has a higher acceptance rate (97.8%) than NNU (64.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at NNU vs. 12.6% at St. Mary's University.

NNU vs. St. Mary's University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NNU and St. Mary's University? 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).

• St. Mary's University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Northwest Nazarene University's (52%).
• Graduates from St. Mary's University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than NNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,000 vs. $43,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwest Nazarene University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than St. Mary's University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NNU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Mary's University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More NNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Mary's University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 59%)

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.