NNU vs. W&J

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID with Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwest Nazarene University is larger than W&J based on total student enrollment (1,635 students vs. 1,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest Nazarene University is located in Nampa, ID (Small City setting); Washington & Jefferson College is in Washington, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Northwest Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington & Jefferson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest Nazarene University 14:1; Washington & Jefferson College 11:1.

NNU vs. W&J Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NNU or W&J? 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 Washington & Jefferson College than NNU ($22,702 vs. $30,178).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest Nazarene University are 17.9% lower than at Washington & Jefferson College ($12,070 vs. $14,710).
• Northwest Nazarene University is 38.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than W&J (about $11,402 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $29,392.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.8% higher at NNU than at Washington & Jefferson College (about $11,402 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $29,392.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington & Jefferson College than at Northwest Nazarene University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwest Nazarene University students is 24.8% larger than aid received by Washington & Jefferson College students ($25,146 vs. $20,152).

NNU vs. W&J Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NNU or W&J? 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 W&J and NNU.

• Northwest Nazarene University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington & Jefferson College (1130) is 10 points higher than at NNU (1120).
• Incoming NNU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at W&J).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 1005/1240; Washington & Jefferson College 1010/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 22/27; Washington & Jefferson College 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NNU - Open admission; W&J - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NNU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NNU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at W&J (3.54).
• W&J has a higher acceptance rate (80.6%) than NNU (64.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at NNU vs. 12.6% at W&J.

NNU vs. W&J Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NNU and W&J? 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).

• Washington & Jefferson College's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Northwest Nazarene University's (52%).
• Graduates from Washington & Jefferson College earn a median of about $13,900 more per year than NNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 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 W&J graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NNU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than W&J graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More W&J graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NNU students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.