NNU vs. WLC

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID with Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwest Nazarene University is larger than WLC based on total student enrollment (1,635 students vs. 1,027 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest Nazarene University is located in Nampa, ID (Small City setting); Wisconsin Lutheran College is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Northwest Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest Nazarene University 14:1; Wisconsin Lutheran College 11:1.

NNU vs. WLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NNU or WLC? 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 Wisconsin Lutheran College than NNU ($24,095 vs. $30,178).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest Nazarene University are 1.5% lower than at Wisconsin Lutheran College ($12,070 vs. $12,250).
• Northwest Nazarene University is 13% more expensive for in-state tuition than WLC (about $4,684 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $36,110.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13% higher at NNU than at Wisconsin Lutheran College (about $4,684 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $36,110.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wisconsin Lutheran College than at Northwest Nazarene University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwest Nazarene University students is 2.1% larger than aid received by Wisconsin Lutheran College students ($25,146 vs. $24,624).

NNU vs. WLC Admissions comparison

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

• Northwest Nazarene University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwest Nazarene University (1120) is 20 points higher than at WLC (1100).
• Incoming WLC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at NNU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 1005/1240; Wisconsin Lutheran College 970/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 22/27; Wisconsin Lutheran College 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NNU - Open admission; WLC - Test optional.
• 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 WLC (3.54).
• WLC has a higher acceptance rate (78.2%) than NNU (64.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at NNU vs. 20.2% at WLC.

NNU vs. WLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NNU and WLC? 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).

• Wisconsin Lutheran College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Northwest Nazarene University's (52%).
• Graduates of Northwest Nazarene University and WLC have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($43,000 vs. $43,000), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than NNU graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, WLC graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NNU graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More WLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NNU students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.