Northwest Christian University (NCU) has enrolled the largest freshman class and posted the ninth consecutive year of record overall enrollment in the Christian Liberal Arts University’s 124-year history. It is the thirteenth year out of the past fourteen, that NCU has experienced fall enrollment growth over the previous school year.
“Students come to NCU because they want a meaningful education that integrates strong academic programs and a campus life that is grounded in wisdom, faith and service,” said Joseph D. Womack, Ed.D., the University’s president. “We are pleased that more and more students and their families continue to choose NCU for their undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree education.”
The 2019-’20 freshman class topped 113 students, 13 more than the previous school year and a third consecutive year of 100 students or more in the freshman class, including 38% from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds.
NCU’s freshman class holds the record for the highest average high school graduation grade point average, 3.47, and average SAT test score at 1077. Thirty-eight percent of the class is from out of state, 37% are non-white, 61% are female and 39% are male. Incoming traditional undergraduates hail from Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, New Jersey, Nevada, Oregon,Tennessee, Texas, Washington as well as Mexico, Germany, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Italy, Kenya, Canada, & Norway.
NCU’s overall enrollment of 805 students includes 389 undergraduates, 213 graduate students, 170 adult degree program students (degree completion), and 33-nondegree seeking students.
“NCU is the best choice for student’s who desire strong community, a mentoring faculty and staff, a very strong co-curricular experience, and an emphasis on practical education that prepares them for the workforce,’ said Michael Fuller, M.S., Vice President for Enrollment and Student Development. “In addition, 92% of our undergraduates graduate within four years, saving precious resources required for a fifth year or more of study.”
NCU students graduate with a minimum of 135 hours of internship or field experience. In addition, 83% of NCU graduates work in their field of study within six months of graduation.
According to information from the College Scorecard, NCU has the lowest average annual cost for Oregon regionally accredited undergraduate universities. In addition, EdSmart.com ranks NCU among Oregon’s best colleges and universities for affordability and value. Also, NCU is designated a Military Friendly university by Military Friendly®.