University of Northwestern-St Paul
Saint Paul, Minnesota · Private Nonprofit · 93.5% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 47/100 · Below Average Value
University of Northwestern-St Paul, a Christian (evangelical) private-nonprofit in the Twin Cities, scores 47 -- Below Average Value, but with several genuinely strong underlying metrics that elevate the case relative to most poor-value-tier privates. The two standout sub-scores are completion (75 out of 100, with 68.1% finishing) and repayment (87, with 85.3% paying down principal at three years). These suggest UNW does meaningful persistence and post-graduation support work. Where the school struggles is earnings: median earnings of $35,200 at six years and $50,755 at ten years against $21,325 median debt produce a 0.606 debt-to-earnings ratio and a 15.9-year payback period. Sticker tuition is $37,920, with net price $27,705 -- the net price exceeds the $21,325 median debt, indicating substantial out-of-pocket family contribution beyond loans. Four-year total cost is $110,820. Pell rate of 15.7% is low -- middle- to upper-middle-income student body. The Bible/Biblical Studies program is the largest by a wide margin (167 graduates), so the institutional earnings average reflects a heavy ministry-track student body more than program quality across STEM and business tracks (which actually post B grades).
The data raises concerns about University of Northwestern-St Paul
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- Payback period15.9 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
University of Northwestern-St Paul
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $37,920/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $37,920/yr |
| Average net price | $27,705/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $110,820 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,755 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $35,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,325 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $226 |
| Estimated payback period | 15.9 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 68.1% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,442 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Northwestern-St Paul is $37,920/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $27,705/year, or roughly $110,820 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $26,696/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $31,348/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,325 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $226 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $50,755 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.61 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $26,696 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,884 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,689 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,267 |
| $110,001+ | $31,348 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families under $30,000 pay $26,696 net -- substantial despite Pell. Four-year cost is over $106,700, against $50,755 in 10-year median earnings. The math is hard even at the best-priced bracket: four-year cost more than doubles 10-year earnings.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income families ($48,001-$75,000) pay $21,689 -- actually less than the $30,001-$48,000 bracket's $23,884 and the under-$30K bracket's $26,696. That is an unusual inverted pattern where middle-income pays the least; likely reflects strong institutional merit aid for middle-income students. Four-year cost is roughly $86,800, still well above 10-year earnings.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
The $75,001-$110,000 bracket pays $25,267, jumping sharply to $31,348 for $110,000+ families. Net price doubles between middle-income and top-tier. Four-year cost at the top is $125,400. For high-income families this is essentially a values-driven full-pay decision; the financial math depends entirely on choosing high-ROI majors like nursing or accounting.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Northwestern-St Paul with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Bible/Biblical Studies | $51,761 | C |
| Registered Nursing | $78,661 | B |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $68,086 | B |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | $47,802 | C |
| Psychology | $46,555 | C |
| Teacher Education | $45,195 | C |
| Biology | $31,547 | D |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $46,885 | D |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $50,708 | C |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $48,082 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Bible/Biblical Studies
Bible/Biblical Studies is the largest program by far at 167 graduates earning $41,123 in year one and $51,761 by year four against $24,500 debt -- a 0.596 debt-to-earnings ratio and C grade. Reasonable earnings for a ministry-track credential reflect graduates moving into church staff, parachurch, and Christian-nonprofit administration roles. PSLF eligibility helps debt management.
Registered Nursing
Nursing produces 54 graduates earning $75,121 in year one and $78,661 by year four against $31,000 debt (0.413 ratio, B grade). Twin Cities healthcare market (Allina, Fairview, HealthPartners) drives strong starting wages. Solid mid-tier nursing pipeline with reliable placement.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration produces 30 graduates earning $54,588 in year one and $68,086 by year four against $21,895 debt -- a 0.401 ratio and B grade. Solid Twin Cities corporate placement; the C-suite-feeder ratio puts this in the same band as comparable Minnesota privates.
Accounting
Accounting produces 7 graduates -- a small cohort -- earning $62,603 in year one and $77,128 by year four against $25,874 debt (0.413 ratio, B grade). CPA-track placement with Twin Cities regional accounting firms drives strong earnings. The small graduate count limits statistical significance but the outcomes are encouraging.
Theological and Ministerial Studies
Theological/Ministerial Studies produces 20 graduates earning $32,815 in year one and $47,802 by year four against $22,000 debt -- a 0.670 ratio and C grade. Solid four-year earnings growth reflects graduates moving into pastoral and parachurch leadership roles where PSLF eligibility supports debt management.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 83.4% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 85.3% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 81.7% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 86.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 93.5% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 438-663 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 430-608 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 20-28 |
| Enrollment | 1,442 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 15.7% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $6,608 |
UNW admits 93.5% of applicants -- broadly accessible. SAT mid-ranges (Math 438-663, Reading 430-608) and ACT 20-28 reflect a wide academic band with a competitive 75th-percentile cohort. The 68.1% completion rate is strong for a school with this admit rate -- well above peer privates -- suggesting UNW supports admitted students effectively through to a degree. Prepared applicants face nearly automatic admission with reasonable odds of finishing.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
UNW's peer set is well-targeted: Augsburg (MN Lutheran), Bethany Lutheran (MN small Lutheran), Delaware Valley (PA), William Jessup (CA Christian), and Bridgewater (VA Mennonite/Brethren). The closest mission peers are William Jessup and Bridgewater -- both evangelical small privates with similar enrollment scale. Against this peer band, UNW's 47 score is mid-pack; its completion and repayment numbers are at the high end of the group, while earnings track the ministry-college pattern.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Northwestern-St Paul (this school) | 47 | $27,705 | $50,755 |
| Augsburg University | 53 | $23,873 | $58,829 |
| Bridgewater College | 49 | $17,800 | $53,453 |
| Delaware Valley University | 46 | $28,278 | $55,838 |
| William Jessup University | 45 | $28,062 | $56,257 |
| Bethany Lutheran College | 35 | $20,148 | $46,110 |
Who Thrives Here
UNW fits Christian students from across the upper Midwest drawn to a 1,442-student evangelical liberal-arts environment, especially future ministry workers, teachers, nurses, business professionals, and Christian media-and-communication professionals. Pell rate of 15.7% is unusually low -- mostly middle- and upper-middle-class students who can carry net price out of pocket. The institutional outcomes are strongest in nursing, accounting, and business administration; weakest in arts and humanities. Best fit for students with clear faith-and-career plans willing to invest substantially.
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for University of Northwestern-St Paul is mixed. At $27,705 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $50,755 ten years after entry - a payback period of 15.9 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Key strengths include a 68.1% graduation rate, high loan repayment success. However, the data also shows weak earnings relative to cost and a long payback period.
Median debt of $21,325 against $50,755 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.