- Northwestern College is about preparing people well and quickly for a lifetime of opportunities. The faculty and staff at Northwestern College are committed to providing an excellent learning environment supported by outstanding student service and satisfaction. Northwestern College is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the College community.
School Highlights
Northwestern College serves 1,035 students (36% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the state community college average of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 91% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 53%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 1,035 students
- Private-state tuition: $17,010
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Student:teacher ratio: 12:1
- Minority enrollment: 91%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Northwestern College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
School Resources
Completion Rates
School Overview
The teacher population of 86 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Northwestern College
(IL) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Special Focus Four-Year: Other Health Professions Schools
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Nontraditional
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private for-profit
Public
Total Faculty
86 staff
227 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Northwestern College has grown by 67% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 has increased from 7:1 over five years.
The Northwestern College diversity score of 0.51 is less than the state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has declined by 25% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,035 students
3,270 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
21:1
# Full-Time Students
371 students
1,007 students
# Part-Time Students
664 students
2,747 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
103 students
328 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
371 students
1,007 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
43 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
664 students
3,310 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
18 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
132 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
1%
6%
% Hispanic
22%
26%
% Black
66%
13%
% White
9%
47%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
n/a
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
1%
4%
Diversity Score
0.51
0.69
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
20%
30.59%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
0.38%
0.38%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$31,800
$31,800
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The private state tuition of $17,010 is more than the state average of $14,511. The private state tuition has declined by 7% over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$17,010
$14,511
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
100%
82%
Median Debt for Graduates
$16,917
$8,187
Median Debt for Dropouts
$9,500
$4,618
Acceptance Rate
100%
89%
SAT Reading
n/a
390
SAT Math
n/a
360
SAT Writing
n/a
355
ACT Composite
n/a
17
ACT English
n/a
17
ACT Math
n/a
17
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Northwestern College cost?
Northwestern College's private state tuition is approximately $17,010.
What is the acceptance rate of Northwestern College?
The acceptance rate of Northwestern College is 100%, which is higher than the state average of 89%.
What is Northwestern College's ranking?
Northwestern College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Illinois for: Average community college minority breakdown, Percent of students receiving financial aid and Highest completion rates.
Recent Articles
Careers: Broadcasting
Take advantage of career opportunities in the field of radio broadcasting by starting your training at your local community college.
Unlocking Airport Career Opportunities: Your Guide to Ground Jobs
Discover the diverse range of ground jobs at mid-size U.S. airports, their educational requirements, and how community colleges can prepare you for these exciting careers.
Adult Learners: Upgrading Your Skills
We offer straightforward advice on identifying transferable skills, exploring job opportunities, leveraging community resources, and embracing lifelong learning. With relatable examples and encouragement, this guide aims to empower readers to navigate the job market confidently and successfully transition into new careers.