University of Northwestern-St Paul

Saint Paul, MN

private nonprofitgraduate

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Quick Facts

1,495

Total Students

$37K

Tuition (In-State)

$37K

Tuition (Out-State)

$25K

Avg Net Price

92%

Acceptance Rate

68%

Graduation Rate

6-year

84%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Northwestern-St Paul

A Christian university with deep historical roots and a powerful media presence.

The University of Northwestern-St Paul stands as a testament to Christian higher education, evolving from a visionary Bible school to a comprehensive university. Founded in 1902 by the influential pastor William Bell Riley, its journey through the decades includes a significant period under the presidency of renowned evangelist Billy Graham from 1948 to 1952, cementing its legacy in faith-based learning.

Today, UNW is not just an academic institution but also a prominent media presence, owning and operating a chain of listener-supported Christian radio stations across the Midwest and Eastern United States. This unique blend of education and outreach provides students with distinctive opportunities and a vibrant community committed to spreading Christian values.

Academically, the university offers a robust liberal arts foundation, which was established in 1944 and became the core of its baccalaureate offerings. Students at UNW are welcomed into a distinct Christian community, where a commitment to the Declaration of Christian Community (DCC) guides campus life, fostering an environment rooted in shared faith and values. This commitment ensures an experience deeply integrated with the university's spiritual mission, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an education aligned with their Christian faith.

Key Highlights

✦Established in 1902 by influential pastor William Bell Riley.
✦Noted evangelist Billy Graham served as the second president from 1948 to 1952.
✦Operates a chain of Christian radio stations across the Midwest and Eastern United States.
✦Evolved from a Bible training school to a comprehensive liberal arts university.
✦Achieved accreditation in 1978, solidifying its academic standing after a period of closure.
✦Reorganized and officially renamed University of Northwestern-St Paul in 2013.
✦Fosters a distinct Christian community, requiring adherence to the Declaration of Christian Community.

Timeline

1902

Established as the "Northwestern Bible and Missionary Training School" by William Bell Riley.

1935

Northwestern Evangelical Seminary opened.

1944

College of Liberal Arts added.

1948

Billy Graham began his term as the school's second president.

1956

Seminary closed, Bible college subsumed into liberal arts, renamed "Northwestern College".

1966

School closed due to failure to earn accreditation from the North Central Association.

1972

School reopened after purchasing the former Nazareth Hall Preparatory Seminary.

1978

Accreditation received from the North Central Association.

2013

Reorganized as a university and renamed "University of Northwestern – St. Paul".

2016

Granted an exemption to Title IX for religious reasons, upholding its Declaration of Christian Community.

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within University of Northwestern-St Paul

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Northwestern Evangelical Seminary

Established in 1935, providing theological education before its closure in 1956 as the institution evolved.

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