Office of Financial Aid
208.467.8638
financialaid@nnu.edu
Admissions & Aid
Financial Aid
Financial Aid
100% of NNU students receive scholarships and/or grants!
The purpose of financial aid is to bridge the gap between what you and your family can afford and the total cost of your education. We encourage each student to apply for financial aid and pursue every possible resource, including scholarships, grants, loans and employment.
To see what your estimated cost might be, use our Net Price Calculator.
How To Make NNU Affordable
College is a major investment, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to attend. Just like any other four-year liberal arts university, NNU’s cost before aid can seem intimidating at first—until you understand that your actual cost is usually far less.
Fast Facts
Total NNU Grants and Scholarships Awarded in 23-24
%
Less Student Loan Debt than the National Average*
Average Financial Aid Award for Incoming Students
%
Students Receiving Scholarships and/or Grants
*Averages: NNU = $27,799, U.S. = $37,338.
Merit Scholarships - Fall 2025 Applicants
Note: Students admitted with a GPA below 3.0 still qualify for a merit scholarship. Consult with your Admissions Counselor for more information.
To see what your cost estimate might be, use our Net Price Calculator
Cost Before Aid: $52,864 per year
This is the total cost of first-time undergraduates, including $40,794 in tuition & fees and $12,070 for meals & housing.
But…
For most NNU families, that’s not the price they actually pay! Scholarships and grants bring down the cost.
Cost After Aid: $27,000 per year
This could be your “out-of-pocket” cost for everything: tuition, fees, meals and housing! Keep in mind that student loans could reduce this number.
Steps to Apply
Apply and Be Accepted to NNU
The first step to getting financial aid from Northwest Nazarene University is to apply for admission to the University. After you have applied and been accepted, the NNU Office of Financial Aid will review your application, GPA, test scores and FAFSA to determine aid eligibility. If you have already applied and been accepted to NNU, please proceed to the next step.
Note: Your Application for Admission also serves as your application for Financial Aid at NNU, there is not a separate institutional form for this.
Fill Out the FAFSA
The FAFSA helps NNU determine a student’s need and eligibility for federal grants and loans by evaluating your family’s financial ability to pay for college. You may submit the application online by signing it with the Federal Student Aid ID assigned to you and/or your parent. (Apply for an FSA ID)
NNU’s school code is 001624. Note that you do not have to wait for acceptance from NNU to apply using our school code.
Accept and Finalize Your Award
After you receive your first Financial Aid Award Notification, log in to your NNU Admissions Status Page where you’ll find all the information you need regarding your award. Click on “Financial Aid” and then “Financial Aid Awards.” You’ll be able to accept or decline any award amounts listed on your financial aid award letter. Any new aid added will show in a “Hold” status until you accept the award.
Key Terms
Scholarships
Money for college you don’t have to pay back, based on your merits (academic, athletic or other talents).
Grants
Also money for college you don’t have to pay back, based on your financial need (household income).
Federal Student Loans
This is money you do have to pay back plus interest, but over a long time with very reasonable monthly payments.
Types of Aid
Grants & scholarships
We’re committed to keeping quality education accessible for students from all economic backgrounds, and one way we do that is through scholarships (based on merit) and grants (based on need). The good news is that neither has to be paid back—ever! In fact, the majority of first-time NNU students qualify for scholarships and/or grants!
Federal Grants & Loans
Federal student grants provide financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid, based on financial need. Federal student loans offer low-interest loans to students and parents to help cover the cost of higher education, with repayment required.
Private Loans
If you need additional funding to supplement your financial aid package, private student loans offered by lending institutions are an option. They are not part of the federal government’s Direct Loan program.
Graduate Financial Aid
Financial aid for graduate students begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After you have applied, been accepted and completed your FAFSA, the NNU Office of Financial Aid will review your FAFSA to determine aid eligibility.
The Value of an NNU Degree
Northwest Nazarene University was recognized as a Best Value School in the 2022-2023 academic year by U.S. News & World Report.
Northwest Nazarene University is the only university in Idaho awarded as a College of Distinction for 2023-2024.
Northwest Nazarene University is the only university in Idaho awarded as a Niche Best College for 2023-2024.
How is NNU different? With a degree from Northwest Nazarene University, you’ll get:
- Comprehensive Academic Opportunities: With over 80 areas of study to choose from, you’ll receive an education taught by supportive professors with real-world experience starting your very first year.
- Affordable Private Education: With competitive tuition rates and extensive financial aid, NNU provides the value of a private Christian education at a cost comparable to public universities.
- Dynamic Student Experience: Get involved in athletics, music, the arts and more, without sacrificing your academic aspirations—at NNU, you don’t have to choose just one.
- Supportive Community: You’ll be a part of a vibrant, diverse community focused on growth, mutual respect and spiritual transformation.
- Exceptional Outcomes and Opportunities: NNU graduates have strong career placement rates in fields like nursing, engineering and education, with many working at top organizations like NASA, Google and Boeing. You’ll be equipped for success in whatever career you choose.
