My student is interested in NNU. Where do we even start?

We know the college search can be overwhelming, but you are off to a great start! The first thing you and your student need to do is identify what it is you want in a college or university and then start researching--which clearly you are doing! Once you’ve done your research, you should narrow it down to the top two or three universities that best meet your criteria and then encourage your student to complete an application and schedule a visit! We would love to talk with you and answer your questions. Please contact us at admissions@nnu.edu.

How should I, as a parent, support my student during the application process?

Each student will be different in how involved they want you to be throughout the process so take the lead from them. In general, you can support your student by helping them figure out what they want in a university, researching schools with them, editing applications and essays for them, helping them get registered for the SAT/ACT, completing a FAFSA and accompanying them on visits to their top schools. Finally, you will play an important role as a sounding board as they narrow down to their top choice.

What timeline should we be following? What are important dates I need to know?

This College Planning Checklist gives you a great guide to keep you on track. Here are a few of the key dates you need to know:

• Applications open for submission Aug. 1st
• Early Action Deadline is Nov. 1st
• Priority FAFSA Deadline is Jan. 15th
• Priority FAFSA Deadline is Jan. 15th
• Priority FAFSA Deadline is Jan. 15th

What classes should my student be taking in high school to get ahead at NNU?

We know that a lot of students are looking to get a head start to college. We encourage students to look into the concurrent college credit and/or AP classes offered at their high school and consider taking classes that can help fulfill basic general ed courses. Contact admissions or registrar’s office to see how certain classes will transfer to NNU or look at the Transfer equivalency system on our website.

Will my student’s dual/concurrent credit transfer to NNU?

The majority of your student’s dual/concurrent credits should transfer to NNU. To see how they transfer, contact admissions or registrar’s office or look at the Transfer equivalency system on our website.

Does NNU prefer my student take the SAT or ACT?

We don’t have a preference on which test your student decides to take. Some students do better on one versus the other, so sometimes taking both is beneficial because we can use the highest score for determining merit-based aid. Additionally, with the current situation, we are also accepting the Classic Learning Test (CLT). This exam can be taken from your home, costs $54 and you receive your score the same day you complete the test. Click here to learn more and register.

How has COVID-19 impacted the application process?

We know that the ability to take standardized tests, such as SAT and ACT have certainly been impacted, but we are working with it. It appears that both the SAT and ACT will likely be offered this fall. Additionally, there is another test that we accept! The CLT can be taken from your home. It costs $54 and you receive your score the same day you complete the test. Click here to learn more and register.

In addition, while students currently are unable to meet with admissions counselors face-to-face, they are standing at the ready to guide you through your admissions process. Please set up a time to chat with an admissions counselor or email us at admissions@nnu.edu.

I keep hearing the terms sticker price and net price. What’s the difference?

The sticker price is the price that universities use as a baseline for tuition and all additional charges before any scholarships or financial aid is applied. The net price is what a student can expect to pay after all scholarships and financial aid is applied. It is especially important to understand the differences between these because there may be a significant difference in the sticker price of two universities but very little difference between their net prices. The majority of private schools who have higher sticker prices also offer more scholarships and financial aid which results in very competitive net prices. When weighing your options, make sure you consider the net prices instead of the sticker prices.

What scholarships does NNU offer? How many of those are renewable?

NNU offers a wide variety of scholarships including merit-based awards, athletic awards, denominational awards, departmental awards, talent awards and need-based awards, most of which are renewable. Click here to learn more.

How can we make NNU affordable?

Financial aid is designed to help bridge the gap between the cost of a college education and what you are able to pay. There is a plethora of financial aid including grants, scholarships, and loans that are available to help. Additionally, there are opportunities for students to earn work-study and free or reduced room and board through certain campus positions. The best place to start is to complete your FAFSA at fafsa.gov as early as possible so you can get all of the aid for which you are qualified.

If my student wants to take a gap year, how will that affect financial aid?

It will depend upon what they do during their gap year. If they earn any college credits after graduating from high school or have any major changes to their family income, their aid offer will likely be impacted. Students will need to complete a new FAFSA in the year prior to beginning college which will determine what their actual aid will be. However, if they do not earn college credits and their income is similar during their gap year, their financial aid likely won’t be impacted significantly.

Should my student attend a local community college and then transfer to NNU?

Although a lot of parents and students think this is a great cost-saving measure, it may actually end up costing more in the long run. First-time freshman award packages tend to be very generous (with much of the aid being renewable during their time here). If a student transfers in, they are not eligible for the same award package that first-time freshmen are which often results in lesser aid. Additionally, several programs require pre-requisite classes which could put your student behind once they do transfer. In some cases, this may require an extra semester to complete their program (which leads to additional expenses). If your student chooses to pursue community college first, make sure you do your research and are talking with your admission counselor to ensure that the courses your student is taking will transfer and fulfill the requirements they will need.

How safe/secure is the campus and residence halls?

NNU takes the safety and security of the NNU community very seriously. Campus safety officers are available and patrol the campus 24-7. All residence halls require key card entry and are monitored by individuals working the front desk.

What health resources are available on campus?

NNU has an on-campus Health and Wellness Center that provides professional counseling and health services to support our students’ health, development and success. It offers a walk-in clinic, health services, counseling, health insurance and community education through peer health mentors and educators. Visits are free of charge.

Are students required to live on campus?

The majority of NNU students choose to live on campus with over 90% of our freshman living in on-campus residence halls and over 75% of our upper-classmen choosing to stay in our on-campus apartments. See some of the benefits of on-campus living here: https://www.nnu.edu/students/undergraduate/experience-nnu/dorms-housing

Please contact your admissions counselor if you would like to talk further about living off-campus.

What is included in the dorm rooms?

Each room has AC/heat and arrangeable, adjustable furniture including beds, desks and storage space. There are bathrooms, laundry facilities, lobbies, a kitchen facility, a TV room and study rooms dispersed throughout each hall.

What items aren't allowed in the dorm rooms?

Students are not allowed to have weapons, firearms, or explosives, open flames (i.e candles), blenders, hot plates or toaster ovens, tape on walls, animals (other than a common goldfish) or drugs or alcohol in their rooms.