NNU vs. MLC

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID with Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwest Nazarene University is larger than MLC based on total student enrollment (1,635 students vs. 878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest Nazarene University is located in Nampa, ID (Small City setting); Martin Luther College is in New Ulm, MN (Remote Town setting).
• Northwest Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Martin Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest Nazarene University 14:1; Martin Luther College 10:1.

NNU vs. MLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NNU or MLC? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Martin Luther College than NNU ($18,974 vs. $30,178).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Martin Luther College are 34.5% lower than at Northwest Nazarene University ($7,900 vs. $12,070).
• Northwest Nazarene University is 125.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than MLC (about $22,674 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $18,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 125.1% higher at NNU than at Martin Luther College (about $22,674 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $18,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Martin Luther College than at Northwest Nazarene University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwest Nazarene University students is 144.7% larger than aid received by Martin Luther College students ($25,146 vs. $10,276).

NNU vs. MLC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NNU or MLC? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between MLC and NNU.

• Northwest Nazarene University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Martin Luther College (1170) is 50 points higher than at NNU (1120).
• Incoming NNU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at MLC (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 1005/1240; Martin Luther College 1078/1256.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 22/27; Martin Luther College 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NNU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); MLC - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: NNU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NNU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at MLC (3.56).
• MLC has a higher acceptance rate (87.2%) than NNU (64.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at NNU vs. 88.3% at MLC.

NNU vs. MLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NNU and MLC? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Martin Luther College's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Northwest Nazarene University's (52%).
• Graduates from Northwest Nazarene University earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than MLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,000 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Martin Luther College graduates have a $2,875 lower median loan debt than NNU graduates ($23,125 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, MLC graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NNU graduates ($239 vs. $268).
• More MLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NNU students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 66%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.