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I attended Northwest Nazarene University from 2011-2015, after which I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. In Mathematics. In order to give a well-rounded review, I will discuss the three main categories of my experience: academic, social, and financial.

Academic Experience: 2/5
When I started my first year at NNU, I was a Math Education major. I was told that NNU is known for its excellent education program, but after one week of my education courses, I left the major and switched to mathematics.... Read More The entire first week of education classes consisted of teachers emphasizing to students that they shouldn鈥檛 be scared of the work outlined in the syllabi (which wasn鈥檛 even much for a full semester). I believe the intent was curb syllabus shock, but this felt extreme. One professor even went so far as to say, 鈥淚 will hold your hand through this.鈥� It felt belittling to say these things to the people who were going to be teaching the future. I was and still am of the opinion that every student at university should be challenged to learn and do hard things.

My experience marginally improved in the math major. At the very least, my classes were challenging and rigorous. My main disappointment is that the math department is small (two full-time professors) and as such, does not offer the varied math education that other institutions have. I was definitely not adequately prepared for a graduate degree in math, and I succeeded despite my education at NNU, not because of it. I would strongly advise against going to NNU if you want to major in STEM. The courses and facilities are too deficient when compared to other universities.

The last thing I鈥檒l say about my negative experience with the Academics at NNU was that I witnessed the Education Department Chair bully Math Department professors into changing the grades for two math-ed students who had failed every math class past Calculus 1 (about six math classes), so that they could graduate. The reasoning? 鈥淭hey won鈥檛 need to know this math if they鈥檙e just teaching high school.鈥�
NNU should be ashamed.

Social Experience: 2/5
I truly enjoyed the social scene at NNU for my first two years there. NNU has a student government that plans and hosts events throughout the year, many of them annual. I cannot speak to the party scene, however, because I didn鈥檛 attend a single party at NNU.
Something that anyone considering NNU should know, every student and professor has to sign a 鈥淟ifestyle Contract.鈥� This document explicitly states that while you attend NNU, you agree to not drink alcohol, have premarital sex, or engage in homosexual activity. They can and will expel you for breaking these rules.

Overall, my social experience at NNU was negative because of the people. The students and staff were all incredibly hypocritical. I can鈥檛 tell you the number of times I would see someone on stage talking about Christ鈥檚 healing love, only to watch them be pernicious to those around them the next day. My experience is only made worse by the campus events of 2015. I invite anyone reading this to google 鈥淧resident Alexander NNU鈥� and 鈥淒r. Oord NNU.鈥� My senior year memories are colored by the atrocious actions of NNU administration and the student unrest they caused. Again, NNU should be ashamed.

Financial Experience: 1/5
The last part of my review will discus my financial experience. As of right now, I am $100,000 in student debt, all of which comes from my time at NNU (plus interest). Despite going on to earn both a Master鈥檚 and Ph.D., I accrued no debt from those degrees because I went to a state school.

Currently, NNU鈥檚 annual cost is listed on their website as $45,500. Note that this includes Room + Board because they force students to live on campus. They also boast on their website that 鈥�39% of students graduate with no debt at all.鈥� I would like to give some context to this number.

Just like every other university, NNU had many students with wealthy parents. My best friend and roommate, in fact, is one of those students. She graduated with no debt because her parents and grandparents paid the balance every semester. However, NNU will make it sound as though scholarships and grants pay most of the cost. This is not true. I was a 4.0 student with high test scores. I was awarded the highest academic scholarship from NNU as well as other external grants and scholarships. I still have more than double the average American student debt.

Overall, my experience at NNU is wholly negative. Even if the cost to attend were cut in half, the academics and social scene would not be worth the money. Go to a different school. If you live in Idaho, I highly recommend Boise State University. I was a graduate student there for 6 years, and I have nothing but positive things to say about it.

Northwest Nazarene University allowed me opportunities to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually. From the classrooms, to the chapel, to the track course where I spent my time while pursuing a bachelors as a first generation college student, I felt a sense of belonging which I highly doubt I would have gotten anywhere else. Maybe this will not be your experience, and it shouldn't. You will have your own! I hope it is challenging, I hope it is rewarding, and I hope it exceeds your expectations.... Read More

Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) accepted me into their nursing program rather quickly, due to the competitiveness of the other local colleges. Overall, the campus is very beautiful, has a wonderful atmosphere, and has a highly recommended nursing program in the state of Idaho. The downfalls of the program is mandatory chapel 3 times a week, which can be reduced depending on need and if you did not live on campus. Otherwise, I'd recommend this program if you don't want to wait to get into Boise... Read More State or College of Western Idaho's nursing program.

After researching PhD programs for many years, it was amazing to find a university like NNU. My requirements for university were accessibility, supportive staff, and low cost. I was sold on the staff's supportive nature when I spoke with Dr. Heidi Curtis. She took the time to answer my questions, which some schools were unwilling to do. The professors to this point have all reflected the same friendly personality as Dr. Curtis. The program is mostly online with the exception of two trips to Nampa,... Read More ID. The first one is two days long, and the second is two weeks long. These fall into your first and second year respectively. Any authentic PhD program will require a on-site visits. As for cost, I have yet to find another regionally accredited program near the price of NNU. The requirements to get into the program are steep, but their 98% graduation rate was very appealing.

Northwest Nazarene University is one of a kind. This University is amazing. The faculty and staff really care for you and want you to succeed. They push you to reach your absolute full potential. Everybody on campus is very friendly. I'm from California and never heard of this University until I took a visit. Once I was on campus and met a few people, within minutes I fell in love with it and knew this was the place I wanted to attend. I highly recommend this University if you want to succeed and... Read More make lifelong friends.

Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) is located in the beautiful southwest corner of Idaho which is a high desert climate. During the moderate winters and beautifully hot summers (temperature ranges from 20-115 degrees with only a few inches of snowfall) students can enjoy the outdoors while completing studies. It is located along the Snake River plain and offers Bogus Basin ski area only 60 miles away. NNU provides degree seekers with class sizes of 15-25 students, faculty which is happily available... Read More for help with assignment or reviewing them before turning work in. Faculty is more concerned with student learning and is interested in allowing peer tutoring and guidance with their oversight. Some classes have been held off-campus as students were employed by a neighboring school district and met one night a week. NNU had the instructor travel to the students who met 15 miles away. The college still expected quality work and great attendance, but realized adults had day jobs and it was easier for one instructor to travel than have all 15 students travel. NNU also allowed students to share their findings from the action research project conducted in place of a thesis. Each student participated in a learning fair type of activity where posters were constructed and research shared from students' individual classroom action projects. Faculty was anxious to help teach and guide steps, but remained far enough away for students to struggle and learn on their own. During class discussions, all views were greatly appreciated and accepted, and faculty allowed for other students to ask questions. The faculty were more discussion facilitators than they were instructors. Northwest Nazarene University is a private university attached to the Nazarene church and therefore devotionals and prayers were given before each class started. These traditions were welcome as the instructor and students were aware of the help required from above for success. They acknowledged God and celebrated His blessings to students. I would recommend NNU to anyone considering a small hometown college feel with caring professionals to lead and guide learning. NNU is the place to learn and grow in all aspects.

I believe that my grad program is a great one. I participate in a cohort program that brings professors to rural areas to offer the counseling program. I have also had the opportunity to do online courses through NNU while in the cohort. The cost of attending a private institution and at times the "rushed" feeling of courses due to the particular program I am working on and the situation can be overwhelming. I do love what they are teaching me though, and I love that I will be able to help in the... Read More education system with it.

My educational experience at NNU was high quality as I received instruction pertinent to my current teaching job yet was able to incorporate new ideas and methods on a weekly basis. Reflection of lessons taught by myself and others were invaluable as I gained new ideas to try when replacing ones that were not so effective, light was shed on new thinking, and anxiety lessened from having trust in my colleagues. I was given the nudge I needed to begin teaching better with more tools in my toolbox as... Read More I work with children from all backgrounds, yet allowed to have the support from staff when required. Classes were even held off campus for a group of us in the neighboring town so as to accommodate our needs as a small cohort. NNU was a great experience in my mind as I will always teach better.