CAPS Enrollment Information

The offices for the College of Adult and Professional Studies are located in the Davis Administration Building. There are several mediums through which the College of Adult and Professional Studies programs serve students.

The College of Adult and Professional Studies offers majors in Business Management, Interdisciplinary Studies, Organizational Leadership, Organizational Management, Ministry Leadership, Nursing, and Psychology through an accelerated schedule through classroom-based, online, and blended formats.

The College of Adult and Professional Studies also provides an Associate in Arts degree, in an accelerated format, as well as a Certificate in Ministry Leadership and Certificate in Christian Faith and Practice.

Students interested in any of the programs listed above should contact the College of Adult and Professional Studies Enrollment Office.

Northwest University students are able to obtain credit for prior learning through several methods, all facilitated by the Office of the Provost or College of Adult and Professional Studies. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) covers credit earned via certified prior learning as approved by the American Council on Education or the University, or submission of a portfolio as outlined in the Prior Learning Assessment Handbook. Please contact the College of Adult and Professional Studies for further information.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Northwest University is granted to applicants meeting the University admissions requirements without regard to sex, race, color, age, national or ethnic origin, or physical disability. However, admissions are made on a selective basis according to the criteria described below. The following information is specific to the College of Adult and Professional Studies programs of the University.

Applying for Admissions

Individuals applying for the Adult Evening program & the NU Online program are encouraged to apply at http://www.northwestu.edu/apply 

Individuals applying for the NPP (Northwest Partnership Program) are encouraged to apply at the link at http://northwestu.edu/partnership/apply.

Procedures for Students Entering Directly from High School

Students completing college credits while in high school, including those participating in the Running Start Program, must follow the procedures outlined in this section:

• Application - Complete the application and submit to the Admissions Office along with the $30 non-refundable application fee.
• High School Transcript or Equivalent (GED) - Arrange for an official transcript to be sent by the high school last attended. In addition, applicants must request that a final transcript be forwarded to the Admissions Office by August 1.
• College Transcripts - If you have completed college coursework while in high school, request that all college and universities you attended send official transcripts to the Admissions Office.

Procedures for Transfer Students

Running Start students should follow the process for high school students. 

• Application - Complete the application and submit to the Admissions Office along with the $30 non-refundable application fee.
• High School Transcript or Equivalent (GED) - Transfer students who, at the time of application, have completed fewer than 45 transferable quarter credits or 30 semester units after graduating from high school must submit an official high school transcript.
• College Transcripts - Request that all college and universities you attended send official transcripts to the Admissions Office.

Home School Graduate 

Home schooled students who apply for admission to Northwest University are required to submit the same application materials as stated for all students.

Notification of Admission

After the application, application fee, and transcripts have been received, the CAPS Admissions Committee will evaluate the application. Applicants will be notified by email whether or not they are accepted. No assurance of acceptance should be assumed until the applicants receive an official acceptance email from the Admissions Office.

International Students

International applicants must complete the same admissions process as other freshman or transfer students.

Foreign Degree Requirements - Any college or university transcript which is submitted from a school located outside of the US and Canada must be supplemented by an official evaluation of the transcript for US degree equivalency and GPA, performed by an institution approved by NACES http://www.naces.org/members.html. (Course-by-course evaluations are not required unless transfer credit is requested; for more information, please consult the enrollment counselor for the program to which you are applying.)

English Language Proficiency – Undergraduate students whose native language is not English, must submit a TOEFL score from an exam taken no more than six months prior to application to the University. 

The following requirement is necessary to qualify for admission to Northwest University:

• TOEFL internet-based (iBT) score of 80. Citizens of approved countries with English as an official language and/or the language of instruction are exempt from the TOEFL.

High School Requirements - Undergraduate students who attended the equivalent of high school outside teh U.S. are required to submit the following to qualify for admission to Northwest University:

• High School transcripts in English or GED

Re-Admission

Former students who have been out of enrollment for more than a 16-week period must complete an Application for Re-Entry and submit supplemental documents required by the specific program. They will not be required to obtain new transcripts other than for college work taken during the interim away from Northwest University. 

Admissions Standings

Students admitted to Northwest University are assigned one of the following three standings.

Regular Standing

Regular standing is granted to an admitted applicant who meets all requirements for admission and is pursuing a degree or approved certificate from the University. Regular standing requires an incoming 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in high school and/or college coursework.

Success Standing

Success standing is granted to an admitted applicant who shows the potential to successfully pursue studies at Northwest University but does not meet all requirements for regular standing. A minimum incoming GPA of 2.0 in high school and college coursework is normally required for admission with success standing. Students with an incoming GPA lower than 2.0 may be considered for admissions through an appeal process.

Conditional Standing

Conditional standing may be offered to a student who meets entrance requirements at Northwest University, but whose application is incomplete. Admission to Northwest University is conditional based upon satisfying specific requirements prior to full admission. Individuals admitted on Conditional standing will not be permitted to take courses for more than one term or session.

Non-Degree Seeking Student Status

A Non-Degree Seeking Student is not seeking a degree or approved certificate at the time of admission. Courses taken by a student while under this status are a part of the student’s permanent academic record, but are not guaranteed to apply to a degree or certificate offered by the institution. Specific course prerequisites must be satisfied regardless of a student’s admission status.

Transfer Credit

During the admissions process, official transcripts from all previously attended educational institutions are evaluated for the maximum amount of transfer credit possible. The results of this evaluative process are communicated to students and their academic advisors on a Transfer Report. Any subsequent credits earned by students must also be communicated via an official transcript, evaluated by the Registrar’s Office, and officially reported. This is applicable to prospective and enrolled students. See the Northwest University Credit Transfer Guide for further details.

Northwest University accepts the transfer A.A. (DTA) degree from those colleges in the State of Washington whose degree requirements conform to the guidelines of the Intercollege Relations Commission (ICRC).

Students desiring to transfer to the University from another institution accredited by one of the six regional associa­tions must follow the general instructions for admission and must see that transcripts of previous college work are sent to the Admissions Office. Course work in parallel courses or areas of instruction will be considered for transfer provided that they show a grade of “C-” or better. (Some majors may have a higher grade requirement for some of their courses.)

Academic work presented from colleges and universities that are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) database but not accredited by one of the six regional associations is considered on a course-by-course basis and limited to a total of 30 semester credits from all such sources. College-level work considered occupational or reme­dial is not recognized for transfer. Please see the Northwest University Credit Transfer Guide for further details.

Nontraditional Sources of Credit

Credits through Testing – Northwest University accepts credits earned through the Advanced Placement Testing Program (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (D.S.S.T). Recommen­dations regarding college credit are made by the Registrar. 

Language Testing Policy – Students wishing to earn foreign language credit through testing will now do so using ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) exams. Northwest University will accept a total of 12 credits, a maximum of 6 credits earned through OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) or 12 credits earned through WPT (Written Proficiency Test). 3 WPT credits may be applied toward the Core Curriculum Humanities requirement and additional credits count as elective credits. Complete policy and Test links listed on Provost’s website.

Military Credit – Those having had military service may petition the Registrar’s Office for credits based on learning through military experience. Northwest considers the recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE) in evaluating military-based credits.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Credit – Credit can be requested for learning from experiences that occurred outside of a traditional classroom setting. Students may submit a portfolio documenting such learning. Students are charged a CPL Assessment Fee when they submit a previously completed license or credential for assessment by a Northwest University content expert. Students are charged a PLA Assessment Fee per credit requested, when they submit a portfolio demonstrating their prior learning acquired in a non-academic setting for assessment by a Northwest University content expert. PLA Evaluation is supervised by the Dean of the College of Adult and Professional Studies.

UNIV 1791 Prior Learning Assessment Course – Students who may be eligible to receive prior learning credit may take the 1-credit UNIV 1791 Prior Learning Assessment course offered online to determine if they are a viable candidate for this option.

Certified Prior Learning (CPL) – Nationally recognized licenses, certificates or on-the-job training may qualify for credit.

Veterans

For Veterans and Active Duty Military, Northwest University will waive the 30 credit limit on PLA, ACE, IB, AP, military, CPL, portfolio, CLEP and D.S.S.T that can be applied to any degree.

Any veteran receiving GI Bill® benefits while attending Northwest University is required to obtain transcripts from all previously attended schools and submit them to the school for review of prior credit.

Credit Load limit for Adult Evening students

A semester academic load of 15 credits in the accelerated Adult Evening program is very challenging. Students who desire to enroll in 17 or more credits in a semester must carry a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA, and have transferred in 60 credits or completed two semesters at NU as a full-time student.

Tuition and Fees

Financial Information

Financial Payment

Educational Benefits

Northwest University is approved as an educational institution for the training of veterans or their dependents. Applications are available on the Department of Veterans Affairs website at www.gibill.va.gov. Those qualifying under the extended Social Security Act should apply for benefits at their local offices of the Social Security Administration. The University will make the proper certifications as to enrollment and attendance after the student has enrolled in the University.

Any veteran receiving GI Bill® benefits while attending Northwest University is required to obtain transcripts from all previously attended schools and submit them to the school for review of prior credit.

Financial Policy

University financial policies are outlined in the Master Financial Agreement signed during the registration process.

Payment of Accounts

It is the policy of the University that there can be no outstanding past due account at registration. The payment of accounts policy also applies to those qualifying for veteran’s benefits and outside scholarships.

Pay In Full Plan

Tuition and fees are to be paid in full before the first day of classes each semester.

Monthly Payment Plan

Tuition Management System (TMS) – Students in the Adult Evening, extension sites and graduate students may wish to make monthly payments based on the annual cost of tuition and fees enroll with Tuition Management System. Please see the Northwest University web site for TMS enrollment information. 

Late Fees

Notification of the owing balance will be sent to the student’s Northwest University email address at the beginning of each month. The statements will show activity on the account for that month only. For the most up to date information, please view the transactions and running balance page located on your Eagle Profile page.

Late fees will be charged approximately 30 days after the start of the term. They will be assessed as follows: For balances between $0.00 and $25.00, the late fee will be zero. For balances $25.01 and over a 1.5% late fee will be assessed monthly on the outstanding balance.

TMS - Tuition Management system will assess a $65.00 late fee for each late payment made on the monthly plan established at the beginning of the academic year or semester the student is attending. Please see the Northwest University web site for further information.

Past Due Accounts

A student is considered past due:

• If they have an owing balance after the first day of class
• If new charges are assessed after the academic term has started and are not paid within 30 days

Student Financial Services will contact by email and/or by telephone, students failing to pay in full by the first day of class or 30 days after new charges are assessed during an academic term. Campus registered mail and Northwest University personnel may also contact the student. Efforts to communicate will be made for a period of approximately 45 days.

If the financial problems persist, the student may be suspended from class until a solution is reached with Student Financial Services. Students failing to respond will be withdrawn from the University by the Provost.

Since financial responsibility is part of the educational process, Student Financial Services encourages students to meet and counsel with the University personnel any time a financial problem arises. Many problems may be avoided and/or resolved with communication.

The University reserves the right to assign delinquent accounts to an agency for collection, which will affect the student’s credit score.

Adding / Dropping Courses

Students may change their registration through adding or dropping courses either via their PowerCAMPUS Self-Service account or by filing a properly completed Request Registration Change Form in the Registrar’s Office. Students who drop a course before it begins or during the Add/Drop period (Week 1) will not be charged tuition for that course. After the end of Week 1, there is no tuition adjustment should a student withdraw. Tuition is charged at the full amount.

Cancellation of Registration

The Registration Cancellation policy applies to all semesters. See the Academic Calendar for the applicable First Day of Class.

Cancellation of Registration – A student who registers for class but decides not to attend must notify the Regis­trar’s Office in writing before the end of business on the Last day of the Add/Drop period. Proper notification will cancel the tuition and related charges.

Cancellation after Add/Drop period if any classes were attended – This is considered a withdrawal from the University.

Withdrawal from University

Students may withdraw from the University up through 5:00 PM on the last day of the semester. If a student is absent from all classes for more than two consecutive weeks without notifying the University, the University has the authority to administratively withdraw the student from all courses.

If a student completely withdraws or is administratively dropped from all classes after the add/drop period they will be responsible for the full tuition. However, per federal regulations, financial aid will be adjusted based on the last documented day of attendance. If a refund was received prior to withdrawing from the University, those funds need may need to be repaid, depending on the date of withdrawal. 

Please be aware that if the student withdraws from courses, or is administratively dropped, those courses are considered “attempted” and therefore are included in calculating if satisfactory academic progress requirements were met.

Contact your Advisor and the Registrar right away to document your last day of attendance. If there is not a documented last day of attendance, it may be assumed the withdrawal occurred after 50% of the semester has passed. 

Once the withdrawal has occurred or been determined, financial aid will be reviewed for possible adjustments. Federal funds must be returned to federal programs based on the percent of the term that a student is no longer enrolled. Student Financial Services will determine how much of a student’s aid was “unearned” as defined by the federal regulations, and then return the “unearned” aid in the following order to the programs from which the student received the aid:

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
• Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
• Federal Direct PLUS Loan
• Federal Pell Grant
• Other Title IV Programs

Federal Aid

Federal Pell Grants

• Eligibility – Financial need as determined by Federal methodology
• Amount – The Federal Pell Grant amount varies from year to year based on Federal funding available.
• Renewal – Based on annual review of need
• Students may receive Federal Pell Grant for up to six years (12 semesters) of full time attendance

The Federal Pell Grant is available to students who attend at least part time (six credits). In certain situations, however, a student who is enrolled for less than six credits may be eligible for a Pell Grant.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

Eligibility – Financial need

Amount – Varies based upon class standing  

Aggregate Loan Limits Undergraduate –

• Dependent: Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized - $31,000
• Independent: Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized - $57,500

(Students cannot take out a total of more than the above listed aggregate amounts during their lifetime in school.)

Renewal - Based on annual review of need. Application is required annually.

Terms - Payment of principal and interest accrual begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least halftime; interest is deferred while the student is enrolled at least halftime; interest rate varies—loan fees are charged according to Federal laws (maximum is 2%). If a student graduates or ceases to attend at least half time, he/she is required to complete exit counseling online.

If you wish to participate in the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan Program, please sign your Statement of Conditions for Financial Assistance and return it to Student Financial Services. In addition, first-time borrowers at Northwest University must complete the entrance counseling online which will explain issues, rights, and responsibilities. An official Federal Direct Loan Application (Master Promissory Note) can be completed by the student online at the direct loan website. Students who have already completed the required application (Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling) will only need to sign their Award Letter, accepting the loan(s). Federal Direct loan funds are sent to the University through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). EFT funds will be credited directly to the student’s account. 

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

Eligibility – Not need-based; based on independent status or for a dependent student who is not eligible for a Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, or dependent student whose parent was denied for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan.

Amount – The amounts are the same as the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, plus an additional $2,000/year. Additional amounts are available for independent students, and dependent students whose parents have been denied for the PLUS Loan:

Aggregate Loan Limits Undergraduate –

• Dependent: Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized - $31,000
• Independent: Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized - $57,500

 (Students cannot take out a total of more than the above listed aggregate amounts during their lifetime in school)

Renewal – Application required annually

Terms – Borrowers are responsible for the interest while they are enrolled and during repayment period. Interest payments can be deferred while student is in school and during their grace period. Payment of principle and interest begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-¬time. Interest rates, loan fees, application, and disbursement process are the same as for the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan. If a student graduates or ceases to attend at least half time, he/she is required to complete exit counseling online.

Federal Direct Parent Loan (PLUS)

Eligibility – Parent of an enrolled dependent student. Parents must have acceptable credit rating.

Amount – The maximum amount is the estimated budget minus financial aid.

Renewal – Application is required annually.

Terms –Repayment of principle and interest begins 60 days after the last disbursement. Maximum loan fee is up to 5%. %. Disbursement process is the same as for the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan. Check the Northwest U web site for the current interest rate.

To apply for a Federal Direct PLUS loan, one parent must complete the PLUS Authorization Form and return it to Student Financial Services. Application, Promissory Note, and Credit Check can be completed via the direct loan website.

REMEMBER – up to 2% of the total amount of the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan, Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, and 5% of the PLUS Loan may be deducted as a guaranty and origination fee.

Special Circumstances

Sometimes a student may have a change of employment, additional expenses, or emergencies. Student Financial Services has a “Special Circumstances Form” which allows you to specify your unique situation. You will need to provide documentation along with this form, and it takes approximately four weeks to process. Only one special circumstance is processed during your time at Northwest University. Please contact Student Financial Services for the form.

Financial Aid Application

Apply for financial aid at Northwest University by submitting:

• Application for Admission to Northwest University
• Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The FAFSA Application is available online at www.fafsa.gov.

Eligibility

To be eligible for federal financial aid, students must:

• be a U.S. citizen, or a permanent resident of the U.S., or an eligible non-citizen
• have financial need as determined by the results of a processed FAFSA in most cases
• not owe an overpayment on any Title IV educational grant or be in default on a Title IV educational loan, and must maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Disbursement of Aid

Student financial aid is credited to individual student accounts in equal disbursements by semester. The amount disbursed each semester is indicated on the student’s Award Letter. Most often, an award is disbursed in two equal payments, half each semester at the beginning of the semester. For example, a $1000 grant will be disbursed $500 for fall semester and $500 for spring semester. Student financial aid is disbursed after the Add/Drop Period.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) 

All students must make satisfactory academic progress in an eligible degree or certificate program in order to receive financial aid. Financial aid applicants are required to meet the standards described below for all terms of attendance, including terms when no aid is received. Your cumulative grade point average must be:            

To remain in satisfactory academic progress, you are required to maintain ongoing completion of at least 67% of credit hours attempted.

If you complete less than 67% of the credit hours attempted, or if your cumulative grade point average falls below the required level, you will be placed on Financial Aid Warning for one semester.

Students who do not successfully meet the credit completion and GPA expectations by the end of the next semester are suspended from further aid and are not eligible for Financial Aid.

You may appeal Financial Aid Suspension in writing to the Student Financial Services and CAPS Offices. If the appeal is approved, the student will be on Financial Aid and Academic Probation and has one additional semester to meet the credit completion and GPA expectations.

Verification

Verification is a federal process, which requires Northwest University to check the accuracy of the information you and/or your parents reported when applying for federal financial aid. Information is verified by securing additional documentation. The documents necessary to verify these items are described on your Award Letter. Corrections to this data will be submitted to the United States Department of Education, if necessary. A revised Award Letter of any specific actions needed or changes to your financial aid award will be mailed to you. An award will not be disbursed and federal loans will not be originated until verification is complete. If documents are not submitted within 30 days of request, or one month prior to the end of the semester, the offer of financial assistance may be cancelled.

Academic Load

Student Category – Undergraduate Students

Adult Evening Academic Load

Due to the accelerated format of CAPS programs, students are encouraged to take 12 credits a semester.

Academic Registration

Students register for classes during their designated registration periods.

Adult Evening students

Adult Evening students have two registration periods per academic year: fall and spring. We will work with students regarding their course schedules. Students are expected to complete registration through our online Self-Service portal by the first day of the semester.            

Northwest Partnership Program students (NPP)

NPP students have two registration periods per academic year: fall and spring. Students will work with their academic advisor to be registered for courses each semester. Each semester is broken into 2 sessions.

NU Online Program students

NU Online program students have three registration periods per academic year; spring, summer, and fall. Students will work with their academic advisor to be registered for courses each semester. Each semester is broken into 2 sessions. No one will be admitted to classes until his or her registration is completed and approved by the Registrar's Office and tuition and fees have been paid or satisfactory arrangements have been made with the Student Financial Services Office.

A student who registers for a courses but decides not to attend must notify the Registrar's Office and his or her advisor in writing before the end of add/drop week. To determine if there is any impact to your financial aid and billing refer to the Cancellation of Registration under Financial Information.

Academic Standing

• Freshman:0-29 semester credits completed satisfactorily
• Sophomore:30-59 semester credits completed satisfactorily
• Junior:60-89 semester credits completed satisfactorily
• Senior:90 + semester credits completed satisfactorily

Adding / Dropping Courses

Within the first 6 days of each class, students are allowed to change their registration by adding or dropping courses. To do so, they need to contact their academic advisor and the Registrar's Office. Any student who decides to not take a course after the 6-day add/drop period will need to withdraw from the course.

Auditing Courses

An auditor is a person who wants to sit in a class but not be held responsible for the course work. Enrolled students have space priority over auditing students. Out of courtesy, the auditor will participate in discussions as allowed after consultation with the professor. An audited class requires the prior permission of the professor and is not recorded on the student's transcript.

NU Online courses are not available for Audit.

Class Attendance

When a student is registered for a course attendance is assumed. Due to the accelerated pace of the CAPS programs attendance and participation in the courses is key to the student's success. 

Adult Evening Students

Due to the 5-week format of the Adult Evening program, students are required to attend all class meetings. If an emergency or extenuating circumstance arises in which a student has to miss a class, students must communicate with the instructor to discuss his or her options. It is up to the instructor's discretion as to whether or not the student may remain in the course. If the student misses more than one class meeting the student must withdraw from the course and take it at a later time.

NU Online & NPP

Students that are in either the NPP or NU Online programs must be actively participating in the course to be successful. To be considered active in the course the student must be continually completing at least one of the following learning activities; learning quiz, discussion post, or ALA assignment. Students who have stopped participating in their courses are encouraged to withdraw from the course and take it at a later time.

Independent Study Special Courses

Independent Study Courses may be available to CAPS students as approved by their advisor course.

Withdrawal from a Course

After the add/drop period has ended, students can withdraw from a course up until the day before the final day of the course. To withdraw from a course, the student must submit, a Registration Change Form to the Registrar's Office. In this event, the course remains on the student's transcript as a permanent part of their academic record, with a permanent grade of "W." The student may retake the course at a later date.

Withdrawal from the University

CAPS students may withdraw from the University up until the day before the student's last day of courses for their current semester. To withdraw from the University, the student must submit a Registration Change Form to the Registrar's Office. In this event, any course that has a final grade will remain the student's permanent academic record. Any course that is in progress and past the add/drop deadline with show as a withdrawal and a grade of "W" will be the permanent grade of record for that specific course. Any course that has yet to begin or is within the add/drop period will be dropped from the student's record. Any student withdrawing from the university needs to communicate with the Financial Services Office to determine any financial obligations.

Honor Society

Nu Upsilon – Nu Upsilon is a chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society for Adult and Non-traditional students.