Northwestern College integrates the educational philosophy of "faith, learning and living" through two focuses: higher education and media.

The higher education focus offers a vast array of opportunities within a strong academic program. Northwestern offers 44 bachelor degrees ranging from elementary education and pastoral studies to broadcasting/electronic media and psychology.

The core component is the traditional day-school program, which enrolls over 1,700. Alternative education programs, serving over 800 students, include FOCUS degree completion, Center for Distance Education, Urban Bible Institute, MacLaurin Institute serving University of Minnesota students, and the Christian Center for Communications in Quito, Ecuador.

Northwestern is a community in which all learning is framed within the context of a Christian worldview. Every student who completes a four-year degree receives the equivalent of a second major in Bible in addition to the major of choice. Daily chapel is an integral part of the program where students hear world-renowned speakers and participate in praise and worship.