EQUIPPING KINGDOM LEADERS FOR TODAY, AND GENERATIONS TO COME.
At SLLC, education is as purposeful as your calling. Choose an immersive in-person experience or a flexible pathway, engage in internships, receive mentorship, and gain confidence for your future career.
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Northwest University’s Early College Online program allows eligible high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to take university courses online for just $99 per credit—less than $300 per course. Students can earn college credit, explore academic interests, and experience Northwest University’s Christ-centered education before graduating high school.
Earn college credit before high school graduation
Save money on future college tuition
Build college-level study and time-management skills
Explore academic interests before enrolling full-time
Gain confidence in your ability to succeed at the university level
Complete courses through a flexible 8-week online format
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Serve in all ministry areas at Sound Life Church with weekly mentoring.
3 free internship credit hours per semester (general electives at Northwest University; ~$7,000 savings over 4 years.)
PRACTICUM STRUCTURE
YEAR ONE
Practicum Immersion: Rotate through 4 departments, paired with a department director every 6 weeks.YEAR TWO
Practicum Alignment: Focus on 2 departments for 12 weeks each.YEARS THREE & FOUR
Practicum Mastery: Choose 1 department for focused expertise and leadership.
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Designed for students balancing careers, family, or other commitments.
Personalized internship options; may forgo internship with additional courses.
PROGRAM
SECTIONS
ACADEMICS OVERVIEW
EARLY COLLEGE ONLINE
High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to take university courses online for just $99 per credit
2-YEAR DEGREES
Associate in Arts; Associate in Ministry Leadership
4-YEAR DEGREES
BA in Business Management, Interdisciplinary Studies, Ministry Leadership, Organizational Leadership, Psychology
MASTER’S DEGREES (no internship credits)
MIT, MA in Ministry Leadership and Theology, MBA, MS in Information Technology Management
A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF AN SLLC STUDENT
IN-PERSON | 20–30 hrs/week structured around ministry, academics, and personal growth.
SUNDAY | Be part of the life of Sound Life Church! Attend a service, serve alongside your practicum track for three services, and enjoy one service to simply attend and be refreshed!
MONDAY | A built-in day to recharge. Work, rest, study, or enjoy personal time.
TUESDAY | A full, immersive day on-site at Sound Life Church, beginning with Prayer and Staff Meeting. Then, step into your internship experience for the remainder of the day.
WEDNESDAY | Another impactful day on-site in meetings and practicum. In the evening, you can connect with the Young Adult community as your schedule allows, a perfect opportunity to build lasting relationships.
THURSDAY | A flexible day to focus on work, academics, or rest. Young Adult events are occasionally held in the evening for those who want to stay connected and engaged.
FRIDAY | Enjoy a day of margin, ideal for catching up on responsibilities, spending time with friends, or simply resetting for the week ahead.
SATURDAY | This day is yours to enjoy!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Sound Life Leadership College combines the best of Northwest University’s accredited academics with the hands-on leadership training and life-changing community of Sound Life Church. Through this partnership, you can earn an affordable, fully accredited AA, BA, or MA degree—taking the same courses and receiving the same diploma as students on the Kirkland campus, with no distinctions on your transcript. At the same time, you’ll be fully immersed in real-world ministry, gaining practical experience and being mentored by trusted, godly leaders who are committed to developing your character, confidence, and calling for whatever God has ahead.
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Northwest University is a top-ranked Christian University in Kirkland, Washington that was established in 1934. Sound Life Leadership College students who earn their degree from Northwest University are NU Grads! This means they have received a degree at the highest level of accreditation.
Many of our Pastors have graduated from Northwest University, and programs just like SLLC.
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Classes are all online and learning happens asynchronously so participants can learn on their own time and schedule throughout the week.
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Your first year will be focused on practical experience all over the church and in our community! You’ll get to serve on many different teams, and behind-the-scenes with different pastors and leaders. Some of those ministries include student ministry, welcome team, outreach, kids ministry, community care, administration, worship and media teams.
During your second year, you’ll focus in on one area of ministry and plug-in to growing your leadership in that department.
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In addition to the excellence of Northwest University’s academics, Sound Life Leadership College provides unique support for both in-person and flex students that you cannot find in a typical online program.
A dedicated Program Director for academic, spiritual, and personal support
Hands on training and real responsibility and experience through your internship (for undergraduate students)
Learn and serve with other students from Sound Life Leadership College
24/7 Academic Support via Northwest, including:
Online Writing Center
Online Tutoring (chat and email)
NU Library Online
Reference librarians for research and writing help
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The list below describes the costs for both fall and spring semesters combined for a full-time student taking 12 credits in the fall and 12 credits in the spring semesters. Textbooks and miscellaneous expenses are not included.
Program Costs (2025-2026)
For fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters combined
Tuition ($340 per credit hour)..............$8,160
Registration Fee ($0/semester) ............... $0
Technology Fee ($87/semester)………$174
NPP (Sound Life Leadership College) Program Fee ($1,300/semester)...$2,600
Ministry Practicum Tuition (6 credits)....Free
Total Cost ................................................$10,934
Financing Your Education
Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to determine your financial aid eligibility.
Financial Aid may include:
Federal Pell Grant
Federal Stafford Loans
Parent Plus Loans
Non-Northwest University Scholarships
Please complete the FAFSA as early as possible to allow time for processing. Financial Aid questions can be answered by the University at nppfinancialservices@northwestu.edu.
Financial Benefits for NPP Students
✓ Tuition – significantly reduced
✓ Ministry Practicum (6 credits) – tuition waived
✓ NU Application Fee – waived
✓ Confirmation Deposit – waived
✓ Health Services Fee – waived
✓ Student Services Fee – waived
Ministry Practicum
Full-time students enroll for at least 24 credits for the academic year and may receive 6 additional credits per year by participating in the Sound Life Leadership College program when approved by NU and overseen by the Program Director. Part-time students are eligible for practicum credit as well.
Students are also welcome to take courses or practicum in the summer, where no program fee is charged. The technology fee is charged in the summer. Request a summer schedule at NPPAdvising@northwestu.edu.
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Community building: Once a month we intentionally connect and have fun together! Enjoy things like dinners, bowling, mini-golf, board game nights, etc.
Staff Chapel: Once a month you’ll be invited to the Sound Life staff Chapel for a powerful time of worship and teaching.
SLLC Retreat: Once a year we get away together to have fun, connect, and hear the Lord together
Mission Trip: every 4-year track SLLC student will attend a mission trip between their third and fourth year of the program.
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Yes! Our Flex program allows those who cannot do the in-person internship to be a part of the program by creating a “flexible” internship based on your schedule. This program is perfect for working moms or dads, those who want to complete a degree they’ve already begun, or those outside the college-age. Simply select the “Flex” program when you apply.