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.

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.

Classes are all online and learning happens asynchronously so participants can learn on their own time and schedule throughout the week.

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.

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

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.

-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.

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.