Northwest Nazarene University offers bachelor's and master's degrees in a range of content areas. It is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to regional university accreditation, several departments are accredited by nationally-recognized specialized accrediting boards. The Education Department is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. The Counseling Department is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. The Music program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. The School of Business is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. The Social Work Department is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The Nursing Department is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Concurrent Credit Program is accredited by the National Alliance Concurrent Enrollment Programs. 

The university is a member of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, The Association of Governing Boards, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the Institute for Holy Land Studies, the Nazarene Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, and the Nazarene Association of Schools and Colleges.