UNW Academic Calendar

The University of NorthWest operates on a semester-based academic calendar, dividing the year into two primary terms: Fall and Spring, with an optional Summer session for accelerated learning or catch-up courses. Typically, the Fall semester begins in late August or early September and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester runs from mid-January to early May. A notable feature of the university’s calendar is its extended Winter Break, allowing students ample time for rest or internships between semesters. This structure provides a balanced academic rhythm, accommodating both traditional coursework and opportunities for research or experiential learning.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (orientation for new students begins a week prior).
• Labor Day Holiday: September 1, 2025 (university closed, no classes).
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025 (extended break for students and faculty).
• Fall Final Exams: December 8–12, 2025 (specific schedules vary by department).
• Winter Break: December 13, 2025–January 11, 2026 (campus largely closed).
• Spring Semester Start: January 12, 2026 (classes resume after break).
• Spring Break: March 9–13, 2026 (mid-semester recess).
• Spring Final Exams: May 4–8, 2026 (end of academic term).
• Commencement Ceremony: May 10, 2026 (graduation for eligible students).

• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2024 (non-binding; decisions typically released by mid-December 2024).
• Regular Decision Deadline: January 15, 2025 (final deadline for Fall 2025 admission; decisions by late March 2025).
• Financial Aid Priority Deadline: February 1, 2025 (submit FAFSA and other documents for maximum aid consideration).
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2025 (confirm intent to enroll for admitted students).
• International Student Application Deadline: December 1, 2024 (earlier deadline to accommodate visa processing).

The University of NorthWest’s academic calendar aligns closely with national norms for semester-based institutions in the United States, incorporating standard breaks around major holidays like Thanksgiving and aligning commencement with early May timelines common across the region. Its extended Winter Break offers flexibility for international students, providing additional time for travel or cultural adjustment. Additionally, the university’s scheduling considers regional weather patterns, ensuring minimal disruption during harsher winter months. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns, prospective students and families are encouraged to check official university communications for finalized schedules as they become available.