2000 | A partnership with MacLaurin Institute on the University of Minnesota campus enables Northwestern faculty to teach Bible courses to university students for transferable credit. The Urban Bible Institute in downtown Minneapolis succeeds the North Minneapolis Campus as a Christian discipling outreach.

2001 | Northwestern receives NCA accreditation for the Christian Center for Communications, a degree site in Quito, Ecuador, offering a three-year program in radio, TV and journalism. Northwestern conducts its first-ever fall commencement to accommodate growing enrollment.

2002 | Dr. Alan S. Cureton becomes Northwestern's eighth president as the college celebrates its centennial with special events and observances throughout the 2002–03 academic year.

2003 | The Mel Johnson Media Center is completed as the headquarters for Northwestern Media and KTIS. The building also houses the academic department of communication.

2004 | The Riley Hall gym undergoes a renovation which adds more classroom space, faculty offices, two computer labs and a lounge area. Residence Life implements the integration of all class years (freshmen–seniors) throughout all of its residence halls. Antioch residence is established. Katrina Custer ’04 is awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, becoming NWC's first Fulbright Scholar.

2005 | The Center for Graduate Studies begins, offering a master's of organizational leadership program. The Department of Science and Mathematics opens a new Research Lab facility. The Robertson Student Center remodels the annex into a coffee-house-style study lounge. Julianna Scheumann ’05 becomes NWC's second Fulbright Scholar.

2006 | Majors in Urban Studies, Digital Media, and Criminal Justice are added. Total student headcount reaches 3,500. Endowment reaches $15 million.

2007 | Expanded honors program. Academic entrance standards rose. Graduates accepted to Harvard and Chicago law schools. Acquired Northwestern Office Center building, adding needed office space. Launched public phase of Envision Excellence capital campaign. Jessica Peterson ’07 becomes NWC's third Fulbright Scholar.

2008 | For the first time, Fulbright Fellowships awarded to NWC faculty members. Construction of a new parking lot and the ring road behind Riley prepare for the Community Life Commons. Also acquired additional student housing in Arden Hills. Unveiled a new college logo to communicate the college’s brand and identity.  NWC adds three more Fulbright Scholars to the growing list when Ahna Boyum ’08 receives a Fulbright Scholarship and professors Dr. Sally Harris and Dr. Lisanne Winslow are awarded faculty Fulbright Scholarships for Teaching and Lecturing Overseas.

2009 | Reached fundraising goal to receive the $750,000 Challenge grant from the Kresge Foundation for the capital campaign. Celebrated the groundbreaking for the Billy Graham Community Life Commons. KTIS radio held its 60th anniversary celebration with special guests at the Xcel Energy Center.

2010 | The varsity men’s basketball team won the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) championship. From over 1,000 organizations surveyed, Northwestern College was named to the top 100 list of Star Tribune Top Workplaces, ranking 10th overall. Rachel Grammer ’10 becomes NWC's seventh Fulbright Scholar. 

2011 | Charity Straszheim '10 is named NWC's eighth Fulbright Scholar.