The Northwest Conference (NWC) is a collegiate athletic conference in the United States, primarily composed of private liberal arts colleges in the Pacific Northwest. Established in 1926, the NWC is a member of the NCAA Division III, which emphasizes the balance between athletics, academics, and student life. The conference includes schools from Oregon and Washington, such as Whitman College and Willamette University. The NWC sponsors a variety of sports, including basketball, soccer, and track and field, providing student-athletes with opportunities to compete at a high level while pursuing their education.