Established in 1938, Northwestern Polytechnical University is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Xi'an (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Shaanxi. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China, Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) is a large coeducational Chinese higher education institution. Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 84 years old Chinese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 70-80% making this Chinese higher education organization a somewhat selective institution. NPU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.