Adrian College vs. Northern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Adrian College in Adrian, MI with Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Michigan University is larger than Adrian College based on total student enrollment (7,409 students vs. 1,765 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Adrian College is located in Adrian, MI (Distant Town setting); Northern Michigan University is in Marquette, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Adrian College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Adrian College 16:1; Northern Michigan University 18:1.

Adrian College vs. Northern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Adrian College or Northern Michigan University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Northern Michigan University than Adrian College ($15,707 vs. $25,922).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Michigan University are 34.5% lower than at Adrian College ($13,274 vs. $20,260).
• Adrian College is 192% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Michigan University (about $27,407 more per year; $41,684.00 vs. $14,277.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 110.8% higher at Adrian College than at Northern Michigan University (about $21,911 more per year; $41,684.00 vs. $19,773.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Adrian College than at Northern Michigan University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Adrian College students is 149.5% larger than aid received by Northern Michigan University students ($29,966 vs. $12,012).

Adrian College vs. Northern Michigan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Adrian College or Northern Michigan University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Northern Michigan University and Adrian College.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adrian College 873/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adrian College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Adrian College - Test optional; Northern Michigan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Adrian College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northern Michigan University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Adrian College (3.2).
• Northern Michigan University has a higher acceptance rate (84%) than Adrian College (72.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.3% at Adrian College vs. 15.3% at Northern Michigan University.

Adrian College vs. Northern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Adrian College and Northern Michigan University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Adrian College's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Northern Michigan University's (48%).
• Graduates from Adrian College earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than Northern Michigan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,900 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Michigan University graduates have a $4,708 lower median loan debt than Adrian College graduates ($22,292 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Michigan University graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Adrian College graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More Adrian College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Michigan University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 56%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.