Adrian College vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

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

Northwood University is larger than Adrian College based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 1,765 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Adrian College is located in Adrian, MI (Distant Town setting); Northwood University is in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Adrian College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Adrian College 16:1; Northwood University 14:1.

Adrian College vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Adrian College or Northwood 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 Northwood University than Adrian College ($25,549 vs. $25,922).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwood University are 35.3% lower than at Adrian College ($13,100 vs. $20,260).
• Adrian College is 21.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwood University (about $7,284 more per year; $41,684.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.2% higher at Adrian College than at Northwood University (about $7,284 more per year; $41,684.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Adrian College than at Northwood University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Adrian College students is 28.3% larger than aid received by Northwood University students ($29,966 vs. $23,349).

Adrian College vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Adrian College or Northwood 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 Northwood University and Adrian College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is 50 points higher than at Adrian College (1010).
• Incoming Adrian College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adrian College 873/1140; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adrian College 21/27; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Adrian College - Test optional; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Adrian College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwood University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Adrian College (3.2).
• Adrian College has a higher acceptance rate (72.5%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.3% at Adrian College vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

Adrian College vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Adrian College and Northwood 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).

• Northwood University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Adrian College's (49%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $10,600 more per year than Adrian College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $39,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $5,225 lower median loan debt than Adrian College graduates ($21,775 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Adrian College graduates ($225 vs. $279).
• More Adrian College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 54%)

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.