Alma College vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare Alma College in Alma, 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 Alma College based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 1,197 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Alma College vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alma 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 Alma College than Northwood University ($22,094 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwood University are 7.6% lower than at Alma College ($13,100 vs. $14,180).
• Alma College is 44% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwood University (about $15,152 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44% higher at Alma College than at Northwood University (about $15,152 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alma College than at Northwood University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alma College students is 78.2% larger than aid received by Northwood University students ($41,618 vs. $23,349).

Alma College vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alma 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 Alma College.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorthwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorthwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alma College - Test-free; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Alma College students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• Northwood University has a higher acceptance rate (64.5%) than Alma College (57%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Alma College vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

Alma College vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alma 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).

• Alma College's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Northwood University's (53%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than Alma College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $5,225 lower median loan debt than Alma College graduates ($21,775 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alma College graduates ($225 vs. $279).
• More Alma College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.