AQ vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, 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 AQ based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 1,157 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aquinas College is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Northwood University is in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aquinas College 10:1; Northwood University 14:1.

AQ vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AQ 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 Aquinas College than Northwood University ($18,018 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Aquinas College are 10.8% lower than at Northwood University ($11,680 vs. $13,100).
• Aquinas College is 16.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwood University (about $5,818 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.9% higher at AQ than at Northwood University (about $5,818 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aquinas College than at Northwood University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aquinas College students is 43.6% larger than aid received by Northwood University students ($33,535 vs. $23,349).

AQ vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AQ or Northwood University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Northwood University and AQ.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is 30 points higher than at AQ (1030).
• Incoming AQ students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Aquinas College 910/1140; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Aquinas College 20/26; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AQ - Test optional; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Enrolled freshman AQ students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• AQ has a higher acceptance rate (89.9%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at AQ vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

AQ vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AQ and Northwood University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Northwood University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Aquinas College's (52%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than AQ graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $4,225 lower median loan debt than AQ graduates ($21,775 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $43 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AQ graduates ($225 vs. $268).
• More AQ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.