CMU vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI with Northwood University in Midland, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Michigan University is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 2,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

CMU vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU 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 Central Michigan University than Northwood University ($17,575 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Michigan University are 4.1% lower than at Northwood University ($12,564 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 133.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $19,640 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 133.1% higher at Northwood University than at Central Michigan University (about $19,640 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwood University than at Central Michigan University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 79% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($23,349 vs. $13,042).

CMU vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CMU 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 CMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Michigan University (1080) is 20 points higher than at Northwood University (1060).
• Incoming CMU 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: Central Michigan University 960/1200; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

CMU vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU 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).

• Central Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Northwood University's (53%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than CMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $5,225 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($21,775 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($225 vs. $279).
• More CMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.