Cleary College vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare Cleary University in Howell, 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 Cleary College based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 1,004 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cleary University is located in Howell, MI (Midsize City setting); Northwood University is in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Cleary University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cleary University 18:1; Northwood University 14:1.

Cleary College vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cleary 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 Cleary University than Northwood University ($23,705 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cleary University are 1.5% lower than at Northwood University ($12,900 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 31.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cleary College (about $8,298 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $26,102.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.8% higher at Northwood University than at Cleary University (about $8,298 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $26,102.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cleary University than at Northwood University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 44.6% larger than aid received by Cleary University students ($23,349 vs. $16,150).

Cleary College vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

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

• Cleary University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cleary University (1060) is the same as at Northwood University (1060).
• Incoming Northwood University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at Cleary College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cleary University 950/1170; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cleary University 18/19; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cleary College - Open admission; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cleary College Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwood University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Cleary College (3.17).
• Cleary College has a higher acceptance rate (67.5%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.7% at Cleary College vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

Cleary College vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cleary 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).

• Cleary University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Northwood University's (53%).
• Graduates from Cleary University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than Northwood University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,900 vs. $50,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $8,452 lower median loan debt than Cleary College graduates ($21,775 vs. $30,227).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $87 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cleary College graduates ($225 vs. $312).
• More Northwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cleary College students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 47%)

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.