Coe College vs. Northwestern College

Comparable Facts

Compare Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA with Northwestern College in Orange City, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern College is larger than Coe College based on total student enrollment (1,705 students vs. 1,195 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Coe College is located in Cedar Rapids, IA (Midsize City setting); Northwestern College is in Orange City, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Coe College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwestern College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Coe College 11:1; Northwestern College 15:1.

Coe College vs. Northwestern College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Coe College or Northwestern College? 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 Coe College than Northwestern College ($20,864 vs. $26,347).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwestern College are 7.5% lower than at Coe College ($10,900 vs. $11,790).
• Coe College is 48.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwestern College (about $17,956 more per year; $54,666.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.9% higher at Coe College than at Northwestern College (about $17,956 more per year; $54,666.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Coe College as at Northwestern College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Coe College students is 97.4% larger than aid received by Northwestern College students ($46,468 vs. $23,537).

Coe College vs. Northwestern College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Coe College or Northwestern College? 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 Northwestern College and Coe College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Coe College (1180) is 90 points higher than at Northwestern College (1090).
• Incoming Coe College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at Northwestern College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Coe College 1070/1290; Northwestern College 940/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Coe College 23/29; Northwestern College 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Coe College - Test optional; Northwestern College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Coe College Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Coe College students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Northwestern College (3.57).
• Northwestern College has a higher acceptance rate (80.4%) than Coe College (64%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.5% at Coe College vs. 27.2% at Northwestern College.

Coe College vs. Northwestern College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Coe College and Northwestern College? 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).

• Coe College's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Northwestern College's (66%).
• Graduates from Coe College earn a median of about $9,700 more per year than Northwestern College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,100 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern College graduates have a $3,013 lower median loan debt than Coe College graduates ($25,092 vs. $28,105).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern College graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Coe College graduates ($259 vs. $290).
• More Northwestern College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Coe College students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 78%)

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.