Concordia University Chicago vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, IL with Northwood University in Midland, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Concordia University Chicago is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (4,770 students vs. 2,409 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, IL (Large Suburban setting); Northwood University is in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Concordia University Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Concordia University Chicago 13:1; Northwood University 14:1.

Concordia University Chicago vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Concordia University Chicago 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 Concordia University Chicago than Northwood University ($19,073 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Concordia University Chicago are 12.1% lower than at Northwood University ($11,510 vs. $13,100).
• Concordia University Chicago is 9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwood University (about $3,088 more per year; $37,488.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9% higher at Concordia University Chicago than at Northwood University (about $3,088 more per year; $37,488.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwood University than at Concordia University Chicago (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Concordia University Chicago students is 12.9% larger than aid received by Northwood University students ($26,361 vs. $23,349).

Concordia University Chicago vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Concordia University Chicago 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 Concordia University Chicago.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Concordia University Chicago (1090) is 30 points higher than at Northwood University (1060).
• Incoming Concordia University Chicago students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Concordia University Chicago 990/1180; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Concordia University Chicago 19/25; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Concordia University Chicago - Test-free; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Enrolled freshman Northwood University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Concordia University Chicago (3.18).
• Concordia University Chicago has a higher acceptance rate (92.8%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.7% at Concordia University Chicago vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

Concordia University Chicago vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Concordia University Chicago 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.

• Concordia University Chicago's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Northwood University's (53%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $8,200 more per year than Concordia University Chicago graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $3,176 lower median loan debt than Concordia University Chicago graduates ($21,775 vs. $24,951).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Concordia University Chicago graduates ($225 vs. $257).
• More Concordia University Chicago graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.