GVSU vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI with Northwood University in Midland, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Valley State University is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 2,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); Northwood University is in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; Northwood University 14:1.

GVSU vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU 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 Grand Valley State University than Northwood University ($17,198 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 11.8% lower than at Northwood University ($11,550 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 127.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $19,260 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.6% higher at Northwood University than at Grand Valley State University (about $12,852 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwood University than at Grand Valley State University (98% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 108.7% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($23,349 vs. $11,188).

GVSU vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GVSU 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 GVSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 10 points higher than at Northwood University (1060).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

GVSU vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU 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).

• Grand Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Northwood University's (53%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $3,225 lower median loan debt than GVSU graduates ($21,775 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GVSU graduates ($225 vs. $258).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.