ISU vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois State University in Normal, IL with Northwood University in Midland, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Illinois State University is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 2,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Northwood University is in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Northwood University 14:1.

ISU vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU 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 Illinois State University than Northwood University ($21,369 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 10.3% lower than at Northwood University ($11,754 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 113.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $18,256 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.9% higher at Northwood University than at Illinois State University (about $6,190 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwood University than at Illinois State University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 80% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($23,349 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU 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 ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 40 points higher than at Northwood University (1060).
• Incoming ISU 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: Illinois State University 990/1210; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have the same average high school GPA (3.41) as students at Northwood University (3.41).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

ISU vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU 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).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Northwood University's (53%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than ISU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $225 lower median loan debt than ISU graduates ($21,775 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ISU graduates ($225 vs. $227).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.