IPFW vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare Purdue University Fort Wayne in Fort Wayne, IN with Northwood University in Midland, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Purdue University Fort Wayne is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (7,206 students vs. 2,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Purdue University Fort Wayne is located in Fort Wayne, IN (Large City setting); Northwood University is in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Purdue University Fort Wayne 13:1; Northwood University 14:1.

IPFW vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IPFW 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 Purdue University Fort Wayne than Northwood University ($14,735 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Purdue University Fort Wayne are 10.9% lower than at Northwood University ($11,669 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 260.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than IPFW (about $24,868 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $9,532.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.3% higher at Northwood University than at Purdue University Fort Wayne (about $11,513 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $22,887.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwood University than at Purdue University Fort Wayne (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 227.2% larger than aid received by Purdue University Fort Wayne students ($23,349 vs. $7,135).

IPFW vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IPFW 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 IPFW.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Purdue University Fort Wayne (1100) is 40 points higher than at Northwood University (1060).
• Incoming IPFW students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Purdue University Fort Wayne 970/1220; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Purdue University Fort Wayne 22/29; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IPFW - Test optional; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: IPFW Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwood University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at IPFW (3.37).
• IPFW has a higher acceptance rate (83.9%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at IPFW vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

IPFW vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IPFW 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).

• Northwood University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Purdue University Fort Wayne's (26%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than IPFW graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $38,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $2,725 lower median loan debt than IPFW graduates ($21,775 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IPFW graduates ($225 vs. $253).
• More Northwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IPFW students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 51%)

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.