IU South Bend vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana University South Bend in South Bend, IN with Northwood University in Midland, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Indiana University South Bend is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (4,631 students vs. 2,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana University South Bend is located in South Bend, IN (Midsize City setting); Northwood University is in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Indiana University South Bend is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana University South Bend 15:1; Northwood University 14:1.

IU South Bend vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IU South Bend 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 Indiana University South Bend than Northwood University ($9,003 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana University South Bend are 22.3% lower than at Northwood University ($10,184 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 308.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than IU South Bend (about $25,976 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $8,424.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.8% higher at Northwood University than at Indiana University South Bend (about $11,589 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $22,811.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwood University than at Indiana University South Bend (98% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 178.9% larger than aid received by Indiana University South Bend students ($23,349 vs. $8,371).

IU South Bend vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IU South Bend 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 IU South Bend.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Indiana University South Bend (1070) is 10 points higher than at Northwood University (1060).
• Incoming IU South Bend students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University South Bend 950/1190; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University South Bend 21/23; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IU South Bend - Test optional; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Northwood University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at IU South Bend (3.24).
• IU South Bend has a higher acceptance rate (83.8%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at IU South Bend vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

IU South Bend vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IU South Bend 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 Indiana University South Bend's (22%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $13,400 more per year than IU South Bend graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $2,755 lower median loan debt than IU South Bend graduates ($21,775 vs. $24,530).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IU South Bend graduates ($225 vs. $253).
• More Northwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IU South Bend students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 47%)

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.