La Sierra University vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare La Sierra University in Riverside, CA with Northwood University in Midland, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwood University is larger than La Sierra University based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 1,574 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Sierra University is located in Riverside, CA (Large City setting); Northwood University is in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting).
• La Sierra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: La Sierra University 12:1; Northwood University 14:1.

La Sierra University vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, La Sierra University 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 La Sierra University than Northwood University ($23,848 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwood University are 2.5% lower than at La Sierra University ($13,100 vs. $13,431).
• La Sierra University is 9.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwood University (about $3,310 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.6% higher at La Sierra University than at Northwood University (about $3,310 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at La Sierra University as at Northwood University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by La Sierra University students is 18.4% larger than aid received by Northwood University students ($27,646 vs. $23,349).

La Sierra University vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, La Sierra University 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 La Sierra University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is 50 points higher than at La Sierra University (1010).
• Incoming La Sierra University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 880/1140; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 18/28; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: La Sierra University - Test-free; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman La Sierra University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• La Sierra University has a higher acceptance rate (91.5%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at La Sierra University vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

La Sierra University vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for La Sierra University 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 La Sierra University's (32%).
• Graduates from La Sierra University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Northwood University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,900 vs. $50,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $8,225 lower median loan debt than La Sierra University graduates ($21,775 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $85 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than La Sierra University graduates ($225 vs. $310).
• More Northwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former La Sierra University students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 52%)

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.