Lake Superior State University vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie, MI with Northwood University in Midland, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwood University is larger than Lake Superior State University based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 1,567 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lake Superior State University is located in Sault Ste Marie, MI (Remote Town setting); Northwood University is in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Lake Superior State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lake Superior State University 13:1; Northwood University 14:1.

Lake Superior State University vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lake Superior State 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 Lake Superior State University than Northwood University ($12,339 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lake Superior State University are 12.5% lower than at Northwood University ($11,459 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 131% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lake Superior State University (about $19,510 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 131% higher at Northwood University than at Lake Superior State University (about $19,510 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwood University than at Lake Superior State University (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 59.6% larger than aid received by Lake Superior State University students ($23,349 vs. $14,632).

Lake Superior State University vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lake Superior State 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 Lake Superior State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lake Superior State University (1110) is 50 points higher than at Northwood University (1060).
• Incoming Lake Superior State University 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: Lake Superior State University 1000/1225; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Superior State University 19/26; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lake Superior State University - Not reported; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Northwood University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Lake Superior State University (3.2).

Lake Superior State University vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lake Superior State 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 Lake Superior State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than Lake Superior State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $1,475 lower median loan debt than Lake Superior State University graduates ($21,775 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lake Superior State University graduates ($225 vs. $240).
• More Lake Superior State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.