Madonna University vs. Carlow University

Comparable Facts

Compare Madonna University in Livonia, MI with Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carlow University is larger than Madonna University based on total student enrollment (2,416 students vs. 2,124 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Madonna University is located in Livonia, MI (Small City setting); Carlow University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Madonna University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carlow University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Madonna University 11:1; Carlow University 12:1.

Madonna University vs. Carlow University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Madonna University or Carlow 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 Madonna University than Carlow University ($18,373 vs. $21,002).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Madonna University are 7% lower than at Carlow University ($12,840 vs. $13,808).
• Carlow University is 26.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Madonna University (about $7,434 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $28,440.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.1% higher at Carlow University than at Madonna University (about $7,434 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $28,440.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carlow University than at Madonna University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carlow University students is 25.6% larger than aid received by Madonna University students ($28,233 vs. $22,471).

Madonna University vs. Carlow University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Madonna University or Carlow 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 Carlow University and Madonna University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carlow University (1060) is 80 points higher than at Madonna University (980).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Madonna University 880/1080; Carlow University 960/1168.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Madonna University - Test optional; Carlow University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Carlow University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Madonna University (3.35).
• Carlow University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Madonna University (63.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.2% at Madonna University vs. 15.7% at Carlow University.

Madonna University vs. Carlow University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Madonna University and Carlow 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).

• Carlow University's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Madonna University's (42%).
• Graduates from Madonna University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Carlow University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,400 vs. $41,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Madonna University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Carlow University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Madonna University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carlow University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Carlow University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Madonna University students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 48%)

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.