Michigan State vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI with Northwood University in Midland, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Michigan State University is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (52,089 students vs. 2,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, MI (Rural Fringe setting); Northwood University is in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Michigan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Michigan State University 17:1; Northwood University 14:1.

Michigan State vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Michigan State 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 Michigan State University than Northwood University ($23,657 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Michigan State University are 4.1% lower than at Northwood University ($12,564 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 109% more expensive for in-state tuition than Michigan State (about $17,942 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $16,458.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.4% higher at Michigan State than at Northwood University (about $9,442 more per year; $43,842.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwood University than at Michigan State University (98% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 139.5% larger than aid received by Michigan State University students ($23,349 vs. $9,750).

Michigan State vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Michigan State 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 Michigan State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan State University (1270) is 210 points higher than at Northwood University (1060).
• Incoming Michigan State students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan State University 1180/1360; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan State University 25/31; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Michigan State - Test optional; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Michigan State students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• Michigan State has a higher acceptance rate (84.8%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.3% at Michigan State vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

Michigan State vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Michigan State 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).

• Michigan State University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Northwood University's (53%).
• Graduates from Michigan State University earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than Northwood University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,000 vs. $50,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $3,709 lower median loan debt than Michigan State graduates ($21,775 vs. $25,484).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Michigan State graduates ($225 vs. $263).
• More Michigan State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.