Michigan Tech vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

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

Michigan Technological University is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (7,403 students vs. 2,409 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Michigan Technological University is located in Houghton, MI (Remote Town setting); Northwood University is in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Michigan Technological University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Michigan Technological University 13:1; Northwood University 14:1.

Michigan Tech vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Michigan Tech 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 Technological University than Northwood University ($16,879 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Michigan Technological University are 0.4% lower than at Northwood University ($13,050 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 79.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Michigan Tech (about $15,277 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $19,123.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25% higher at Michigan Tech than at Northwood University (about $8,588 more per year; $42,988.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Michigan Technological University than at Northwood University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 17.3% larger than aid received by Michigan Technological University students ($23,349 vs. $19,898).

Michigan Tech vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Michigan Tech or Northwood University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Northwood University and Michigan Tech.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Michigan Technological University (1240) is 180 points higher than at Northwood University (1060).
• Incoming Michigan Tech students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (28 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Michigan Technological University 1130/1350; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Michigan Technological University 25/31; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Michigan Tech - Test optional; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Enrolled freshman Michigan Tech students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.78) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• Michigan Tech has a higher acceptance rate (92.4%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Michigan Tech vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

Michigan Tech vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Michigan Tech and Northwood University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Michigan Technological University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Northwood University's (53%).
• Graduates from Michigan Technological University earn a median of about $15,500 more per year than Northwood University graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,000 vs. $50,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $5,125 lower median loan debt than Michigan Tech graduates ($21,775 vs. $26,900).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $53 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Michigan Tech graduates ($225 vs. $278).
• More Michigan Tech graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.