Northern Michigan University vs. BSC

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI with Bismarck State College in Bismarck, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Michigan University is larger than BSC based on total student enrollment (7,409 students vs. 4,206 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Michigan University is located in Marquette, MI (Remote Town setting); Bismarck State College is in Bismarck, ND (Small City setting).
• Northern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bismarck State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Michigan University 18:1; Bismarck State College 13:1.

Northern Michigan University vs. BSC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Michigan University or BSC? 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 Bismarck State College than Northern Michigan University ($10,462 vs. $15,707).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bismarck State College are 37.7% lower than at Northern Michigan University ($8,273 vs. $13,274).
• Northern Michigan University is 172.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSC (about $9,030 more per year; $14,277.00 vs. $5,247.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 169.7% higher at Northern Michigan University than at Bismarck State College (about $12,442 more per year; $19,773.00 vs. $7,331.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Michigan University than at Bismarck State College (94% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Michigan University students is 137.9% larger than aid received by Bismarck State College students ($12,012 vs. $5,049).

Northern Michigan University vs. BSC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northern Michigan University or BSC? 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 BSC and Northern Michigan University.

• Bismarck State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Michigan University - Test-free; BSC - Open admission.

Northern Michigan University vs. BSC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Michigan University and BSC? 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).

• Graduates from Bismarck State College earn a median of about $10,800 more per year than Northern Michigan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bismarck State College graduates have a $11,251 lower median loan debt than Northern Michigan University graduates ($11,041 vs. $22,292).
• Among borrowers, BSC graduates have an estimated $116 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Michigan University graduates ($114 vs. $230).
• More BSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Michigan University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 56%)

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.