Northwest vs. MSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO with Minot State University in Minot, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwest Missouri State University is larger than MSU based on total student enrollment (9,152 students vs. 2,751 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest Missouri State University is located in Maryville, MO (Remote Town setting); Minot State University is in Minot, ND (Remote Town setting).
• Northwest Missouri State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Minot State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest Missouri State University 16:1; Minot State University 11:1.

Northwest vs. MSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwest or MSU? 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 Minot State University than Northwest ($13,092 vs. $16,790).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minot State University are 30.5% lower than at Northwest Missouri State University ($8,534 vs. $12,282).
• Northwest Missouri State University is 21.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $1,909 more per year; $10,611.00 vs. $8,702.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 99.1% higher at Northwest than at Minot State University (about $8,622 more per year; $17,324.00 vs. $8,702.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwest Missouri State University than at Minot State University (95% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwest Missouri State University students is 51.3% larger than aid received by Minot State University students ($9,101 vs. $6,016).

Northwest vs. MSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwest or MSU? 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 MSU and Northwest.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwest Missouri State University (1080) is 40 points higher than at MSU (1040).
• Incoming Northwest students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at MSU (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Missouri State University 976/1193; Minot State University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Missouri State University 19/24; Minot State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwest - Test optional; MSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MSU Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwest students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at MSU (3.42).
• Northwest has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than MSU (64.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Northwest vs. 77.9% at MSU.

Northwest vs. MSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwest and MSU? 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).

• Northwest Missouri State University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Minot State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Minot State University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than Northwest graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Minot State University graduates have a $6,275 lower median loan debt than Northwest graduates ($18,725 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $65 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northwest graduates ($193 vs. $258).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwest students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 63%)

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.