Northwestern College vs. Bellarmine University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern College in Orange City, IA with Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bellarmine University is larger than Northwestern College based on total student enrollment (2,886 students vs. 1,705 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern College is located in Orange City, IA (Distant Town setting); Bellarmine University is in Louisville, KY (Large City setting).
• Northwestern College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bellarmine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern College 15:1; Bellarmine University 12:1.

Northwestern College vs. Bellarmine University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern College or Bellarmine 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 Bellarmine University than Northwestern College ($23,165 vs. $26,347).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellarmine University are 0.5% lower than at Northwestern College ($10,850 vs. $10,900).
• Bellarmine University is 32.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwestern College (about $12,060 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.9% higher at Bellarmine University than at Northwestern College (about $12,060 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northwestern College as at Bellarmine University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 65.7% larger than aid received by Northwestern College students ($39,001 vs. $23,537).

Northwestern College vs. Bellarmine University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwestern College or Bellarmine 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 Bellarmine University and Northwestern College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bellarmine University (1140) is 50 points higher than at Northwestern College (1090).
• Incoming Bellarmine University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Northwestern College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern College 940/1240; Bellarmine University 1030/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern College 20/27; Bellarmine University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern College - Test-free; Bellarmine University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwestern College students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Bellarmine University (3.42).
• Bellarmine University has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than Northwestern College (80.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.2% at Northwestern College vs. 13.1% at Bellarmine University.

Northwestern College vs. Bellarmine University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern College and Bellarmine 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).

• The graduation rate at Northwestern College is the same as at Bellarmine University (66% vs. 66%).
• Graduates from Bellarmine University earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than Northwestern College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,300 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bellarmine University graduates have a $92 lower median loan debt than Northwestern College graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,092).
• Among borrowers, Bellarmine University graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northwestern College graduates ($258 vs. $259).
• More Northwestern College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bellarmine University students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 73%)

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.