Northwestern College vs. University of Lynchburg

Comparable Facts

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

University of Lynchburg is larger than Northwestern College based on total student enrollment (2,316 students vs. 1,705 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern College is located in Orange City, IA (Distant Town setting); University of Lynchburg is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Northwestern College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Lynchburg is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern College 15:1; University of Lynchburg 11:1.

Northwestern College vs. University of Lynchburg Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern College or University of Lynchburg? 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 University of Lynchburg than Northwestern College ($23,845 vs. $26,347).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwestern College are 20.4% lower than at University of Lynchburg ($10,900 vs. $13,700).
• University of Lynchburg is 0.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwestern College (about $40 more per year; $36,750.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.1% higher at University of Lynchburg than at Northwestern College (about $40 more per year; $36,750.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northwestern College as at University of Lynchburg (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Lynchburg students is 12.6% larger than aid received by Northwestern College students ($26,491 vs. $23,537).

Northwestern College vs. University of Lynchburg Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwestern College or University of Lynchburg? 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 University of Lynchburg and Northwestern College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Lynchburg (1110) is 20 points higher than at Northwestern College (1090).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern College 940/1240; University of Lynchburg 980/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern College 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern College - Test-free; University of Lynchburg - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Lynchburg Sep 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Northwestern College students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at University of Lynchburg (3.53).
• Northwestern College has a higher acceptance rate (80.4%) than University of Lynchburg (43%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.2% at Northwestern College vs. 14.7% at University of Lynchburg.

Northwestern College vs. University of Lynchburg Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern College and University of Lynchburg? 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).

• Northwestern College's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than University of Lynchburg's (52%).
• Graduates from University of Lynchburg earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Northwestern College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern College graduates have a $1,908 lower median loan debt than University of Lynchburg graduates ($25,092 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern College graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Lynchburg graduates ($259 vs. $279).
• More Northwestern College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Lynchburg students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 70%)

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.