Northwestern College vs. Visible Music College

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern College in Orange City, IA with Visible Music College in Memphis, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern College is larger than Visible Music College based on total student enrollment (1,705 students vs. 89 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern College is located in Orange City, IA (Distant Town setting); Visible Music College is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• Northwestern College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Visible Music College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern College 15:1; Visible Music College 6:1.

Northwestern College vs. Visible Music College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern College or Visible Music College? 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 Northwestern College than Visible Music College ($26,347 vs. $27,045).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Visible Music College are 35.8% lower than at Northwestern College ($7,000 vs. $10,900).
• Northwestern College is 66.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Visible Music College (about $14,710 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $22,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 66.9% higher at Northwestern College than at Visible Music College (about $14,710 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $22,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwestern College than at Visible Music College (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern College students is 436.6% larger than aid received by Visible Music College students ($23,537 vs. $4,386).

Northwestern College vs. Visible Music College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwestern College or Visible Music College? 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 Visible Music College and Northwestern College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwestern College (1090) is 160 points higher than at Visible Music College (930).
• Incoming Northwestern College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 19 at Visible Music College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern College 940/1240; Visible Music College 605/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern College 20/27; Visible Music College 17/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern College - Test-free; Visible Music College - Test optional.
• Northwestern College has a higher acceptance rate (80.4%) than Visible Music College (28%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.2% at Northwestern College vs. 51.4% at Visible Music College.

Northwestern College vs. Visible Music College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern College and Visible Music College? 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 Visible Music College's (20%).
• More Northwestern College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Visible Music College students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 58%)

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.