Northwood University vs. Bluffton University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwood University in Midland, MI with Bluffton University in Bluffton, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwood University is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwood University is located in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting); Bluffton University is in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwood University 14:1; Bluffton University 11:1.

Northwood University vs. Bluffton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwood University or Bluffton 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 Bluffton University than Northwood University ($20,429 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluffton University are 6.7% lower than at Northwood University ($12,220 vs. $13,100).
• Bluffton University is 8.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwood University (about $2,962 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.6% higher at Bluffton University than at Northwood University (about $2,962 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluffton University than at Northwood University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 34.8% larger than aid received by Northwood University students ($31,481 vs. $23,349).

Northwood University vs. Bluffton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwood University or Bluffton 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 Bluffton University and Northwood University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is 60 points higher than at Bluffton University (1000).
• Incoming Northwood University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Bluffton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 950/1160; Bluffton University 860/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 17/23; Bluffton University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwood University - Test-free; Bluffton University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Northwood University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Bluffton University (3.26).
• Bluffton University has a higher acceptance rate (67.2%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.6% at Northwood University vs. 9% at Bluffton University.

Northwood University vs. Bluffton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwood University and Bluffton 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).

• Bluffton University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Northwood University's (53%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $9,900 more per year than Bluffton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $40,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $5,225 lower median loan debt than Bluffton University graduates ($21,775 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluffton University graduates ($225 vs. $279).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 54%)

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.