Northwood University vs. Capital University

Comparable Facts

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

Northwood University is larger than Capital University based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 2,263 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwood University is located in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting); Capital University is in Columbus, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Capital University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwood University 14:1; Capital University 9:1.

Northwood University vs. Capital University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwood University or Capital 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 Capital University than Northwood University ($22,395 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Capital University are 0.9% lower than at Northwood University ($12,984 vs. $13,100).
• Capital University is 25.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwood University (about $8,834 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.7% higher at Capital University than at Northwood University (about $8,834 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Capital University than at Northwood University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Capital University students is 47.6% larger than aid received by Northwood University students ($34,471 vs. $23,349).

Northwood University vs. Capital University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is 10 points higher than at Capital University (1050).
• Incoming Capital University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 950/1160; Capital University 910/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 17/23; Capital University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwood University - Test-free; Capital University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Capital University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Capital University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• Capital University has a higher acceptance rate (70.2%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.6% at Northwood University vs. 11.8% at Capital University.

Northwood University vs. Capital University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwood University and Capital 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).

• Capital University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Northwood University's (53%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than Capital University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $47,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $5,225 lower median loan debt than Capital University graduates ($21,775 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Capital University graduates ($225 vs. $279).
• More Capital University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.