Northwood University vs. Carlow University

Comparable Facts

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

Carlow University is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (2,416 students vs. 2,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwood University is located in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting); Carlow University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carlow University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwood University 14:1; Carlow University 12:1.

Northwood University vs. Carlow University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwood University or Carlow 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 Carlow University than Northwood University ($21,002 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwood University are 5.1% lower than at Carlow University ($13,100 vs. $13,808).
• Carlow University is 4.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwood University (about $1,474 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.3% higher at Carlow University than at Northwood University (about $1,474 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carlow University than at Northwood University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carlow University students is 20.9% larger than aid received by Northwood University students ($28,233 vs. $23,349).

Northwood University vs. Carlow University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is the same as at Carlow University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 950/1160; Carlow University 960/1168.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwood University - Test-free; Carlow University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Carlow University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• Carlow University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.6% at Northwood University vs. 15.7% at Carlow University.

Northwood University vs. Carlow University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwood University and Carlow 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).

• Northwood University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Carlow University's (51%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Carlow University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $41,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $5,225 lower median loan debt than Carlow University graduates ($21,775 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carlow University graduates ($225 vs. $279).
• More Carlow University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.