Northwood University vs. Cleveland State

Comparable Facts

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

Cleveland State University is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (14,074 students vs. 2,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwood University is located in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting); Cleveland State University is in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting).
• Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cleveland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwood University 14:1; Cleveland State University 16:1.

Northwood University vs. Cleveland State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwood University or Cleveland State? 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 Cleveland State University than Northwood University ($16,230 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwood University are 13.3% lower than at Cleveland State University ($13,100 vs. $15,104).
• Northwood University is 164.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cleveland State (about $21,412 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $12,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 85.8% higher at Northwood University than at Cleveland State University (about $15,890 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $18,510.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwood University than at Cleveland State University (98% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 138.4% larger than aid received by Cleveland State University students ($23,349 vs. $9,795).

Northwood University vs. Cleveland State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwood University or Cleveland State? 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 Cleveland State and Northwood University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is 50 points higher than at Cleveland State (1010).
• Incoming Cleveland State 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; Cleveland State University 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 17/23; Cleveland State University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwood University - Test-free; Cleveland State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cleveland State Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwood University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Cleveland State (3.31).
• Cleveland State has a higher acceptance rate (91.3%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.6% at Northwood University vs. 15.7% at Cleveland State.

Northwood University vs. Cleveland State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwood University and Cleveland State? 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 Cleveland State University's (30%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than Cleveland State graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cleveland State University graduates have a $275 lower median loan debt than Northwood University graduates ($21,500 vs. $21,775).
• Among borrowers, Cleveland State graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northwood University graduates ($222 vs. $225).
• More Northwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cleveland State students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 47%)

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.