Northwood University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Northwood University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 1,725 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Northwood University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwood University or Columbia 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 Columbia College than Northwood University ($18,790 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 28.3% lower than at Northwood University ($9,390 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 54.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $12,186 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.9% higher at Northwood University than at Columbia College (about $12,186 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwood University than at Columbia College (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 41.9% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($23,349 vs. $16,451).

Northwood University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwood University or Columbia College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Columbia College and Northwood University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is 60 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Northwood University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (20 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Northwood University 950/1160; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Northwood University 17/23; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwood University - Test-free; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Enrolled freshman Columbia College students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.6% at Northwood University vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

Northwood University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwood University and Columbia College? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Northwood University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Columbia College's (50%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $15,800 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $3,489 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($21,775 vs. $25,264).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($225 vs. $261).
• More Northwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 43%)

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.