Northwood University vs. Defiance College

Comparable Facts

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

Northwood University is larger than Defiance College based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Northwood University vs. Defiance College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwood University or Defiance 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 Northwood University than Defiance College ($25,549 vs. $26,298).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Defiance College are 3.8% lower than at Northwood University ($12,606 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 17.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Defiance College (about $5,080 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $29,320.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.3% higher at Northwood University than at Defiance College (about $5,080 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $29,320.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Defiance College than at Northwood University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Defiance College students is 15.7% larger than aid received by Northwood University students ($27,024 vs. $23,349).

Northwood University vs. Defiance College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwood University or Defiance College? 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 Defiance College and Northwood University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is 70 points higher than at Defiance College (990).
• Incoming Northwood University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Defiance College (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 950/1160; Defiance College 860/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 17/23; Defiance College 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwood University - Test-free; Defiance College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Northwood University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Defiance College (3.12).
• Northwood University has a higher acceptance rate (64.5%) than Defiance College (47.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.6% at Northwood University vs. 21.6% at Defiance College.

Northwood University vs. Defiance College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwood University and Defiance College? 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 Defiance College's (51%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than Defiance College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $43,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $5,225 lower median loan debt than Defiance College graduates ($21,775 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Defiance College graduates ($225 vs. $279).
• More Defiance College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.