Northwood University vs. Marian University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwood University in Midland, MI with Marian University in Fond Du Lac, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwood University is larger than Marian University based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 1,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwood University is located in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting); Marian University is in Fond Du Lac, WI (Small City setting).
• Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwood University 14:1; Marian University 11:1.

Northwood University vs. Marian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwood University or Marian 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 Marian University than Northwood University ($22,697 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marian University are 24.8% lower than at Northwood University ($9,849 vs. $13,100).
• Marian University is 2.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwood University (about $778 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.3% higher at Marian University than at Northwood University (about $778 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marian University than at Northwood University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 7.1% larger than aid received by Marian University students ($23,349 vs. $21,805).

Northwood University vs. Marian University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is 120 points higher than at Marian University (940).
• Incoming Northwood University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Marian University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 950/1160; Marian University 800/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 17/23; Marian University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwood University - Test-free; Marian University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Northwood University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Marian University (3.16).
• Marian University has a higher acceptance rate (75%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.6% at Northwood University vs. 18% at Marian University.

Northwood University vs. Marian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwood University and Marian 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 Marian University's (52%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than Marian University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $43,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $5,225 lower median loan debt than Marian University graduates ($21,775 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marian University graduates ($225 vs. $279).
• More Marian University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.