Northwood University vs. MIAD

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwood University in Midland, MI with Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwood University is larger than MIAD based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 838 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwood University is located in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting); Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwood University 14:1; Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design 11:1.

Northwood University vs. MIAD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwood University or MIAD? 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 MIAD ($25,549 vs. $27,579).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design are 16.4% lower than at Northwood University ($10,955 vs. $13,100).
• Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design is 27.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwood University (about $9,343 more per year; $43,743.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.2% higher at MIAD than at Northwood University (about $9,343 more per year; $43,743.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design than at Northwood University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design students is 11.4% larger than aid received by Northwood University students ($26,015 vs. $23,349).

Northwood University vs. MIAD Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is 20 points higher than at MIAD (1040).
• Incoming MIAD students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 950/1160; Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design 940/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 17/23; Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwood University - Test-free; MIAD - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MIAD Aug 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwood University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at MIAD (3.08).
• Northwood University has a higher acceptance rate (64.5%) than MIAD (60.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.6% at Northwood University vs. 33.2% at MIAD.

Northwood University vs. MIAD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwood University and MIAD? 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).

• Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Northwood University's (53%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $14,500 more per year than MIAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $36,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $5,225 lower median loan debt than MIAD graduates ($21,775 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MIAD graduates ($225 vs. $279).
• More MIAD 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.