Northwood University vs. Oakland

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwood University in Midland, MI with Oakland University in Rochester Hills, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Oakland University is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (15,768 students vs. 2,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwood University is located in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting); Oakland University is in Rochester Hills, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Oakland University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwood University 14:1; Oakland University 17:1.

Northwood University vs. Oakland Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwood University or Oakland? 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 Oakland University than Northwood University ($12,208 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Oakland University are 16.5% lower than at Northwood University ($10,932 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 125.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Oakland (about $19,138 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $15,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.4% higher at Northwood University than at Oakland University (about $11,212 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $23,188.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwood University than at Oakland University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 79.8% larger than aid received by Oakland University students ($23,349 vs. $12,988).

Northwood University vs. Oakland Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oakland University (1130) is 70 points higher than at Northwood University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 950/1160; Oakland University 1030/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwood University - Test-free; Oakland - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Oakland students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• Oakland has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.6% at Northwood University vs. 14.7% at Oakland.

Northwood University vs. Oakland Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwood University and Oakland? 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 Oakland University's (40%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Oakland graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $46,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $3,225 lower median loan debt than Oakland graduates ($21,775 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Oakland graduates ($225 vs. $258).
• More Northwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Oakland students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 51%)

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.