Northwood University vs. Penn State Shenango

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwood University in Midland, MI with Penn State Shenango in Sharon, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwood University is larger than Penn State Shenango based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 265 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwood University is located in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting); Penn State Shenango is in Sharon, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Shenango is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwood University 14:1; Penn State Shenango 7:1.

Northwood University vs. Penn State Shenango Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwood University or Penn State Shenango? 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 Penn State Shenango than Northwood University ($18,383 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwood University are 14.2% lower than at Penn State Shenango ($13,100 vs. $15,274).
• Northwood University is 145.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Shenango (about $20,376 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $14,024.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46% higher at Northwood University than at Penn State Shenango (about $10,840 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $23,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwood University than at Penn State Shenango (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 160.5% larger than aid received by Penn State Shenango students ($23,349 vs. $8,962).

Northwood University vs. Penn State Shenango Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwood University or Penn State Shenango? 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 Penn State Shenango and Northwood University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Penn State Shenango (1140) is 80 points higher than at Northwood University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 950/1160; Penn State Shenango 1040/1230.
• 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; Penn State Shenango - Test optional.
• Penn State Shenango has a higher acceptance rate (92.2%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.6% at Northwood University vs. 28% at Penn State Shenango.

Northwood University vs. Penn State Shenango Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwood University and Penn State Shenango? 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 Penn State Shenango's (44%).
• Graduates from Penn State Shenango earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Northwood University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,300 vs. $50,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $5,043 lower median loan debt than Penn State Shenango graduates ($21,775 vs. $26,818).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Penn State Shenango graduates ($225 vs. $277).
• More Penn State Shenango graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.