Northwood University vs. Saginaw Valley State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwood University in Midland, MI with Saginaw Valley State University in University Center, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saginaw Valley State University is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (6,822 students vs. 2,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwood University is located in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting); Saginaw Valley State University is in University Center, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saginaw Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwood University 14:1; Saginaw Valley State University 16:1.

Northwood University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwood University or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University than Northwood University ($11,546 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saginaw Valley State University are 5.8% lower than at Northwood University ($12,340 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 166% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saginaw Valley State University (about $21,470 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $12,930.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13% higher at Northwood University than at Saginaw Valley State University (about $3,950 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $30,450.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northwood University as at Saginaw Valley State University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 72.8% larger than aid received by Saginaw Valley State University students ($23,349 vs. $13,512).

Northwood University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwood University or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University and Northwood University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is 10 points higher than at Saginaw Valley State University (1050).
• Incoming Saginaw Valley State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 950/1160; Saginaw Valley State University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 17/23; Saginaw Valley State University 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwood University - Test-free; Saginaw Valley State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Saginaw Valley State University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• Saginaw Valley State University has a higher acceptance rate (72.1%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.6% at Northwood University vs. 16% at Saginaw Valley State University.

Northwood University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwood University and Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than Saginaw Valley State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $41,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $5,225 lower median loan debt than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($21,775 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($225 vs. $279).
• More Northwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saginaw Valley State University students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 48%)

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.