Northwood University vs. University of Akron

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwood University in Midland, MI with University of Akron Main Campus in Akron, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Akron Main Campus is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (13,332 students vs. 2,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwood University is located in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting); University of Akron Main Campus is in Akron, OH (Midsize City setting).
• Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Akron Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwood University 14:1; University of Akron Main Campus 17:1.

Northwood University vs. University of Akron Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwood University or University of Akron? 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 University of Akron Main Campus than Northwood University ($14,693 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Akron Main Campus are 9.1% lower than at Northwood University ($11,904 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 161.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Akron (about $21,265 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $13,135.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.3% higher at Northwood University than at University of Akron Main Campus (about $13,585 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $20,815.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwood University than at University of Akron Main Campus (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 102.1% larger than aid received by University of Akron Main Campus students ($23,349 vs. $11,551).

Northwood University vs. University of Akron Admissions comparison

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

• University of Akron Main Campus reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is 10 points higher than at University of Akron (1050).
• Incoming University of Akron students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 950/1160; University of Akron Main Campus 900/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 17/23; University of Akron Main Campus 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwood University - Test-free; University of Akron - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Akron Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Akron students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• Northwood University has a higher acceptance rate (64.5%) than University of Akron (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.6% at Northwood University vs. 18.3% at University of Akron.

Northwood University vs. University of Akron Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwood University and University of Akron? 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 University of Akron Main Campus's (38%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than University of Akron graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $40,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $3,725 lower median loan debt than University of Akron graduates ($21,775 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Akron graduates ($225 vs. $263).
• More Northwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Akron students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 45%)

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.