Northwood University vs. WSU

Comparable Facts

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

Wayne State University is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 2,409 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwood University is located in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting); Wayne State University is in Detroit, MI (Large City setting).
• Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wayne State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwood University 14:1; Wayne State University 14:1.

Northwood University vs. WSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwood University or WSU? 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 Wayne State University than Northwood University ($14,416 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwood University are 8.1% lower than at Wayne State University ($13,100 vs. $14,252).
• Northwood University is 126.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $19,210 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $15,190.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.4% higher at Northwood University than at Wayne State University (about $2,363 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $32,037.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northwood University as at Wayne State University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 80.3% larger than aid received by Wayne State University students ($23,349 vs. $12,953).

Northwood University vs. WSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwood University or WSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WSU and Northwood University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Wayne State University (1170) is 110 points higher than at Northwood University (1060).
• Incoming WSU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (26 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Northwood University 950/1160; Wayne State University 1060/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Northwood University 17/23; Wayne State University 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwood University - Test-free; WSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman WSU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.6% at Northwood University vs. 22.4% at WSU.

Northwood University vs. WSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwood University and WSU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Northwood University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Wayne State University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Northwood University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $50,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $483 lower median loan debt than WSU graduates ($21,775 vs. $22,258).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WSU graduates ($225 vs. $230).
• More Northwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 38%)

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.