Northwood University vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwood University in Midland, MI with Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Michigan University is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 2,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwood University is located in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwood University 14:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

Northwood University vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwood University or WMU? 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 Western Michigan University than Northwood University ($17,331 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 7.1% lower than at Northwood University ($12,174 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 125.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $19,148 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 80.7% higher at Northwood University than at Western Michigan University (about $15,366 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwood University than at Western Michigan University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 111.3% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($23,349 vs. $11,048).

Northwood University vs. WMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 50 points higher than at Northwood University (1060).
• Incoming WMU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 950/1160; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 17/23; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwood University - Test-free; WMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.6% at Northwood University vs. 13.5% at WMU.

Northwood University vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwood University and WMU? 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).

• Western Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Northwood University's (53%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than WMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $4,858 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($21,775 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($225 vs. $275).
• More WMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.