Northwood University vs. WLC

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwood University in Midland, MI with Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwood University is larger than WLC based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 1,027 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwood University is located in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting); Wisconsin Lutheran College is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwood University 14:1; Wisconsin Lutheran College 11:1.

Northwood University vs. WLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwood University or WLC? 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 Wisconsin Lutheran College than Northwood University ($24,095 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wisconsin Lutheran College are 6.5% lower than at Northwood University ($12,250 vs. $13,100).
• Wisconsin Lutheran College is 5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwood University (about $1,710 more per year; $36,110.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5% higher at WLC than at Northwood University (about $1,710 more per year; $36,110.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wisconsin Lutheran College than at Northwood University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wisconsin Lutheran College students is 5.5% larger than aid received by Northwood University students ($24,624 vs. $23,349).

Northwood University vs. WLC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wisconsin Lutheran College (1100) is 40 points higher than at Northwood University (1060).
• Incoming WLC students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 950/1160; Wisconsin Lutheran College 970/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 17/23; Wisconsin Lutheran College 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwood University - Test-free; WLC - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman WLC students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• WLC has a higher acceptance rate (78.2%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.6% at Northwood University vs. 20.2% at WLC.

Northwood University vs. WLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Wisconsin Lutheran College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Northwood University's (53%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than WLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $43,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $3,225 lower median loan debt than WLC graduates ($21,775 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WLC graduates ($225 vs. $258).
• More WLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.