Rockford University vs. Northland College

Comparable Facts

Compare Rockford University in Rockford, IL with Northland College in Ashland, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rockford University is larger than Northland College based on total student enrollment (1,241 students vs. 286 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rockford University is located in Rockford, IL (Midsize City setting); Northland College is in Ashland, WI (Remote Town setting).
• Rockford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northland College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rockford University 10:1; Northland College 5:1.

Rockford University vs. Northland College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockford University or Northland College? 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 Northland College than Rockford University ($23,253 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockford University are 1.6% lower than at Northland College ($11,420 vs. $11,600).
• Northland College is 17.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rockford University (about $6,623 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $37,780.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.5% higher at Northland College than at Rockford University (about $6,623 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $37,780.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northland College than at Rockford University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northland College students is 30.8% larger than aid received by Rockford University students ($33,572 vs. $25,671).

Rockford University vs. Northland College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rockford University or Northland College? 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 Northland College and Rockford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northland College (1050) is 90 points higher than at Rockford University (960).
• Incoming Northland College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Rockford University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 850/1070; Northland College 950/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 17/23; Northland College 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockford University - Test optional; Northland College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Northland College students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Rockford University (3.25).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Northland College (75%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Rockford University vs. 9.6% at Northland College.

Rockford University vs. Northland College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rockford University and Northland College? 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).

• Northland College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Rockford University's (31%).
• Graduates from Rockford University earn a median of about $9,700 more per year than Northland College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $34,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockford University graduates have a $1,943 lower median loan debt than Northland College graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,943).
• Among borrowers, Rockford University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northland College graduates ($258 vs. $278).
• More Northland College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rockford University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 60%)

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.