Rockford University vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

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

Northwood University is larger than Rockford University based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 1,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rockford University is located in Rockford, IL (Midsize City setting); Northwood University is in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Rockford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rockford University 10:1; Northwood University 14:1.

Rockford University vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockford University or Northwood University? 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 Rockford University than Northwood University ($23,642 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockford University are 12.8% lower than at Northwood University ($11,420 vs. $13,100).
• Rockford University is 9.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwood University (about $3,380 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.8% higher at Rockford University than at Northwood University (about $3,380 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Rockford University as at Northwood University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 9.9% larger than aid received by Northwood University students ($25,671 vs. $23,349).

Rockford University vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is 100 points higher than at Rockford University (960).
• Incoming Rockford University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Northwood University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 850/1070; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 17/23; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockford University - Test optional; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Northwood University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Rockford University (3.25).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Rockford University vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

Rockford University vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rockford University and Northwood University? 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 Rockford University's (31%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than Rockford University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $3,225 lower median loan debt than Rockford University graduates ($21,775 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rockford University graduates ($225 vs. $258).
• More Rockford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.