UM-Dearborn vs. Northern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Michigan Dearborn in Dearborn, MI with Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Michigan Dearborn is larger than Northern Michigan University based on total student enrollment (8,104 students vs. 7,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Michigan Dearborn is located in Dearborn, MI (Small City setting); Northern Michigan University is in Marquette, MI (Remote Town setting).
• University of Michigan Dearborn is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Michigan Dearborn 16:1; Northern Michigan University 18:1.

UM-Dearborn vs. Northern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UM-Dearborn or Northern Michigan 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 University of Michigan Dearborn than Northern Michigan University ($11,521 vs. $15,707).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Michigan Dearborn are 15.3% lower than at Northern Michigan University ($11,241 vs. $13,274).
• University of Michigan Dearborn is 9.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Michigan University (about $1,363 more per year; $15,640.00 vs. $14,277.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 66.4% higher at UM-Dearborn than at Northern Michigan University (about $13,123 more per year; $32,896.00 vs. $19,773.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Michigan Dearborn than at Northern Michigan University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Michigan Dearborn students is 0.9% larger than aid received by Northern Michigan University students ($12,124 vs. $12,012).

UM-Dearborn vs. Northern Michigan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UM-Dearborn or Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan University and UM-Dearborn.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Michigan Dearborn 990/1255.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Michigan Dearborn 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UM-Dearborn - Test optional; Northern Michigan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UM-Dearborn Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UM-Dearborn students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Northern Michigan University (3.33).
• Northern Michigan University has a higher acceptance rate (84%) than UM-Dearborn (55.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at UM-Dearborn vs. 15.3% at Northern Michigan University.

UM-Dearborn vs. Northern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UM-Dearborn and Northern Michigan 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).

• University of Michigan Dearborn's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Northern Michigan University's (48%).
• Graduates from University of Michigan Dearborn earn a median of about $14,400 more per year than Northern Michigan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,800 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Michigan University graduates have a $3,458 lower median loan debt than UM-Dearborn graduates ($22,292 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Northern Michigan University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UM-Dearborn graduates ($230 vs. $266).
• More Northern Michigan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UM-Dearborn students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 46%)

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.