UM-Dearborn vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Michigan Dearborn is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (8,104 students vs. 2,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

UM-Dearborn vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UM-Dearborn 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 University of Michigan Dearborn than Northwood University ($11,521 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Michigan Dearborn are 14.2% lower than at Northwood University ($11,241 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 119.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than UM-Dearborn (about $18,760 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $15,640.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.6% higher at Northwood University than at University of Michigan Dearborn (about $1,504 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $32,896.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Michigan Dearborn than at Northwood University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 92.6% larger than aid received by University of Michigan Dearborn students ($23,349 vs. $12,124).

UM-Dearborn vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UM-Dearborn 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 UM-Dearborn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Michigan Dearborn (1120) is 60 points higher than at Northwood University (1060).
• Incoming UM-Dearborn 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: University of Michigan Dearborn 990/1255; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Michigan Dearborn 24/28; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UM-Dearborn - Test optional; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UM-Dearborn Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UM-Dearborn students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• Northwood University has a higher acceptance rate (64.5%) than UM-Dearborn (55.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at UM-Dearborn vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

UM-Dearborn vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UM-Dearborn 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 University of Michigan Dearborn's (49%).
• Graduates from University of Michigan Dearborn earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than Northwood University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,800 vs. $50,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $3,975 lower median loan debt than UM-Dearborn graduates ($21,775 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UM-Dearborn graduates ($225 vs. $266).
• More Northwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UM-Dearborn students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.