Washburn University vs. Northern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Michigan University is larger than Washburn University based on total student enrollment (7,409 students vs. 6,033 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washburn University is located in Topeka, KS (Midsize City setting); Northern Michigan University is in Marquette, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Washburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washburn University 15:1; Northern Michigan University 18:1.

Washburn University vs. Northern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washburn University 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 Washburn University than Northern Michigan University ($11,488 vs. $15,707).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washburn University are 13.4% lower than at Northern Michigan University ($11,501 vs. $13,274).
• Northern Michigan University is 43.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washburn University (about $4,332 more per year; $14,277.00 vs. $9,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.9% higher at Washburn University than at Northern Michigan University (about $1,176 more per year; $20,949.00 vs. $19,773.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washburn University than at Northern Michigan University (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Michigan University students is 22.8% larger than aid received by Washburn University students ($12,012 vs. $9,781).

Washburn University vs. Northern Michigan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Washburn University 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 Washburn University.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washburn University - Not reported; Northern Michigan University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Washburn University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Northern Michigan University (3.33).

Washburn University vs. Northern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washburn University 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).

• Northern Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Washburn University's (37%).
• Graduates from Washburn University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than Northern Michigan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washburn University graduates have a $5,392 lower median loan debt than Northern Michigan University graduates ($16,900 vs. $22,292).
• Among borrowers, Washburn University graduates have an estimated $56 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Michigan University graduates ($174 vs. $230).
• More Northern Michigan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washburn University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 49%)

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.