Bluffton University vs. Northland College

Comparable Facts

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

Bluffton University is larger than Northland College based on total student enrollment (646 students vs. 286 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluffton University is located in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting); Northland College is in Ashland, WI (Remote Town setting).
• Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northland College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluffton University 11:1; Northland College 5:1.

Bluffton University vs. Northland College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluffton 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 Bluffton University than Northland College ($20,429 vs. $23,253).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northland College are 5.1% lower than at Bluffton University ($11,600 vs. $12,220).
• Northland College is 18.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluffton University (about $7,041 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $37,362.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.8% higher at Northland College than at Bluffton University (about $7,041 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $37,362.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bluffton University as at Northland College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northland College students is 6.6% larger than aid received by Bluffton University students ($33,572 vs. $31,481).

Bluffton University vs. Northland College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northland College (1050) is 50 points higher than at Bluffton University (1000).
• Incoming Northland College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Bluffton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluffton University 860/1130; Northland College 950/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluffton University 16/22; Northland College 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluffton University - Test optional; Northland College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Northland College students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Bluffton University (3.26).
• Northland College has a higher acceptance rate (75%) than Bluffton University (67.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9% at Bluffton University vs. 9.6% at Northland College.

Bluffton University vs. Northland College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluffton 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).

• Bluffton University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Northland College's (48%).
• Graduates from Bluffton University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Northland College graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,600 vs. $34,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northland College graduates have a $57 lower median loan debt than Bluffton University graduates ($26,943 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northland College graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluffton University graduates ($278 vs. $279).
• More Northland College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluffton University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 67%)

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.