GSU vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

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

Governors State University is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (4,397 students vs. 2,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Governors State University is located in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Northwood University is in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Governors State University 11:1; Northwood University 14:1.

GSU vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GSU 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 Governors State University than Northwood University ($12,756 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 10.4% lower than at Northwood University ($11,736 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 186.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than GSU (about $22,396 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 186.6% higher at Northwood University than at Governors State University (about $22,396 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwood University than at Governors State University (98% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 103.8% larger than aid received by Governors State University students ($23,349 vs. $11,455).

GSU vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GSU 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 GSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is 110 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Governors State University 830/1060; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorthwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GSU - Test optional; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 0.59 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• Northwood University has a higher acceptance rate (64.5%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at GSU vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

GSU vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GSU 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).

• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than GSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $4,525 lower median loan debt than Northwood University graduates ($17,250 vs. $21,775).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northwood University graduates ($178 vs. $225).
• More Northwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GSU students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 48%)

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.