Kalamazoo College vs. Northwest University

Comparable Facts

Compare Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, MI with Northwest University in Kirkland, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Kalamazoo College is larger than Northwest University based on total student enrollment (1,166 students vs. 1,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kalamazoo College is located in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting); Northwest University is in Kirkland, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Kalamazoo College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwest University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Kalamazoo College 10:1; Northwest University 9:1.

Kalamazoo College vs. Northwest University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kalamazoo College or Northwest 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 Northwest University than Kalamazoo College ($24,251 vs. $26,956).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest University are 10.9% lower than at Kalamazoo College ($11,180 vs. $12,549).
• Kalamazoo College is 69.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwest University (about $25,015 more per year; $61,050.00 vs. $36,035.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69.4% higher at Kalamazoo College than at Northwest University (about $25,015 more per year; $61,050.00 vs. $36,035.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwest University than at Kalamazoo College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kalamazoo College students is 81.6% larger than aid received by Northwest University students ($47,252 vs. $26,017).

Kalamazoo College vs. Northwest University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kalamazoo College or Northwest 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 Northwest University and Kalamazoo College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kalamazoo College (1280) is 80 points higher than at Northwest University (1200).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kalamazoo College 1170/1380; Northwest University 1040/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kalamazoo College 20/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kalamazoo College - Test optional; Northwest University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kalamazoo College Jan 15, 2027; Northwest University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kalamazoo College students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Northwest University (3.41).
• Northwest University has a higher acceptance rate (83.2%) than Kalamazoo College (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.7% at Kalamazoo College vs. 30.8% at Northwest University.

Kalamazoo College vs. Northwest University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kalamazoo College and Northwest 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).

• Kalamazoo College's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Northwest University's (50%).
• Graduates from Kalamazoo College earn a median of about $13,000 more per year than Northwest University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,400 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwest University graduates have a $4,918 lower median loan debt than Kalamazoo College graduates ($21,532 vs. $26,450).
• Among borrowers, Northwest University graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kalamazoo College graduates ($222 vs. $273).
• More Kalamazoo College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwest University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 62%)

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.