MBC vs. Northland College

Comparable Facts

Compare Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, VA with Northland College in Ashland, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mary Baldwin University is larger than Northland College based on total student enrollment (1,772 students vs. 286 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mary Baldwin University is located in Staunton, VA (Distant Town setting); Northland College is in Ashland, WI (Remote Town setting).
• Mary Baldwin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northland College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mary Baldwin University 15:1; Northland College 5:1.

MBC vs. Northland College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MBC 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 Mary Baldwin University than Northland College ($17,810 vs. $23,253).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mary Baldwin University are 1.6% lower than at Northland College ($11,411 vs. $11,600).
• Northland College is 30% more expensive for in-state tuition than MBC (about $10,251 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $34,152.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30% higher at Northland College than at Mary Baldwin University (about $10,251 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $34,152.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northland College than at Mary Baldwin University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northland College students is 19.3% larger than aid received by Mary Baldwin University students ($33,572 vs. $28,135).

MBC vs. Northland College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MBC 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 MBC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northland College (1050) is 20 points higher than at MBC (1030).
• Incoming MBC students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Northland College (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mary Baldwin University 940/1120; Northland College 950/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mary Baldwin University 18/24; Northland College 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MBC - Not reported; Northland College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman MBC students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Northland College (3.3).

MBC vs. Northland College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MBC 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).

• Mary Baldwin University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Northland College's (48%).
• Graduates from Mary Baldwin University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Northland College graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 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 MBC graduates ($26,943 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northland College graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MBC graduates ($278 vs. $279).
• More Northland College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MBC students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 53%)

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.