Northwestern College vs. DeSales University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern College in Orange City, IA with DeSales University in Center Valley, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

DeSales University is larger than Northwestern College based on total student enrollment (2,972 students vs. 1,705 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern College is located in Orange City, IA (Distant Town setting); DeSales University is in Center Valley, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Northwestern College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. DeSales University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern College 15:1; DeSales University 12:1.

Northwestern College vs. DeSales University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern College or DeSales 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 Northwestern College than DeSales University ($26,347 vs. $31,732).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwestern College are 21% lower than at DeSales University ($10,900 vs. $13,800).
• DeSales University is 27.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwestern College (about $10,090 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.5% higher at DeSales University than at Northwestern College (about $10,090 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northwestern College as at DeSales University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by DeSales University students is 31.3% larger than aid received by Northwestern College students ($30,909 vs. $23,537).

Northwestern College vs. DeSales University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwestern College or DeSales 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 DeSales University and Northwestern College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at DeSales University (1180) is 90 points higher than at Northwestern College (1090).
• Incoming DeSales University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at Northwestern College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern College 940/1240; DeSales University 1090/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern College 20/27; DeSales University 27/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern College - Test-free; DeSales University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DeSales University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwestern College students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at DeSales University (3.39).
• Northwestern College has a higher acceptance rate (80.4%) than DeSales University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.2% at Northwestern College vs. 16.7% at DeSales University.

Northwestern College vs. DeSales University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern College and DeSales 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).

• DeSales University's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Northwestern College's (66%).
• Graduates from DeSales University earn a median of about $12,700 more per year than Northwestern College graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern College graduates have a $908 lower median loan debt than DeSales University graduates ($25,092 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern College graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DeSales University graduates ($259 vs. $268).
• More Northwestern College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DeSales University students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 71%)

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.