Northwestern College vs. Saint Martin's University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern College in Orange City, IA with Saint Martin's University in Lacey, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern College is larger than Saint Martin's University based on total student enrollment (1,705 students vs. 1,390 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern College is located in Orange City, IA (Distant Town setting); Saint Martin's University is in Lacey, WA (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Northwestern College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Martin's University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern College 15:1; Saint Martin's University 11:1.

Northwestern College vs. Saint Martin's University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern College or Saint Martin's 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 Saint Martin's University ($26,347 vs. $29,116).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwestern College are 28.1% lower than at Saint Martin's University ($10,900 vs. $15,152).
• Saint Martin's University is 24% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwestern College (about $8,800 more per year; $45,510.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24% higher at Saint Martin's University than at Northwestern College (about $8,800 more per year; $45,510.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwestern College than at Saint Martin's University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Martin's University students is 43% larger than aid received by Northwestern College students ($33,654 vs. $23,537).

Northwestern College vs. Saint Martin's University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwestern College or Saint Martin's 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 Saint Martin's University and Northwestern College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Martin's University (1130) is 40 points higher than at Northwestern College (1090).
• Incoming Northwestern College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 18 at Saint Martin's University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern College 940/1240; Saint Martin's University 1025/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern College 20/27; Saint Martin's University 16/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern College - Test-free; Saint Martin's University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Saint Martin's University Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwestern College students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Saint Martin's University (3.46).
• Saint Martin's University has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than Northwestern College (80.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.2% at Northwestern College vs. 12.8% at Saint Martin's University.

Northwestern College vs. Saint Martin's University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern College and Saint Martin's 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).

• Northwestern College's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Saint Martin's University's (48%).
• Graduates from Saint Martin's University earn a median of about $10,100 more per year than Northwestern College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,500 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Martin's University graduates have a $92 lower median loan debt than Northwestern College graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,092).
• Among borrowers, Saint Martin's University graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northwestern College graduates ($258 vs. $259).
• More Northwestern College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saint Martin's University students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 66%)

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.