Northwood University vs. BLC

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwood University in Midland, MI with Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwood University is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwood University is located in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting); Bethany Lutheran College is in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting).
• Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwood University 14:1; Bethany Lutheran College 12:1.

Northwood University vs. BLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwood University or BLC? 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 Bethany Lutheran College than Northwood University ($21,127 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 34.2% lower than at Northwood University ($8,620 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 9.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than BLC (about $3,040 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.7% higher at Northwood University than at Bethany Lutheran College (about $3,040 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany Lutheran College than at Northwood University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 17.5% larger than aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students ($23,349 vs. $19,865).

Northwood University vs. BLC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwood University or BLC? 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 BLC and Northwood University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany Lutheran College (1110) is 50 points higher than at Northwood University (1060).
• Incoming BLC students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 950/1160; Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 17/23; Bethany Lutheran College 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwood University - Test-free; BLC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BLC students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at Northwood University (3.41).
• Northwood University has a higher acceptance rate (64.5%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.6% at Northwood University vs. 34% at BLC.

Northwood University vs. BLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwood University and BLC? 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).

• The graduation rate at Northwood University is the same as at Bethany Lutheran College (53% vs. 53%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $13,200 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $1,475 lower median loan debt than BLC graduates ($21,775 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BLC graduates ($225 vs. $240).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 54%)

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.