Northwood University vs. Cairn

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwood University in Midland, MI with Cairn University Langhorne in Langhorne, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwood University is larger than Cairn based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 1,097 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwood University is located in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting); Cairn University Langhorne is in Langhorne, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cairn University Langhorne is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwood University 14:1; Cairn University Langhorne 11:1.

Northwood University vs. Cairn Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwood University or Cairn? 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 Cairn University Langhorne than Northwood University ($23,273 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cairn University Langhorne are 2.6% lower than at Northwood University ($12,753 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 1.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cairn (about $391 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $34,009.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.1% higher at Northwood University than at Cairn University Langhorne (about $391 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $34,009.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwood University than at Cairn University Langhorne (98% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 9% larger than aid received by Cairn University Langhorne students ($23,349 vs. $21,416).

Northwood University vs. Cairn Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cairn University Langhorne (1080) is 20 points higher than at Northwood University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 950/1160; Cairn University Langhorne 1000/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwood University - Test-free; Cairn - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Northwood University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Cairn (3.31).
• Cairn has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.6% at Northwood University vs. 45.2% at Cairn.

Northwood University vs. Cairn Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Cairn University Langhorne's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Northwood University's (53%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $13,500 more per year than Cairn graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $37,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $5,225 lower median loan debt than Cairn graduates ($21,775 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cairn graduates ($225 vs. $279).
• More Cairn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.