Northwood University vs. Rivier University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwood University in Midland, MI with Rivier University in Nashua, NH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rivier University is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (2,777 students vs. 2,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwood University is located in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting); Rivier University is in Nashua, NH (Small City setting).
• Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwood University 14:1; Rivier University 14:1.

Northwood University vs. Rivier University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwood University or Rivier 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 Northwood University than Rivier University ($25,549 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwood University are 16.2% lower than at Rivier University ($13,100 vs. $15,636).
• Rivier University is 14.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwood University (about $5,088 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.8% higher at Rivier University than at Northwood University (about $5,088 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northwood University as at Rivier University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rivier University students is 6.8% larger than aid received by Northwood University students ($24,927 vs. $23,349).

Northwood University vs. Rivier University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 60 points higher than at Northwood University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwood University 950/1160; Rivier University 1055/1175.
• 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; Rivier University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• Rivier University has a higher acceptance rate (82.6%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.6% at Northwood University vs. 15.3% at Rivier University.

Northwood University vs. Rivier University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwood University and Rivier 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).

• Northwood University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Rivier University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $3,680 lower median loan debt than Rivier University graduates ($21,775 vs. $25,455).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rivier University graduates ($225 vs. $263).
• More Rivier University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.