Rochester University vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

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

Northwood University is larger than Rochester University based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 1,193 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rochester University is located in Rochester Hills, MI (Large Suburban setting); Northwood University is in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Rochester University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rochester University 13:1; Northwood University 14:1.

Rochester University vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rochester University or Northwood 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 Rochester University than Northwood University ($21,611 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rochester University are 20% lower than at Northwood University ($10,486 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 17.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rochester University (about $5,204 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $29,196.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.8% higher at Northwood University than at Rochester University (about $5,204 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $29,196.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rochester University than at Northwood University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 18.7% larger than aid received by Rochester University students ($23,349 vs. $19,674).

Rochester University vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is 110 points higher than at Rochester University (950).
• Incoming Rochester University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Northwood University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rochester University 840/1060; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rochester University 17/23; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rochester University - Test-free; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Northwood University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Rochester University (3.13).
• Rochester University has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Rochester University vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

Rochester University vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rochester University and Northwood 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 Rochester University's (42%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $12,400 more per year than Rochester University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $2,628 lower median loan debt than Rochester University graduates ($21,775 vs. $24,403).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rochester University graduates ($225 vs. $252).
• More Northwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rochester University students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 45%)

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.