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Alma College vs Northwood University

Alma College is a private college in Alma, MI. Northwood University is a private university in Midland, MI. Alma College admits about 57% of applicants and Northwood University about 65%, making Alma College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $20,694 a year at Alma College after aid, and about $27,232 at Northwood University. About 63% of students graduate at Alma College, compared with 62% at Northwood University. Ten years after enrolling, Northwood University alumni earn a median of about $63,075, against $54,742 for Alma College.

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Alma College

Alma, MI · Private

Northwood University

Midland, MI · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Alma, MI
Midland, MI
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,148
1,974
Acceptance rate
57%
65%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–3.96
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
1030–1230
950–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
20–25
17–23
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,694
$27,232
Full cost / yr
$63,650
$48,780
In-state tuition
$49,552
$34,400
Out-of-state tuition
$49,552
$34,400
Application fee
$0
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,162
$25,700
$30k - $48k
$18,009
$25,913
$48k - $75k
$18,076
$25,906
$75k - $110k
$18,699
$26,016
Over $110k
$23,618
$28,224
Outcomes
Graduation rate
63%
62%
Freshman retention
85%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,720
$54,058
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,742
$63,075
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$20,842
Student body
Pell grant recipients
27%
26%
First-generation students
24%
40%
International students
6%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Alma College or Northwood University harder to get into?
Alma College is harder to get into. It admits about 57% of applicants, compared with 65% at Northwood University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Alma College or Northwood University?
Alma College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,694 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,232 at Northwood University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Alma College and Northwood University?
Before aid, Northwood University costs about $48,780 a year and Alma College about $63,650. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Alma College or Northwood University?
Alma College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,162 there, against about $25,700 at Northwood University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Alma College or Northwood University?
Northwood University is the larger of the two, with about 1,974 undergraduates against 1,148 at Alma College.
Does Alma College or Northwood University have a better graduation rate?
Alma College has the higher graduation rate, at about 63% against 62% at Northwood University.
Do graduates of Alma College or Northwood University earn more?
Northwood University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,075 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,742 for Alma College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Alma College and Northwood University require SAT or ACT scores?
Alma College requires SAT or ACT scores. Northwood University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Alma College and Northwood University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1030–1230 at Alma College and 950–1160 at Northwood University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school