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Founded in 1959 by Dr. Arthur E. Turner and Dr. R. Gary Stauffer, Northwood University initially embraced the principles of American free enterprise in higher education. This institution has grown into a well-established university recognized for its focus on business education. You'll find the main campus in Midland, Michigan, situated on a sprawling 400+-acre site. This setting offers a city environment, providing students access to both campus resources and urban amenities.


Overview of Northwood University (NU)


Northwood University (NU) is committed to nondiscrimination and equal opportunities across various protected categories. This policy reflects the university's dedication to inclusivity and diversity. Online learning is an integral part of the university's offerings, catering to students seeking flexible education options. These programs expand access to Northwood's esteemed business courses beyond the physical campus.

With over 33,000 graduates, Northwood University has a strong network of alumni. Its education model combines classroom learning with practical experiences aimed at preparing students for careers in a competitive business environment.

General Information


School Type Private not-for-profit
Campus Setting City: Small
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 9:1
Graduation Rate 58%
Year Founded 1959

Student Enrollment


Total Students2,541

Undergraduate
2,254
Graduate
287

Undergraduate Student

Male 1,330
1,330
Female 924
924

Graduate Student

Male 169
169
Female 118
118

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Top Rankings For Northwood University


NU Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS1,056

Male 705
Female 351

ACCEPTANCE813

Male 543
Female 267

Acceptance Rate77%

Male 77%
Female 76%

Enrollment 268

Male 185
Female 83
Admissions
Application Fee $30
High School GPA REQUIRED
High School Rank RECOMMENDED
High School Transcripts REQUIRED
College Prep Courses RECOMMENDED
Recommendations RECOMMENDED
SAT/ACT REQUIRED
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) REQUIRED
Application Deadline Rolling
Common Application Accepted Yes

NU Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


When planning your education budget, understanding the tuition costs at Northwood University is crucial. Tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year averaged $33,000 for students enrolled in full-time courses. This fixed rate ensures that you can anticipate your tuition expenses accurately.

In addition to tuition, you will encounter various fees. These include charges for specific courses and student services. Always review your student account to see which fees apply to you. Living on campus adds to your costs. Expenses related to food and board should be considered when planning your finances. If you live in the university's residence halls, having meals included can simplify your budgeting process.

International students often have additional considerations. These may include specific fees or living arrangements. Check with the university for detailed information tailored to your situation.

Learning materials are another important area to account for. The estimated average costs for students in this academic year were $1,342 for books and other supplies. Luckily, this has been quite stable over the last four years, with only a 4% increase in these costs. However, this figure can vary depending on your specific courses.

Staying informed about these costs will help you navigate your financial commitments effectively. For more precise figures, it’s advisable to contact the university’s financial office to explore options and support available to you.

Average net price Current Year
Net Price $21,348
Average Total Aid $20,736
Students Receiving Financial Aid 99%
Room & Board $11,440

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $30,520
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $30,520
  • Books and Supplies - $1,240
  • Room & Board - $11,440
  • Other - $2,882

Popular Academic Programs at NU


At Northwood University, academics are designed to develop your critical thinking and prepare you for real-world challenges. The approach integrates theory with hands-on learning experiences, ensuring a practical understanding of each subject. Popular majors include Business, Marketing, and Management - each fostering skills to excel in dynamic fields.

You will find a diverse selection of undergraduate and graduate programs tailored to your career aspirations. The faculty, experienced in their respective areas, are committed to providing guidance and support throughout your educational journey.

Retention and graduation rates demonstrate a positive student experience, with percentages at 79% and 61%, respectively. You are encouraged to take advantage of the resources available, including libraries and academic advisories, to maximize your potential and stay on track.

Benefiting from small class sizes, you have the opportunity to engage more directly with faculty and peers, ensuring a personalized learning environment. Diversity is embraced, offering you a chance to collaborate with students from various backgrounds, enriching your academic life.

Through innovative programs like NUCARS, Northwood encourages the application of classroom learning in unique, strategic simulations, particularly for those interested in the automotive and entrepreneurial sectors. This hands-on approach ensures that your transition from academia to industry is seamless and successful.

Your education is further enriched by opportunities to participate in international programs and study abroad experiences, broadening your academic horizon and offering a global perspective on your chosen field.

Student Population Total


Student Population 2,541

Undergraduate
2,254
Graduate
287
Evening Classes : Yes
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services 718 Total Graduates / 91%
Business Administration and Management, General 343 Graduates
Accounting 108 Graduates
Marketing/Marketing Management, General 79 Graduates
Vehicle and Vehicle Parts and Accessories Marketing Operations 47 Graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology 22 Total Graduates / 3%
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management 22 Graduates
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs 19 Total Graduates / 2%
Advertising 16 Graduates
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia 3 Graduates
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services 15 Total Graduates / 2%
Information Science/Studies 12 Graduates
Computer and Information Sciences, General 3 Graduates
Health Professions and Related Programs 12 Total Graduates / 2%
Health/Health Care Administration/Management 12 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 0%

Outcome & Salary


Northwood University offers a variety of outcomes aimed at ensuring students are well-prepared for their careers.

Graduation Rate: The university's graduation rate reflects its commitment to student success, measuring the percentage of students who earn their degrees within a specific timeframe. In this case, the overall graduation rate is 61%, though the transfer-out rate is also 28%, and they are not followed to see if they graduated. Assuming many of them do, the overall graduation of students starting at Northwood could be much higher.

Job Placement Programs: You can benefit from Northwood's partnerships with organizations like GradLeaders, which assist with job placement. These programs often include email surveys to track successful employment among graduates.

Loan Repayment: A noteworthy statistic shows that in 2009, a small percentage of Northwood graduates who entered loan repayment defaulted on their loans within three years, indicating effective financial planning support.

Recognition and Rankings: Northwood has been recognized by Forbes as one of the top 500 colleges in the United States, underscoring its strong educational outcomes.

Certifications and Competencies: The university emphasizes not only achieving degrees but also developing competencies that enhance your employability through courses and co-curricular activities.

Overall, Northwood University is dedicated to helping you achieve positive, tangible outcomes, whether through successful job placement programs or supportive financial resources.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $53,200
College Grads Average Salary $64,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $95,400
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $640,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,594,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $85,392
10 Year Projected ROI $554,608
20 Year Projected ROI $1,508,608
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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