About Northwood University
Northwood University is a private, not-for-profit, four-year institution of higher education. The main campus is located in Midland, Michigan. In 1959, Arthur E. Turner and R. Gary Stauffer founded Northwood University, then known as Northwood Institute. The school first opened with 100 students in a 19th-century mansion in Alma, Michigan. Turner and Stauffer implemented what they called “The Northwood Idea” into their schooling, integrating the lessons of the American free-enterprise society into the classrooms that promoted higher learning. Today the Northwood Idea is still used, ensuring graduates are highly skilled and ethical leaders.
The whole of Northwood University’s academics is focused on business-centered learning, awarding associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. For those who require more flexibility, Northwood University offers online degrees. Northwood University online degrees allow students and faculty to engage one another but in a format that is convenient for the students.
Accreditation & Licensing
Northwood University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 2,515 ; Graduate: 574Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 47% ; Graduate: 40%Graduation Rate:
63%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$63,075Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$20,842Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
69%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$17,322Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Northwood University
All Programs
Business
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Filters
Northwood can be a strong value when your program matches your career plan. Small classes and close teaching support steady progress. Some graduates report strong results, including job offers and a smooth path into graduate school.
Tuition is about $34,400 per year, so cost planning matters. Aid, credits, and pace can shape your total time and cost. Clear billing and refund support are important for keeping your plan on track.
Career fit also affects how fast school pays off. When your major connects to your goals, the path to work is often faster and more stable.
Northwood University’s classroom support is a real strength. Professors are engaged, and small classes make direct contact easier. Students get clear help with course expectations and daily schoolwork.
Academic support feels personal and steady. Administrative support can be less consistent at times. Some billing and aid issues may take extra follow-up to fix. Even so, Northwood offers strong teaching and close faculty access, with a more hands-on process for some office tasks.
Northwood’s online classes benefit from small class size. Instructors are engaged and easy to reach. That gives clearer direction on assignments and pace. The teaching style feels personal, not distant.
Online structure also depends on school process. Course access was reported as locked after term end. Billing and aid communication can feel uneven in some cases. Program fit matters for online students here. Career results vary by path, even with strong instructors.
Northwood’s biggest strength is the classroom experience. Class sizes are small, and professors know their students well. Teaching feels personal, not like a large lecture. Students also get useful networking opportunities tied to their coursework.
Instruction is a clear plus, though career results can differ by program. Some graduates move quickly into jobs or graduate school. Others may take more time to find the right role. Even so, strong faculty support gives students a solid base for next steps.
Many students describe a gap between academics and school operations. Classroom support is often stronger than billing and refund processes. Even with that difference, the learning experience remains a key reason students choose Northwood.
Northwood’s strongest point is the classroom experience. Professors are knowledgeable and involved. Classes are small and personal, and faculty know students by name. That close contact can make learning feel more direct and useful.
Career outcomes can be strong in some majors, while others may lead to slower job progress. The school’s teaching quality is a clear plus. At the same time, some students report confusion with billing, refunds, and financial aid steps.
Overall, Northwood offers high-touch instruction with practical learning in class. The academic side feels stronger than some administrative processes, and program choice can shape how quickly career benefits follow.
Northwood’s strongest point is the classroom experience. Professors are knowledgeable and involved. Classes are small and personal, and faculty know students by name. That close contact can make learning feel more direct and useful.
Career outcomes can be strong in some majors, while others may lead to slower job progress. The school’s teaching quality is a clear plus. At the same time, some students report confusion with billing, refunds, and financial aid steps.
Overall, Northwood offers high-touch instruction with practical learning in class. The academic side feels stronger than some administrative processes, and program choice can shape how quickly career benefits follow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Northwood University
Is Northwood University accredited?
Yes. Northwood University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Northwood University offer?
Northwood University offers 21 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Northwood University offer?
Northwood University offers programs from bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.
How should students contact admissions at Northwood University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Northwood University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Northwood University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Northwood University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Northwood University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Northwood University programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 3.2.
Is Northwood University military friendly?
Northwood University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Northwood University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Northwood University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official High School Transcript/GED Score, Resume/CV, Official College Transcript(s), and Interview. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Northwood University accept life experience credit?
Northwood University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Northwood University programs fully online or mixed?
Northwood University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Northwood University offer?
Northwood University has online program options in areas such as Business, Criminal Justice, Safety & Law, and Healthcare; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Northwood University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Are any admission tests required for Northwood University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Northwood University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Northwood University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Northwood University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Northwood University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Northwood University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Northwood University is featured in 14 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Northwood University is located in Michigan
Michigan at a Glance:
Top Majors in Michigan:
Top Incentives in Michigan:
- Michigan Tuition Grant: Up to $3,000 annually
- Michigan Competitive Scholarship: Up to $1,500 annually
- Futures for Frontliners: Free tuition at community colleges
Top Career Pathways in Michigan:
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- Mid Level: Senior Engineer ($105,000)
- Senior Level: Engineering Director ($160,000+)
- Required Education: BS Engineering
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- Entry Level: Software Engineer ($75,000)
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- Certifications: APICS, CSCP, PMP