1959
Midland, MI

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-profit

Highest Level Offered:

Doctor's degree

Religious Affiliation:

Not applicable

Enrollment:

Undergraduate: 2,515 ; Graduate: 574

Percent of Fully Online Students:

Undergraduate: 47% ; Graduate: 40%

Graduation Rate:

63%

Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:

$63,075

Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):

$20,842

Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:

69%

Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:

$17,322

Yellow Ribbon Program:

Yes

Credit for Military Training:

Yes

Online Programs offered by Northwood University

Check Program Availability

All Programs

Business

Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Business Administration / Accounting
Bachelor of Business Administration / Automotive Aftermarket Management
Bachelor of Business Administration / Automotive Marketing & Management
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Business Administration / Entrepreneurship
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Business Administration / Finance
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Business Administration / Franchising Management
Bachelor of Business Administration / Insurance Risk Management
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Business Administration / Management
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Business Administration / Management Information Systems
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Business Administration / Marketing
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Business Administration / Marketing Communications
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Business Administration / Operations & Supply Chain Management
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Business Administration / Sport Management
Bachelor of Science in Applied Management
Popular degreeBest Buy degree
Doctor of Business Administration
Best Buy degree
Master of Business Administration
Best Buy degree
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Best Buy degree
Master of Science in Finance
Best Buy degree
Master of Science in Organizational Leadership

Criminal Justice, Safety & Law

Bachelor of Business Administration / Cybersecurity Management

Healthcare

Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Business Administration / Health Care Management

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GetEducated Team Takes
Tony’s Take

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.

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Reviewed By GetEducated
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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.

Geographic and Educational Overview

Google Map

Northwood University is located in Michigan

Michigan at a Glance:

State flag of MI
Lansing
10,077,331
96,714 sq mi
15
45
28
$12,800.00

Top Incentives in Michigan:

Top Career Pathways in Michigan:

Automotive Engineering
  • Entry Level: Process Engineer ($70,000)
  • Mid Level: Senior Engineer ($105,000)
  • Senior Level: Engineering Director ($160,000+)
  • Required Education: BS Engineering
  • Certifications: PE, Six Sigma, ASE
Software Development
  • Entry Level: Software Engineer ($75,000)
  • Mid Level: Senior Developer ($115,000)
  • Senior Level: Technical Director ($155,000+)
  • Required Education: BS Computer Science
  • Certifications: AWS, Azure, Security+
Supply Chain Management
  • Entry Level: Logistics Coordinator ($58,000)
  • Mid Level: Supply Chain Manager ($95,000)
  • Senior Level: Operations Director ($145,000+)
  • Required Education: BS Supply Chain Management
  • Certifications: APICS, CSCP, PMP
* Data is approximate and may be AI-enhanced