Northland College
Northland College is a private nonprofit university in Ashland, WI ranked #1159 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 457 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 71.8%. Students most often pursue Natural Resources Conservation and Research and Biology.
Academically, students benefit from a 8:1 student-faculty ratio, 71.3% first-year retention, and 43.3% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $20,780, about $3,782 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -56.9%, roughly 142.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $35,819. That's about $7,869 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Northland College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Northland College graduates 43.3% of students within six years and keeps 71.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Northland College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $42,491 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,100 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,650 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $54,375 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 31.9% of Northland College students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $17,367 to $27,084 depending on family income. Use Northland College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $22,840/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $27,084/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $35,819
- 10-Year Median Earnings $35,819
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 67.3%
- Employment Rate 91.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Northland College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Northland College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Northland College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Northland College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Northland College graduates earn $35,819 median, the -56.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 558-720
- SAT Math 538-598
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 21-25
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 457
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 71.3%
- Graduation Rate 43.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 8:1
How to Get Into Northland College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Northland College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 71.8%, Northland College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 71.8% acceptance rate, Northland College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1096 and 1318 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Northland College undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Natural Resources Conservation and Research, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 12.6%
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research 11.8%
- Biology, General 10.2%
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences 10.2%
- Sociology 7.9%
- Forestry 6.3%
See more majors
- Natural Resources and Conservation, Other 5.5%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Natural Resources Conservation and Research $25,563
- 2. Biology, General $24,540
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Natural Resources Conservation and Research grads earn $25,563—4% more than Biology, General ($24,540). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Northland College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 16 graduates)
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degree, 15 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 13 graduates)
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (Bachelor's Degree, 13 graduates)
- Sociology (Bachelor's Degree, 10 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (31 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Biology, General
- Sociology
- Forestry
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Outdoor Education
- Natural Resources and Conservation, Other
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Chemistry
- Psychology, General
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Economics
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Mathematics
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- English Language and Literature, General
- Engineering, General
- Education, General
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Agricultural Production Operations
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 457
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 46.6%
- Female Students 53.4%
- Caucasian 72.9%
- Asian 0.9%
- Hispanic 8.1%
- Black 2.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 31.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Northland College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Northland College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Northland College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Northland College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 72.9% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Northland College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Northland College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Northland College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -56.9% ROI. Ranked #1159 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $20,780 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $35,819 median earnings. With 43.3% graduating within six years and 71.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Northland College's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1159 ranking, Northland College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $20,780 annually, Northland College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 71.3% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $14,546 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -56.9% ROI and $35,819 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $10,780+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Northland College ranks #1159 of 6272 institutions, with 1325 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 43.3% six-year graduation rate sits 19.2 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 71.3% first-year retention is 5.5 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -56.9% return on investment is 142.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $35,819 run about 18% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $20,780 is roughly $3,662 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 8:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 71.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.1% employment rate within three years sits 22.9 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $20,780 is about $3,662 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 31.9% trails the national share by 7.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Ashland, WI, Northland College operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B- from EDsmart. It holds a #1159 national ranking Category results include Completion (B-), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (B-), and Affordability (B-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 71.3% of first-year students return, and roughly 43.3% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -56.9% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $20,780 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $54,375.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $33,595 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 31.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $35,819 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 18% lower.
Roughly 91.1% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near -56.9%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
71.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Northland College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Ashland, WI 54806-3999
- Website www.northland.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- Endowment$6.2M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate14.4%