Northwood University vs Madonna University: which has better ROI?
Madonna University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $71,020 in 6.6 years versus 7.4 years at Northwood University, on median earnings of $59,058 vs $63,075 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Northwood University | Madonna University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $27,232 | $17,755 |
| Total net cost | $108,928 | $71,020 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $63,075 | $59,058 |
| Median debt | $20,842 | $23,000 |
| Payback | 7.4 yrs | 6.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $185,372 | $142,940 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Northwood University or Madonna University?
Madonna University, at $17,755 a year after aid versus $27,232 — a gap of $9,477 a year, or $37,908 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Northwood University or Madonna University graduates earn more?
Northwood University graduates report a median $63,075 ten years after entry, $4,017 more than the $59,058 at Madonna University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Northwood University or Madonna University?
Northwood University: its completers carry a median $20,842 in federal loans versus $23,000 at Madonna University, a difference of $2,158. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
63% of students finish at Northwood University, against 60% at Madonna University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.