Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

Northwood University vs Siena Heights University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Midland MI · vs · Private nonprofit, Adrian MI

The verdict

Northwood University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $108,928 in 7.4 years versus 7.5 years at Siena Heights University, on median earnings of $63,075 vs $57,529 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Share
Head to head
MeasureNorthwood UniversitySiena Heights University
Net price / yr$27,232$17,124
Total net cost$108,928$68,496
Median earnings, 10 yrs$63,075$57,529
Median debt$20,842$18,750
Payback7.4 yrs7.5 yrs
20-year net return$185,372$114,884

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Northwood University or Siena Heights University?

Siena Heights University, at $17,124 a year after aid versus $27,232 — a gap of $10,108 a year, or $40,432 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 Siena Heights University graduates earn more?

Northwood University graduates report a median $63,075 ten years after entry, $5,546 more than the $57,529 at Siena Heights 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 Siena Heights University?

Siena Heights University: its completers carry a median $18,750 in federal loans versus $20,842 at Northwood University, a difference of $2,092. 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 39% at Siena Heights 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.

Northwood University vs Siena Heights University: frequently asked questions

Is Northwood University or Siena Heights University a better value?
Northwood University. It clears its $108,928 net cost in about 7.4 years versus 7.5 years at Siena Heights University, on median earnings of $63,075 vs $57,529 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Northwood University or Siena Heights University?
Siena Heights University: $17,124/yr net price after aid versus $27,232/yr at Northwood University — a difference of $10,108 a year, or about $40,432 over four years.
Do Northwood University or Siena Heights University graduates earn more?
Northwood University graduates earn a median $63,075 ten years after entry, versus $57,529 at Siena Heights University — a $5,546 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.