Loading…
Getting the next page ready.
Northwestern College and Saint Ambrose University are both private nonprofit institutions — Northwestern College in Orange City, IA and Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, IA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Orange City, IA · Private
Acceptance rate: 80.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,175
Tuition: $36,710/year
Student-faculty ratio: 15.0:1
Graduation rate: 66.0%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Education, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Orange City, IA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Education.
Davenport, IA · Private
Acceptance rate: 77.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,916
Tuition: $36,658/year
Student-faculty ratio: 11.0:1
Graduation rate: 61.0%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Davenport, IA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
| Factor | Northwestern College | Saint Ambrose University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 80.4% | 77.3% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| 930–1170 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 24 average | 20–25 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,175 | 1,916 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $36,710/year | $36,658/year |
| Average net price after aid | $25,907 | $24,691 |
| Graduation rate | 66.0% | 61.0% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $49,802 | $59,531 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 15.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Orange City, IA | Davenport, IA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Education, Biological sciences | Business and marketing, Health professions, Psychology |
Saint Ambrose University is more selective (77.3% vs 80.4% acceptance rate). Saint Ambrose University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($24,691 vs $25,907). Northwestern College reports the higher graduation rate (66.0% vs 61.0%). Saint Ambrose University is the larger undergraduate campus (1,916 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
Northwestern College vs Cornell College
80.4% vs 79.9% acceptance rate
Northwestern College vs Graceland University-Lamoni
80.4% vs 80.8% acceptance rate
Northwestern College vs Mount Mercy University
80.4% vs 82.5% acceptance rate
Northwestern College vs Buena Vista University
80.4% vs 77.6% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between Northwestern College and Saint Ambrose University
Northwestern College has an acceptance rate of 80.4%; Saint Ambrose University is around 77.3%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Northwestern College tuition is $36,710/year. Saint Ambrose University is $36,658/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
Open Comparison Tool