Northwood University

Midland, Michigan, United States · Est. 1959 · Private University

America's Free-Enterprise University developing business leaders through undergraduate, graduate, and online programs.

  • Founded 1959 in Midland, Michigan as Northwood Institute; renamed Northwood University in 1993
  • Private nonprofit university specializing in business and management education
  • 2,116 undergraduates and 306 postgraduates (fall 2021); 90-acre suburban campus
  • Offers BBA, MBA, MS, and DBA degrees across business disciplines including automotive, hospitality, finance, and entrepreneurship
  • NCAA Division II athletics (Timberwolves) competing in Great Midwest Athletic Conference since 2022
  • 96% employment/military/business ownership/continued education rate within 6 months of graduation

Academics

Northwood University specializes in business and management education at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. The university offers bachelor's degrees in business administration, accounting, finance, marketing, management, and automotive marketing and management. The DeVos Graduate School of Management oversees graduate and professional programs including the MBA and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). Northwood operates extensive online and hybrid programs for working professionals and degree-completion students, with accelerated pathways for learners with prior college credit or professional experience.

Campus & Student Life

The 90-acre residential campus in Midland, Michigan features academic buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, and centers for business innovation and leadership development. Notable facilities include the Church Family Administration Building, DeVos Graduate School of Management, and the Alden B. Dow–designed Strosacker Library. The campus hosts over 40 student clubs and organizations focused on business, leadership, and industry-specific development. Northwood sponsors 16 varsity sports and several club sports, with athletic facilities including Hantz Stadium, Bennett Sports Center, and Fisher Track.

Admissions

Northwood serves traditional undergraduate students, transfer students, graduate students, international students, online learners, military/veterans, and returning students. The university offers multiple pathways including dual enrollment while in high school, early middle college programs, and credit for prior learning. Financial aid options include scholarships, grants, student employment, and tuition assistance programs for military members. The admissions process is designed to identify and cultivate future business leaders across diverse backgrounds and life stages.

Outcomes

Northwood reports that 96% of graduates are employed, serve in the military, own a business, or continue their education within 6 months of graduation. The university notes that 1 in 3 Northwood graduates are business owners. More than 57,000 students have graduated from the institution since its founding. The university emphasizes career services and industry-aligned co-curricular programs to prepare students for professional success.

Founded
1959
Type
Private University
Courses
15
Total intake
Not yet verified
Websitehttps://www.northwood.edu/
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
15
Avg career outcomes
$63.1K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources