About Northland College
The sticker price reaches $54,391 annually, but most students pay far less through financial aid. The average net price drops to $20,780 after aid, making this environmental education more accessible than the full cost suggests. Graduates earn a median of $44,560 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $25,450. The math works better for students passionate about environmental careers than those chasing high salaries.
With an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, classes feel more like research collaborations than lectures. The 43% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many small colleges face, but also suggests this intense, hands-on approach isn't for everyone. Students here choose immersion in environmental studies over the broader college experience found at larger institutions.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 76.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 48.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 43.3%
- Retention Rate
- 71.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,560
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
Campus Life
The Four-One-Four calendar system gives you a month-long January term for intensive study or outdoor adventures. Weekends revolve around the outdoors, cross-country skiing, hiking in the Chequamegon National Forest, or kayaking on Lake Superior when it's not frozen. The 208 student-athletes across 14 Division III sports create school spirit without athletic scholarships driving competition. Environmental sustainability isn't just academic here. it's how students live, from campus gardens to energy-efficient dorms. With 72.87% of students being white and 34.23% from Wisconsin, the small size means every voice matters in campus decisions and student organizations.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 503 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1892
Campus Safety (2023)
19 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 4°–22°F
- July Avg
- 54°–78°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 90.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 46.6%
- Women
- 53.4%
- White
- 72.9%
- Black
- 2.8%
- Hispanic
- 8.1%
- Asian
- 0.9%
- In-State Students
- 34.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.9%
Location
- Address
- Ashland, Wisconsin 54806-3999
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,560
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $41,935
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 67.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $270/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,450
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Northland College?
Northland College accepts 68.39% of applicants, making it moderately selective for prospective students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1121 and 1280 on the SAT. This Wisconsin environmental studies powerhouse draws students who want hands-on learning near Lake Superior's pristine wilderness.
How much does Northland College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $20,780 after financial aid, despite the sticker price of $54,391. About 32% of students receive Pell Grants, and the typical graduate leaves with $25,450 in debt. The college's generous aid packages make its well-known sustainability programs accessible to middle-class families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Northland College?
Northland College maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio with just 457 total students enrolled. This intimate setting allows for personalized mentorship in environmental science fieldwork and research. The small class sizes support the college's experiential learning philosophy in its remote northern Wisconsin location.
What are the career outcomes for Northland College graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $44,560 ten years after graduation, with a 94.5% employment rate. However, only 43% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the college's challenging outdoor-focused curriculum. The school's environmental studies emphasis prepares students for careers in conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable business.
Where is Northland College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in remote Ashland, Wisconsin, near Lake Superior's shore with housing for 503 students. About 34% of students come from Wisconsin, while others travel from across the country for the unique outdoor education experience. The campus serves as a living laboratory for environmental studies with 14 NCAA Division III sports teams and 208 student athletes.
Does Northland College offer strong environmental programs?
Northland College is nationally recognized for its environmental studies and sustainability programs, founded in 1892 as one of the first colleges emphasizing environmental education. The college follows a Four-One-Four calendar system that includes intensive January field experiences. Students conduct research on Lake Superior and in the surrounding Northwoods, making it a top choice for aspiring environmental scientists and conservationists.
