Northwood earns an A- in Forbes’ 2026 College Financial Grades, reinforcing the university’s strong footing amid national challenges facing private higher education
Forbes’ annual College Financial Grades paint a stark picture of higher education’s financial health. In its 2026 review of 928 private, not-for-profit colleges and universities across the United States with enrollments over 500, more than one in four earned the publication’s lowest grade of D, and nearly half earned a C or lower, signaling widespread financial strain across the sector.
Against that backdrop, Northwood University has earned an A-, distinguishing the university as financially strong at a time when many private colleges nationwide are facing significant economic pressure.
“This result speaks to something far more enduring than a ranking or financial grade,” said Northwood President Kent MacDonald. “It affirms a model of fiscal strength grounded in clarity of purpose, disciplined stewardship, and the proven success of our graduates. At Northwood, our community knows exactly what we stand for: a mission that champions free enterprise, personal responsibility, and the development of principled leaders.
“Our fiscal strength is reinforced by Northwood’s most ambitious comprehensive campaign, driven by alumni and donors who support both the institution and a mission they believe in. Northwood’s mission is realized through our graduates — future leaders who are ready to develop, uphold, and promote The Northwood Idea across various industries, communities, and economies nationwide and globally,” added President MacDonald. “This recognition highlights what we demonstrate daily: that a values-based education offers a genuine competitive edge.”
Unlike rankings and grades that focus primarily on institutional size or wealth, the Forbes assessment examines an institution’s underlying financial condition and its resilience amid changing market conditions.
“For prospective students and families, the Forbes ranking stands as another measure of Northwood’s strength as a private university focused on business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and free enterprise,” said Dr. Matthew Bennett, Vice President of Enrollment and Strategic Partnerships. “Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions a student and family will make — they need to know the institution they select is respected, fiscally sound, and committed to their success. In a marketplace crowded with options, a high mark like this helps students and families identify institutions that have demonstrated both performance and staying power.”
This latest recognition affirms Northwood University’s disciplined stewardship of resources and strengthens the case for continued investment in America’s Free Enterprise University. It is a powerful endorsement of the values we champion and the outcomes we deliver.
As Vice President of Advancement Murray Kyte noted, “This recognition from Forbes comes at a pivotal time as we advance the historic When We Are Free Campaign. Donors and partners invest where they see both meaningful impact and enduring potential—and this distinction underscores Northwood’s strength, its momentum, and its ability to thrive in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.”
The When We Are Free Campaign seeks to raise $100 million to support scholarships, academic innovation, campus enhancements, and initiatives that strengthen Northwood’s role as America’s Free Enterprise University. For more information, visit campaign.northwood.edu.
