Michigan-Dearborn vs William Woods: Softball Program Comparison
Two NAIA programs. William Woods lists $2,500 less in out-of-state tuition; Michigan-Dearborn graduates earn $17,248 more a decade out.
Which one is right for you?
Neither school is better in the abstract — they are better for different athletes. These are the differences big enough to actually decide on.
Lean Michigan-Dearborn if…
- You would be in-state: Michigan-Dearborn is $13,916 cheaper per year on published in-state tuition than William Woods.
- You are weighing the degree as an investment: Michigan-Dearborn graduates earn about $17,248 more per year a decade after enrolling.
- Your transcript is a strength: Michigan-Dearborn admits 56% of applicants, so strong grades count for more here.
Lean William Woods if…
- Admissions is the part you are least sure about: William Woods admits 71% of applicants.
What it costs to go there
Published sticker price from IPEDS. Almost nobody pays it — athletic, academic and need-based aid all come off the top — but the gap between two schools is a fair read on the gap between two offers.
| Measure | Michigan-Dearborn | William Woods |
|---|---|---|
| In-state tuition & fees | $14,944 — Michigan-Dearborn leads on this measure: lower published in-state tuition | $28,860 |
| Out-of-state tuition & fees | $31,360 | $28,860 — William Woods leads on this measure: lower published out-of-state tuition |
| Room & board | — | $12,402 |
| Est. in-state year, all inTuition & fees plus room & board. Excludes books, travel and any aid. | — | $41,262 |
| Est. out-of-state year, all inTuition & fees plus room & board. Excludes books, travel and any aid. | — | $41,262 |
What you leave with
Federal College Scorecard figures for all students at the institution, not softball players specifically. Read them as a signal about the degree, not about the program.
| Measure | Michigan-Dearborn | William Woods |
|---|---|---|
| Graduation rate | 57% | 57% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $59,649/yr — Michigan-Dearborn leads on this measure: higher median earnings a decade out | $42,401/yr |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,500 | $21,983 |
| Debt as a share of year-10 payMedian debt divided by median earnings 10 years after entry. Lower is easier to pay back. | 38% — Michigan-Dearborn leads on this measure: debt is a smaller share of what graduates earn | 52% |
Getting in, and what you'd walk into
Admissions and size. A coach can support your file, but at most schools they cannot admit you — the academic profile below is the bar you still have to clear.
| Measure | Michigan-Dearborn | William Woods |
|---|---|---|
| Admission rateLower means more selective — harder to get in, but not automatically the better fit. | 56% | 71% |
| Total enrollmentNeither is better — it is the difference between a lecture hall and a seminar table. | 8,035 | 1,729 |
| Where it is | Dearborn, MI | Fulton, MO |
The softball program itself
Division and conference set the ceiling; the postseason record and staff tell you what the program has actually done with it.
| Measure | Michigan-Dearborn | William Woods |
|---|---|---|
| Conference | WHAC | HAAC |
| Head coach | Vince Alessandrini | Tracy Gastineau |
Scholarship money, honestly
Both programs sit at NAIA, so the scholarship rules are identical: 10 (equivalency). NAIA softball allows 10 scholarship equivalencies, and coaches have flexibility in how they divide them. Most awards are partial, frequently stacked with academic aid.
What to do about it this week
Questionnaires are exempt from NCAA contact-date rules, so you can submit one at any age. Do both, then follow with a short email to each staff.
Michigan-Dearborn
Find the recruiting questionnaireWe do not hold a verified form link for this program — this opens a search.
Camps we track
None listed right now. Camp schedules go up through the winter — check the program's own site before ruling it out.
William Woods
Find the recruiting questionnaireWe do not hold a verified form link for this program — this opens a search.
Camps we track
None listed right now. Camp schedules go up through the winter — check the program's own site before ruling it out.
Michigan-Dearborn vs William Woods: common questions
- Which school graduates more of its students, Michigan-Dearborn or William Woods?
- Both report a 57% graduation rate (IPEDS, 2023-24).
- Do Michigan-Dearborn and William Woods offer softball scholarships?
- Both play at NAIA: 10 (equivalency). NAIA softball allows 10 scholarship equivalencies, and coaches have flexibility in how they divide them. Most awards are partial, frequently stacked with academic aid.
Cost, graduation and enrollment figures from IPEDS (U.S. Dept. of Education, 2023-24). Earnings, debt and admission rates from the federal College Scorecard. Postseason results from the NCAA Division I softball tournament records, 2021-2026. Rankings from NCAA.com and U.S. News & World Report. Figures describe the institution, not the softball roster.
We work hard to keep all data for Michigan-Dearborn and William Woods accurate and up-to-date, but we sometimes miss changes or get something wrong.
Still deciding between them?
Track both programs, log every coach you contact, and see where you actually stand against each one's recruiting profile.
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