Education (B420) IRS Verified DX Registered 990 on File

NORTHLAND COLLEGE

EIN: 39-0806428 · ASHLAND, WI 54806-3925 · United States · FY 2023 Data

3 out of 5 56 / 100 Based on one year of filings

Financial strength (30%) 76/100

Reliability (20%) 55/100

Effectiveness (25%) 88/100

Impact (25%) No data yet

Financial data: FY 2023 · Scored 9/13/2026

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Mission Statement

Founded in 1892, Northland College is the first college in the country to fully integrate an environmental focus with its liberal arts curriculum. Located on the south shore of Lake Superior, surrounded by northern forests, we inspire students to explore the fundamental interconnections between nature, place, and people. Our innovative, interdisciplinary learning approach fosters dynamic educational experiences, research, and partnerships that extend well beyond the classroom. We believe that understanding and addressing complex environmental and social challenges requires inclusion of diverse perspectives, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Together, we empower students and our broader community to act with integrity and courage to create a more sustainable and just future.

Financial Overview — FY 2023

$26.6M

Total Revenue

$34.2M

Total Expenses

$35.1M

Net Assets

531

Employees

Revenue Sources

Expense Breakdown

Program Expense Ratio 87.4%

Fundraising Efficiency 6169.1%

Operating Reserve 12.31x

Liability-to-Asset 15.9%

Revenue Diversification 90.0%

Executive Compensation $738K

Compared with Peers

FY 2023

Compared with 3,578 similar organizations (United States, Education, $10M–$100M in expenses), FY 2023.

This organization Middle half of peers (P25–P75) Peer median

Ratio	This org	Peer median	Position (P10 → P90)
Program expense ratio Program expenses / total expenses · higher is better	87.4%	84.4%	P10P90	Above median
Admin expense ratio Management and general / total expenses · lower is better	11.0%	13.5%	P10P90	Above median
Fundraising expense ratio Fundraising expenses / total expenses · lower is better	1.6%	0.7%	P10P90	Below median
Fundraising efficiency Fundraising expenses / gross fundraising income · lower is better	6169.1%	631.2%	P10P90	Bottom quarter
Operating reserve Months of expenses covered by net assets · higher is better	12.3 mo	10.9 mo	P10P90	Above median
Liabilities to assets Total liabilities / total assets · lower is better	15.9%	34.2%	P10P90	Above median
Revenue concentration Share of revenue from the largest source · lower is better	90.0%	87.3%	P10P90	Below median
Revenue growth Year over year revenue growth	-16.5%	4.8%	P10P90
Expense growth Year over year expense growth	-2.4%	8.5%	P10P90
Surplus margin Surplus as a share of revenue	-28.8%	2.7%	P10P90

Financial History

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Net Assets	Program %	Staff
2023	$26.6M	$34.2M	$35.1M	87.4%	531
2022	$31.8M	$35.1M	N/A	—	508
2021	$32.1M	$32.8M	N/A	—	525

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Organization Details

EIN: 39-0806428
State: WI
City: ASHLAND
ZIP: 54806-3925
Classification: B420
Category: Education
Rating: 3★
Coverage: B
Last Updated: Aug 2026
IRS Ruling Year: 1892
Foundation Code: 11
Form 990: On File

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CharityAI™ rates charities from 0 to 100 using public filings (IRS Form 990 and the equivalent registries outside the US) together with the information the charity itself provides on DonationX. Ratings are recalculated every quarter, without human bias, and shown as stars.

Four pillars

Financial strength30%

Program expense ratio, fundraising efficiency, operating reserves, liabilities and revenue diversification, compared with similar organizations.

Reliability20%

Standing with the registry, filing history, verification and how complete the profile is.

Effectiveness25%

How much goes to programs and how consistently the organization delivers them.

Impact25%

The outcomes the charity reports on DonationX: people served, cost per service and results.

Stars

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