Academic Comparison between IU and Northwestern University

Indiana University-Bloomington and Northwestern University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. IU is a four-year, public school located in Bloomington, IN and Northwestern University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Evanston, IL.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • IU is a public and Northwestern University is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern University has more expensive tuition & fees ($65,997) than IU ($40,482).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern University than IU.
  • Northwestern University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,280) than IU (1,280).
  • Northwestern University has higher submitted ACT score (30) than IU (30).
  • IU has more students with 47,005 students while Northwestern University has 23,161 students.
  • Northwestern University has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while IU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • Northwestern University has more full-time faculties with 2,325 faculties while IU has 2,081 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Indiana University-Bloomingtonvs.Northwestern University
Bloomington, IndianaLocationEvanston, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$11,790
Out-Of-State$40,482
2024 Tuition & Fees$65,997
72%% Receiving Financial Aid54%
$11,451Average Amount of Financial Aid$53,533
80.00 %Acceptance Rates7.00 %
22.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)57.01 %
1,280SAT Score1,530
30ACT Score34
81 %Graduation Rate96 %
10 %Transfer-out Rate-
90 %Retention Rate98 %
47,005Student Population23,161
2,081Number of Faculties2,325
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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