Academic Comparison between Northwestern University and OSU

Northwestern University and Ohio State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Northwestern University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Evanston, IL and OSU is a four-year, public school located in Columbus, OH.

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.

  • Northwestern University is a private (not-for-profit) and OSU is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern University has more expensive tuition & fees ($65,997) than OSU ($38,365).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern University than OSU.
  • Northwestern University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,530) than OSU (1,400).
  • Northwestern University has higher submitted ACT score (34) than OSU (31).
  • OSU has more students with 60,540 students while Northwestern University has 23,161 students.
  • Northwestern University has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while OSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • OSU has more full-time faculties with 4,451 faculties while Northwestern University has 2,325 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northwestern Universityvs.Ohio State University-Main Campus
Evanston, IllinoisLocationColumbus, Ohio
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$65,9972024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,859
Out-Of-State$38,365
54%% Receiving Financial Aid72%
$53,533Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,125
7.00 %Acceptance Rates51.00 %
57.01 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)23.00 %
1,530SAT Score1,400
34ACT Score31
96 %Graduation Rate88 %
-Transfer-out Rate7 %
98 %Retention Rate93 %
23,161Student Population60,540
2,325Number of Faculties4,451
6 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 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 servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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