Academic Comparison between Northwestern University and Penn State

Northwestern University and Pennsylvania 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 Penn State is a four-year, public school located in University Park, PA.

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 Penn State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern University has more expensive tuition & fees ($65,997) than Penn State ($40,188).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern University than Penn State.
  • Northwestern University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,530) than Penn State (1,310).
  • Northwestern University has higher submitted ACT score (34) than Penn State (29).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,028 students while Northwestern University has 23,161 students.
  • Northwestern University has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while Penn State's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 2,994 faculties while Northwestern University has 2,325 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northwestern Universityvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Evanston, IllinoisLocationUniversity Park, Pennsylvania
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$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
54%% Receiving Financial Aid56%
$53,533Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,574
7.00 %Acceptance Rates54.00 %
57.01 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.00 %
1,530SAT Score1,310
34ACT Score29
96 %Graduation Rate83 %
-Transfer-out Rate1 %
98 %Retention Rate91 %
23,161Student Population50,028
2,325Number of Faculties2,994
6 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 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