Academic Comparison between Northwestern University and PU

Northwestern University and Purdue 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 PU is a four-year, public school located in West Lafayette, IN.

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 PU is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern University has more expensive tuition & fees ($65,997) than PU ($28,794).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern University than PU.
  • Northwestern University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,530) than PU (1,320).
  • Northwestern University has higher submitted ACT score (34) than PU (31).
  • PU has more students with 51,528 students while Northwestern University has 23,161 students.
  • Northwestern University has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while PU's ratio is 14 to 1.
  • Northwestern University has more full-time faculties with 2,325 faculties while PU has 2,039 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northwestern Universityvs.Purdue University-Main Campus
Evanston, IllinoisLocationWest Lafayette, Indiana
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$9,992
Out-Of-State$28,794
54%% Receiving Financial Aid45%
$53,533Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,819
7.00 %Acceptance Rates50.00 %
57.01 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)26.00 %
1,530SAT Score1,320
34ACT Score31
96 %Graduation Rate83 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
98 %Retention Rate90 %
23,161Student Population51,528
2,325Number of Faculties2,039
6 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 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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