Academic Comparison between OSU and Northwestern University

Ohio State University-Main Campus and Northwestern University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. OSU is a four-year, public school located in Columbus, OH 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.

  • OSU 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 OSU ($38,365).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern University than OSU.
  • Northwestern University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,400) than OSU (1,400).
  • Northwestern University has higher submitted ACT score (31) 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.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
OSU Northwestern University
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Ohio State University-Main Campusvs.Northwestern University
Columbus, OhioLocationEvanston, 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$12,859
Out-Of-State$38,365
2024 Tuition & Fees$65,997
72%% Receiving Financial Aid54%
$11,125Average Amount of Financial Aid$53,533
51.00 %Acceptance Rates7.00 %
23.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)57.01 %
1,400SAT Score1,530
31ACT Score34
88 %Graduation Rate96 %
7 %Transfer-out Rate-
93 %Retention Rate98 %
60,540Student Population23,161
4,451Number 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
More Rivals