Academic Comparison between Penn State and Northwestern University

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Northwestern University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Penn State is a four-year, public school located in University Park, PA 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.

  • Penn State 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 Penn State ($40,188).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern University than Penn State.
  • Northwestern University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,310) than Penn State (1,310).
  • Northwestern University has higher submitted ACT score (29) 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

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.Northwestern University
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationEvanston, 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$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
2024 Tuition & Fees$65,997
56%% Receiving Financial Aid54%
$11,574Average Amount of Financial Aid$53,533
54.22 %Acceptance Rates7.15 %
19.40 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)57.01 %
1,310SAT Score1,530
29ACT Score34
83 %Graduation Rate96 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate-
91 %Retention Rate98 %
50,028Student Population23,161
2,994Number of Faculties2,325
15 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 servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services