Academic Comparison between PU and Northwestern University

Purdue University-Main Campus and Northwestern University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. PU is a four-year, public school located in West Lafayette, IN 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.

  • PU 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 PU ($28,794).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern University than PU.
  • Northwestern University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,320) than PU (1,320).
  • Northwestern University has higher submitted ACT score (31) 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

Purdue University-Main Campusvs.Northwestern University
West Lafayette, IndianaLocationEvanston, 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$9,992
Out-Of-State$28,794
2024 Tuition & Fees$65,997
45%% Receiving Financial Aid54%
$9,819Average Amount of Financial Aid$53,533
50.30 %Acceptance Rates7.15 %
25.52 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)57.01 %
1,320SAT Score1,530
31ACT Score34
83 %Graduation Rate96 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
90 %Retention Rate98 %
51,528Student Population23,161
2,039Number of Faculties2,325
14 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
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