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.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
PU Northwestern University
Vote to see the other's choices.

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
50.00 %Acceptance Rates7.00 %
26.00 %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
More Rivals