Northwestern University and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Northwestern is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Evanston, IL and Penn State is a four-year, public school located in University Park, PA.
The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.
| Northwestern University | vs. | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Evanston, Illinois | Location | University Park, Pennsylvania |
| Four-year, Private (not-for-profit) | School Type | four-year, Public |
| Doctor's degree | Highest Degree Offered | Doctor's degree |
| Research University (very high research activity) | Carnegie Classification | Research University (very high research activity) |
| $68,322 | 2025 Tuition & Fees | In-State$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790 |
| 52% | % Receiving Financial Aid | 50% |
| $59,150 | Average Amount of Financial Aid | $14,013 |
| 7.69 % | Acceptance Rates | 60.56 % |
| 55.31 % | Yield (Enrollment Rates) | 17.11 % |
| 1,540 | SAT Score | 1,330 |
| 34 | ACT Score | 30 |
| 95 % | Graduation Rate | 86 % |
| - | Transfer-out Rate | 2 % |
| 98 % | Retention Rate | 93 % |
| 23,856 | Student Population | 50,737 |
| 2,442 | Number of Faculties | 4,174 |
| 6 to 1 | Students to Faculty Ratio | 16 to 1 |
| Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification | Special Learning Opportunities | Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification |
| Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services | On Campus Student Services | Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycare |