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