Academic Comparison between Purdue and Northwestern

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

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
2025 Tuition & Fees$68,322
43%% Receiving Financial Aid52%
$10,408Average Amount of Financial Aid$59,150
49.87 %Acceptance Rates7.69 %
29.20 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)55.31 %
1,350SAT Score1,540
31ACT Score34
83 %Graduation Rate95 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
93 %Retention Rate98 %
58,658Student Population23,856
2,107Number of Faculties2,442
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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