Academic Comparison between Northwestern and IU

Northwestern University and Indiana University-Bloomington 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 IU is a four-year, public school located in Bloomington, IN.

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.

  • Northwestern is a private (not-for-profit) and IU is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,322) than IU ($41,891).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern than IU.
  • Northwestern has a higher submitted SAT score (1,540) than IU (1,290).
  • Northwestern has higher submitted ACT score (34) than IU (30).
  • IU has more students with 48,424 students while Northwestern has 23,856 students.
  • Northwestern has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while IU's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • Northwestern has more full-time faculties with 2,442 faculties while IU has 2,098 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northwestern Universityvs.Indiana University-Bloomington
Evanston, IllinoisLocationBloomington, Indiana
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$68,3222025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,144
Out-Of-State$41,891
52%% Receiving Financial Aid68%
$59,150Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,540
7.69 %Acceptance Rates78.21 %
55.31 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.16 %
1,540SAT Score1,290
34ACT Score30
95 %Graduation Rate80 %
-Transfer-out Rate10 %
98 %Retention Rate91 %
23,856Student Population48,424
2,442Number of Faculties2,098
6 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 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 servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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