Academic Comparison between Northwestern and Penn State

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.

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 Penn State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,322) than Penn State ($41,790).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern than Penn State.
  • Northwestern has a higher submitted SAT score (1,540) than Penn State (1,330).
  • Northwestern has higher submitted ACT score (34) than Penn State (30).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,737 students while Northwestern has 23,856 students.
  • Northwestern has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while Penn State's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 4,174 faculties while Northwestern has 2,442 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northwestern Universityvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Evanston, IllinoisLocationUniversity Park, Pennsylvania
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$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
52%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$59,150Average Amount of Financial Aid$14,013
7.69 %Acceptance Rates60.56 %
55.31 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.11 %
1,540SAT Score1,330
34ACT Score30
95 %Graduation Rate86 %
-Transfer-out Rate2 %
98 %Retention Rate93 %
23,856Student Population50,737
2,442Number of Faculties4,174
6 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 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, On-campus daycare