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.

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.

  • Purdue is a public and Northwestern is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,322) than Purdue ($28,794).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern than Purdue.
  • Northwestern has a higher submitted SAT score (1,350) than Purdue (1,350).
  • Northwestern has higher submitted ACT score (31) than Purdue (31).
  • Purdue has more students with 58,658 students while Northwestern has 23,856 students.
  • Northwestern has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while Purdue's ratio is 14 to 1.
  • Northwestern has more full-time faculties with 2,442 faculties while Purdue has 2,107 full-time faculties.
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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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