- Northwestern University is a private school while The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is a public school.
- Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL and Penn State is located in University Park, PA.
- Northwestern University has more expensive tuition of $65,997 than Penn State ($25,574).
- Penn State is larger with 88,914 students than Northwestern University (23,161 students).
Northwestern University View More Rivals | The Pennsylvania State University View More Rivals | |
| #12 in National Universities #2 in Illinois | Rankings | |
| Private, 4-years | School Type | Public, 4-years |
| Evanston, IL | Location | University Park, PA |
| Known as | Penn State | |
| 2 Year Certificate Bachelor's Post-Bachelor Certificate Master's Post-Master Certificate Doctorate (Research) Doctorate (Professional Practice) | Offered Degrees | |
| Research University (very high research activity) | Carnegie Classification | Research University (very high research activity) |
| Tuition & Fees | ||
| $65,997 | Undergraduate | $15,890 Pennsylvania residents $25,574 out-of-state |
| $53,871 | Graduate | $23,719 Pennsylvania residents $39,778 out-of-state |
| $53,533 | Financial Aid | $9,887 |
| Admission | ||
| $75 undergraduate $95 graduate | Application Fee | |
| 9.24% | Acceptance Rate | |
| 55.29% | Yield | |
| 1,530 SAT, 34 ACT | Test Scores | |
| Student Population | ||
| 23,161 | Total Students | 88,914 |
| 8,993 | Undergraduate | 73,476 |
| 14,168 | Graduate | 15,438 |
| 1,123 | Online Enrollment | 15,680 |
| Graduation Rate & Outcomes | ||
| 96% | Graduation Rate | 72% |
| Transfer-out Rate | ||
| 98% | Retention Rate | 87% |
| $93,400 | Average Earning after Graduation | $57,200 |
| Special Learning Opportunities and Student Services | ||
| Online Degree/Certificate Program Offered for Both Undergraduate and Graduate | Distance Learning (Online Classes) | |
| ROTC Study Abroad Weekend/Evening College Teacher Certifiate | Special Opportunities | |
| ✔ (Dormitory Capacity: 4,456) $11,748 average annual costs | On-Campus Living | |
| Not offered or not Reported | Meal Plan | |
| Faculties and Staffs | ||
| 6 to 1 | Students to Faculty Ratio | 15 to 1 |
| 2,325 Full-time 340 Part-time | Number of Faculties | 2,994 Full-time 621 Part-time |
| 9,894 Full-time 544 Part-time | Number of Staffs | 14,044 Full-time 1,418 Part-time |
| $163,111 for Faculties $85,974 Part-time | Average Salary | $100,993 for Faculties $68,729 Part-time |