| Northwestern vs. Penn State |
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
#11 in National Universities #20 in World University Rankings #2 in Illinois Colleges | Rankings* | #73 in National Universities #77 in World University Rankings #9 in Pennsylvania Colleges |
| Private (not-for-profit), four-years Research University (very high research activity) | School Type | Public, four-years Research University (very high research activity) |
| Offered Degrees | ||
| 1-2 Years Certificate Bachelor's Post-BS Certificate Master's Post-MS Certificate Doctorate (Research) Doctorate (Professional Practice) | Offered Degree | 1-Year Certificate 1-2 Years Certificate Associate Bachelor's Post-BS Certificate Master's Doctorate (Research) Doctorate (Professional Practice) |
| 2025 Tuition & Fees | ||
| expensive$68,322 | Undergraduate Tuition | cheaper$20,644 Pennsylvania Residents $41,790 Out-of-State |
| expensive$54,655 | Graduate Tuition | cheaper$26,034 Pennsylvania Residents $45,574 Out-of-State |
| More$57,927 | Average Financial Aid Amount | Less$13,716 |
| Admission | ||
| Higher1,540 SAT 34 ACT | Test Scores | Lower1,330 SAT 30 ACT |
| Tighter7.69% | Acceptance Rate | Easier60.56% |
| Favorable55.31% | Yield (Enrollment Rate) | Lower17.11% |
| High School GPA High School Rank High School Record Completion of College Preparatory Program Recommendations Admission Test Scores English Proficiency Test Work experience Personal statement or essay Legacy status | Application Requirements (Required or Considered) | High School GPA High School Record Completion of College Preparatory Program Admission Test Scores English Proficiency Test Personal statement or essay |
| Advanced placement (AP) Credits | Accepted Credits | Dual Credits Advanced placement (AP) Credits Credits for Life Experiences Credit for Military Training |
| Enrollment | ||
| Smaller23,856 | Total Enrollment | Larger50,737 |
| Smaller9,399 | Undergraduate Student Population | Larger42,604 |
| Larger14,457 | Graduate Student Population | Smaller8,133 |
| Larger781 | Online Student Population | Smaller321 |
| Completion & Outcomes | ||
| Higher95% | Graduate Rate | Lower86% |
| - | Transfer-out Rate | 2% |
| Higher98% | Retention Rate | Lower93% |
| Special Learning Opportunity | ||
| ROTC Study Abroad Evening/Weekend College Teacher Certificate | Special learning Opportunity | ROTC Study Abroad Evening/Weekend College Teacher Certificate |
| ✔ (Dormitory Capacity: 4,456) | Campus Housing | ✔ (Dormitory Capacity: 14,275) |
| ✔ (Typical Annual Charge: $7,692) | Board/Meal Plan | ✔ (Typical Annual Charge: $5,610) |
| Faculty | ||
| Less Students per Faculty6 to 1 | Student to Faculty Ratio | More Students per Faculty16 to 1 |
| 2,859 | Number of faculty | 4,838 |
| Higher$182,894 | Average Faculty Salary | Lower$119,122 |
*Ranking data is from College Evaluator.