Skip to content

Earlham College vs Purdue University Northwest

Earlham College is a private college in Richmond, IN, and Purdue University Northwest is a public university in Hammond, IN. Purdue University Northwest is the more selective of the two, admitting about 72% of applicants against 73% at Earlham College. Purdue University Northwest is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $6,079 a year against $24,714 at Earlham College. About 68% of students graduate at Earlham College, compared with 43% at Purdue University Northwest. Ten years after enrolling, Earlham College alumni earn a median of about $50,797, against $48,318 for Purdue University Northwest.

Earlham College

Richmond, IN · Private

Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, IN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Richmond, IN
Hammond, IN
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
670
5,671
Acceptance rate
73%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–3.96
3.36–3.86
SAT (middle 50%)
1110–1290
890–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
24–33
16–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,714
$6,079
Full cost / yr
$67,684
$15,571
In-state tuition
$53,930
$8,675
Out-of-state tuition
$53,930
$16,094
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,178
$1,432
$30k - $48k
$15,658
$2,428
$48k - $75k
$19,768
$7,026
$75k - $110k
$26,136
$12,452
Over $110k
$31,058
$13,645
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
43%
Freshman retention
77%
66%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$35,430
$48,439
Median earnings (10 yr)
$50,797
$48,318
Median debt at graduation
$23,488
$21,229
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
28%
First-generation students
23%
43%
International students
18%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Earlham College or Purdue University Northwest harder to get into?
Purdue University Northwest is harder to get into. It admits about 72% of applicants, compared with 73% at Earlham College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Earlham College or Purdue University Northwest?
Purdue University Northwest is cheaper on average. Students pay about $6,079 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,714 at Earlham College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Earlham College and Purdue University Northwest?
Before aid, Purdue University Northwest costs about $15,571 a year and Earlham College about $67,684. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Earlham College or Purdue University Northwest?
Purdue University Northwest. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,432 there, against about $17,178 at Earlham College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Earlham College or Purdue University Northwest?
Purdue University Northwest is the larger of the two, with about 5,671 undergraduates against 670 at Earlham College.
Does Earlham College or Purdue University Northwest have a better graduation rate?
Earlham College has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 43% at Purdue University Northwest.
Do graduates of Earlham College or Purdue University Northwest earn more?
Earlham College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $50,797 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,318 for Purdue University Northwest. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Earlham College and Purdue University Northwest require SAT or ACT scores?
Earlham College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Purdue University Northwest is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Earlham College and Purdue University Northwest look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1110–1290 at Earlham College and 890–1140 at Purdue University Northwest. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school