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Indiana University-Northwest vs Purdue University-Main Campus

Indiana University-Northwest is a public university in Gary, IN, and Purdue University-Main Campus is a public university in West Lafayette, IN. Purdue University-Main Campus is the more selective of the two, admitting about 50% of applicants against 73% at Indiana University-Northwest. Indiana University-Northwest is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $5,130 a year against $14,600 at Purdue University-Main Campus. About 83% of students graduate at Purdue University-Main Campus, compared with 37% at Indiana University-Northwest. Ten years after enrolling, Purdue University-Main Campus alumni earn a median of about $72,424, against $43,361 for Indiana University-Northwest.

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Indiana University-Northwest

Gary, IN · Public

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Gary, IN
West Lafayette, IN
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,661
44,503
Acceptance rate
73%
50%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
910–1180
1200–1480
ACT (middle 50%)
18–26
27–34
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$5,130
$14,600
Full cost / yr
$13,989
$24,591
In-state tuition
$8,424
$9,992
Out-of-state tuition
$22,811
$28,794
Application fee
Not reported
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,419
$5,098
$30k - $48k
$331
$6,241
$48k - $75k
$5,159
$9,438
$75k - $110k
$10,047
$18,177
Over $110k
$13,042
$22,742
Outcomes
Graduation rate
37%
83%
Freshman retention
71%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,714
$60,838
Median earnings (10 yr)
$43,361
$72,424
Median debt at graduation
$21,710
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
43%
13%
First-generation students
45%
19%
International students
0%
10%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 15

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 Indiana University-Northwest or Purdue University-Main Campus harder to get into?
Purdue University-Main Campus is harder to get into. It admits about 50% of applicants, compared with 73% at Indiana University-Northwest. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Indiana University-Northwest or Purdue University-Main Campus?
Indiana University-Northwest is cheaper on average. Students pay about $5,130 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,600 at Purdue University-Main Campus. 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 Indiana University-Northwest and Purdue University-Main Campus?
Before aid, Indiana University-Northwest costs about $13,989 a year and Purdue University-Main Campus about $24,591. 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, Indiana University-Northwest or Purdue University-Main Campus?
Indiana University-Northwest. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,419 there, against about $5,098 at Purdue University-Main Campus. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Indiana University-Northwest or Purdue University-Main Campus?
Purdue University-Main Campus is the larger of the two, with about 44,503 undergraduates against 2,661 at Indiana University-Northwest.
Does Indiana University-Northwest or Purdue University-Main Campus have a better graduation rate?
Purdue University-Main Campus has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 37% at Indiana University-Northwest.
Do graduates of Indiana University-Northwest or Purdue University-Main Campus earn more?
Purdue University-Main Campus alumni earn more on average: a median of about $72,424 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,361 for Indiana University-Northwest. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Indiana University-Northwest and Purdue University-Main Campus require SAT or ACT scores?
Indiana University-Northwest is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Purdue University-Main Campus requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Indiana University-Northwest and Purdue University-Main Campus look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 910–1180 at Indiana University-Northwest and 1200–1480 at Purdue University-Main Campus. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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