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Wabash College vs Purdue University Northwest

Wabash College is a private college in Crawfordsville, IN, and Purdue University Northwest is a public university in Hammond, IN. Wabash College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 63% of applicants against 72% at Purdue University Northwest. Purdue University Northwest is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $6,079 a year against $24,336 at Wabash College. About 77% of students graduate at Wabash College, compared with 43% at Purdue University Northwest. Ten years after enrolling, Wabash College alumni earn a median of about $69,952, against $48,318 for Purdue University Northwest.

Wabash College

Crawfordsville, IN · Private

Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, IN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Crawfordsville, IN
Hammond, IN
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
866
5,671
Acceptance rate
63%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.36–3.86
SAT (middle 50%)
1060–1270
890–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
23–28
16–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,336
$6,079
Full cost / yr
$65,144
$15,571
In-state tuition
$50,800
$8,675
Out-of-state tuition
$50,800
$16,094
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,586
$1,432
$30k - $48k
$13,526
$2,428
$48k - $75k
$18,175
$7,026
$75k - $110k
$18,681
$12,452
Over $110k
$30,511
$13,645
Outcomes
Graduation rate
77%
43%
Freshman retention
93%
66%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,667
$48,439
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,952
$48,318
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$21,229
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
28%
First-generation students
Not reported
43%
International students
6%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 Wabash College or Purdue University Northwest harder to get into?
Wabash College is harder to get into. It admits about 63% of applicants, compared with 72% at Purdue 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, Wabash 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 $24,336 at Wabash 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 Wabash College and Purdue University Northwest?
Before aid, Purdue University Northwest costs about $15,571 a year and Wabash College about $65,144. 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, Wabash College or Purdue University Northwest?
Purdue University Northwest. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,432 there, against about $16,586 at Wabash College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Wabash College or Purdue University Northwest?
Purdue University Northwest is the larger of the two, with about 5,671 undergraduates against 866 at Wabash College.
Does Wabash College or Purdue University Northwest have a better graduation rate?
Wabash College has the higher graduation rate, at about 77% against 43% at Purdue University Northwest.
Do graduates of Wabash College or Purdue University Northwest earn more?
Wabash College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,952 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,318 for Purdue University Northwest. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Wabash College and Purdue University Northwest require SAT or ACT scores?
Wabash 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 Wabash College and Purdue University Northwest look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1060–1270 at Wabash College and 890–1140 at Purdue University Northwest. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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