Northwestern University vs. Penn State University (PSU) Overview
You’re wrestling with a tough question: “Should I go to Northwestern University or Penn State University (PSU)?“
Northwestern University
Penn State University (PSU)
Can you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesCan you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesThis complete guide analyzes both the quantitative and qualitative differences between Northwestern University and Penn State University (PSU). This comparison is particularly valuable at understanding the cultural nuances between the colleges since it uses student videos to capture the “vibes” of campus - these videos are exclusively available on CampusReel :)
Differences between Northwestern University and Penn State University (PSU)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s go through a general overview of the high-level differences between Northwestern University and Penn State University (PSU). The table below summarizes some of the most important statistics around competitiveness, costs, etc.
| Northwestern University | Penn State University (PSU) | |
|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $49,047 | $17,514 |
| Net Price | $28,155 | $29,226 |
| Average Financial Aid | $41,439 | $7,736 |
| Total Undergraduates | 8576 | 40179 |
| Average SAT Scores | 1400 - 1560 | 1090 - 1300 |
| Acceptance Rate | 13 | 51 |
| Location | 633 Clark St | 201 Old Main |
| City Name | Evanston | University Park |
WARNINGS: Based on net price alone, Northwestern University is the cheaper option. However, this sticker price may not adequately represent the difference in living costs between Evanston and University Park. Northwestern University is in a East North Central and Penn State University (PSU) is in a Mid-Atlantic - sometimes off campus meals and housing costs can dramatically vary between schools
Is Northwestern University or Penn State University (PSU) Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into?
If you’re looking at acceptance rate alone, then Northwestern University is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.
Therefore, the acceptance rate alone is not a good indicator that Northwestern University is a better school or will be more difficult for you specifically to get into. On the flipside, Penn State University (PSU) is easier to get into based on acceptance rate alone.
You can use the below college admissions predictor to determine your likelihood of acceptance at either school.
How Do Northwestern University Dorms Compare to housing Options at Penn State University (PSU)?
Both colleges provide on-campus living options. Northwestern University charges for on-campus living, while Penn State University (PSU) charges N/A for on-campus living. Most importantly, though, check out the video below for a sample of dorm tours at each school.
Northwestern University and Penn State University (PSU) student body differences
The table below helps demonstrate the student body differences as well.
| Northwestern University, % | Penn State University (PSU),% | |
|---|---|---|
| White | 50.370000000000005 | 68.61 |
| Hispanic | 11.51 | 5.949999999999999 |
| Black | 5.99 | 4.19 |
| Foreign | 8.27 | 10.66 |
| Others | 23.9 | 10.6 |
How different is the Northwestern University campus compared to Penn State University (PSU) campus?
The Northwestern University campus is located in Evanston, IL and is characterized as City: Small (population less than 100,000). The Penn State University (PSU) campus is located in University Park, PA and is characterized as City: Small (population less than 100,000).
Which school gives more financial aid?
Northwestern University provides $41,439 whereas Penn State University (PSU) provides an average of $7,736.
How does Northwestern University academics compare to Penn State University (PSU)?
When analyzing academics between Northwestern University and Penn State University (PSU) we’ll look at both what current students are studying and also where they end up after graduation. After all, college should prepare you for a career! Analyzing each school’s outcomes is super valuable to understand the value of the degree.
| Majors | Northwestern University | Penn State University (PSU) |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture agriculture operations and related sciences | N/A | 320 |
| Natural resources and conservation | 15 | 102 |
| Architecture and related services | N/A | 74 |
| Area ethnic cultural gender and group studies | 15 | 32 |
| Communication journalism and related programs | 496 | 831 |
| Computer and information sciences and support services | 91 | 956 |
| Communications technologies technicians and support services | N/A | N/A |
| Personal and culinary services | N/A | N/A |
| Engineering | 405 | 1886 |
| Education | 12 | 346 |
| Engineering technologies and engineering related fields | N/A | N/A |
Which is better: Northwestern University or Penn State University (PSU)?
We’ve compared dorm life, costs, outcomes and more to provide the most complete comparison between Northwestern University and Penn State University (PSU). But, you’re smart enough to know that numbers paint a terrible picture for truly understanding what each college and community is like. And, the real answer to which school is better is: the school that’s right for you. No matter who you ask, if they know what they’re talking about, the answer is the same: the “better” school is whatever is the best fit for you personally. That’s why it’s extremely important to check out all the videos on CampusReel for each school.
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How does Northwestern University social life compare to Penn State University (PSU)?
It’s tough to understand the nuances of social life with data alone. That’s why we’ve brought in real student videos to show how Northwestern University social life differs from Penn State University (PSU).
Check here.
Check here.