CSU vs. Purdue Northwest

Comparable Facts

Compare Chicago State University in Chicago, IL with Purdue University Northwest in Hammond, Indiana on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Purdue University Northwest is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (9,051 students vs. 2,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Purdue University Northwest is in Hammond, Indiana (Large Suburban setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Purdue University Northwest is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; Purdue University Northwest 17:1.

CSU vs. Purdue Northwest Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Purdue Northwest? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Purdue University Northwest than CSU ($7,916 vs. $10,441).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Purdue University Northwest are 22.9% lower than at Chicago State University ($8,907 vs. $11,550).
• Chicago State University is 47% more expensive for in-state tuition than Purdue Northwest (about $4,079 more per year; $12,754.00 vs. $8,675.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.2% higher at Purdue Northwest than at Chicago State University (about $3,340 more per year; $16,094.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chicago State University than at Purdue University Northwest (99% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chicago State University students is 160.2% larger than aid received by Purdue University Northwest students ($18,194 vs. $6,992).

CSU vs. Purdue Northwest Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or Purdue Northwest? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Purdue Northwest and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Purdue University Northwest (1020) is 160 points higher than at CSU (860).
• Incoming Purdue Northwest students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 750/963; Purdue University Northwest 890/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; Purdue University Northwest 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Purdue Northwest - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Purdue Northwest Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Purdue Northwest students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.19) than students at CSU (3.18).
• Purdue Northwest has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 18.3% at Purdue Northwest.

CSU vs. Purdue Northwest Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Purdue Northwest? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.