IU South Bend vs. Purdue Northwest

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana University South Bend in South Bend, IN 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 IU South Bend based on total student enrollment (9,051 students vs. 4,631 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana University South Bend is located in South Bend, IN (Midsize City setting); Purdue University Northwest is in Hammond, Indiana (Large Suburban setting).
• Indiana University South Bend is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Purdue University Northwest is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana University South Bend 15:1; Purdue University Northwest 17:1.

IU South Bend vs. Purdue Northwest Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IU South Bend 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 IU South Bend ($7,916 vs. $9,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Purdue University Northwest are 12.5% lower than at Indiana University South Bend ($8,907 vs. $10,184).
• Purdue University Northwest is 3% more expensive for in-state tuition than IU South Bend (about $251 more per year; $8,675.00 vs. $8,424.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.7% higher at IU South Bend than at Purdue University Northwest (about $6,717 more per year; $22,811.00 vs. $16,094.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Purdue University Northwest than at Indiana University South Bend (89% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Indiana University South Bend students is 19.7% larger than aid received by Purdue University Northwest students ($8,371 vs. $6,992).

IU South Bend vs. Purdue Northwest Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IU South Bend 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 IU South Bend.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Indiana University South Bend (1070) is 50 points higher than at Purdue Northwest (1020).
• Incoming IU South Bend students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Purdue Northwest).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University South Bend 950/1190; Purdue University Northwest 890/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University South Bend 21/23; Purdue University Northwest 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IU South Bend - Test optional; Purdue Northwest - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Purdue Northwest Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman IU South Bend students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Purdue Northwest (3.19).
• IU South Bend has a higher acceptance rate (83.8%) than Purdue Northwest (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at IU South Bend vs. 18.3% at Purdue Northwest.

IU South Bend vs. Purdue Northwest Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IU South Bend 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.