NSU vs. Purdue Northwest

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD 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 NSU based on total student enrollment (9,051 students vs. 3,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern State University is located in Aberdeen, SD (Remote Town setting); Purdue University Northwest is in Hammond, Indiana (Large Suburban setting).
• Northern 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: Northern State University 19:1; Purdue University Northwest 17:1.

NSU vs. Purdue Northwest Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU 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 NSU ($7,916 vs. $15,990).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Purdue University Northwest are 16% lower than at Northern State University ($8,907 vs. $10,600).
• Northern State University is 2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Purdue Northwest (about $170 more per year; $8,845.00 vs. $8,675.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.7% higher at Purdue Northwest than at Northern State University (about $4,147 more per year; $16,094.00 vs. $11,947.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern State University than at Purdue University Northwest (97% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Purdue University Northwest students is 8.6% larger than aid received by Northern State University students ($6,992 vs. $6,441).

NSU vs. Purdue Northwest Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU 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 NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern State University (1070) is 50 points higher than at Purdue Northwest (1020).
• Incoming NSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Purdue Northwest).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern State University 980/1160; Purdue University Northwest 890/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern State University 18/24; Purdue University Northwest 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Purdue Northwest - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Purdue Northwest Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NSU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at Purdue Northwest (3.19).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Purdue Northwest (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.2% at NSU vs. 18.3% at Purdue Northwest.

NSU vs. Purdue Northwest Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU 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.