Indiana University-South Bend (IU SB) vs Purdue University Northwest (PNWU)
Indiana University-South Bend (IUSB) and Purdue University Northwest (PNW) stand as two distinct beacons of higher education in Northwest Indiana, each offering unique opportunities for students to pursue their academic aspirations. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in several key aspects, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. This side-by-side comparison delves into these differences, providing prospective students with valuable insights to help them make informed decisions about their educational journey. Whether you're drawn to IUSB's liberal arts focus or PNW's emphasis on STEM disciplines, this comprehensive analysis will guide you towards the institution that best aligns with your academic goals and personal preferences.
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![]() Indiana University-South Bend |
![]() Purdue University Northwest |
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Overview |
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Location | South Bend, Indiana | Hammond, Indiana |
Campus setting | City: Midsize | Suburb: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 54.0% | 60.0% |
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No | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 88.9% | 76.4% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$35
Graduate:
$40
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Undergraduate:
$25
Graduate:
$60
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SAT range | 980 - 1190 | 990 - 1190 |
ACT range | 18 - 24 | 19 - 26 |
Students submitting SAT score | 25.0% | 38.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 5.0% | 8.0% |
Total number of applicants | 2,270 | 3,642 |
Total number of admissions given out | 2,019 | 2,781 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 697 | 1,067 |
Yield rate | 34.5% | 38.4% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Not required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$21,979
Out of state:
$35,086
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In state:
$22,356
Out of state:
$29,247
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Average net price | $8,189 | $8,472 |
Tuition |
In state:
$7,170
Out of state:
$20,277
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In state:
$7,268
Out of state:
$14,159
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Room & board | $9,996 | |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
82.0%
Average amount $6,505 |
61.0%
Average amount $7,048 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
33.0%
Average amount $4,590 |
34.0%
Average amount $4,744 |
Students taking out private loans |
1.0%
Average amount $11,426 |
2.0%
Average amount $8,768 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
3,865
Men 35.3% Women 64.7% |
8,044
Men 41.6% Women 58.4% |
Graduate students |
584
Men 27.2% Women 72.8% |
750
Men 34.5% Women 65.5% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | 3.0% | 8.9% |
International students | 2.7% | 3.0% |
Campus local/setting | City: Midsize | Suburb: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 386 | 744 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Indiana Michigan Illinois Missouri Georgia | Indiana Illinois Michigan Ohio Alabama |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 12:1 | 15:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 37.9% | 40.3% |
Dropout rate | 35.9% | 54.6% |
Transferred out | 22.4% | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
Social Work (Master's Degrees)
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees)
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