Head-to-head · 2026
Indiana University-South Bend vs Purdue University Northwest
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 1 wins for Indiana University-South Bend, 6 for Purdue University Northwest — Purdue University Northwest has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Indiana University-South Bend | Purdue University Northwest |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.99 | 19.87 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $8,653 | $6,079 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $44,947 | $48,318 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 83.8% | 72.4% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 40.1% | 42.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $21,355 | $21,229 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 3,933 | 5,671 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1081 ✓ | 1024 |
| Wins | 1 | 6 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Indiana University-South Bend costs $2,574 more per year than Purdue University Northwest ($8,653 vs $6,079). Purdue University Northwest graduates report $3,371 higher median earnings after ten years ($48,318 vs $44,947). On EduGradify's model that puts Purdue University Northwest ahead on projected ROI (19.87 vs 12.99, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Purdue University Northwest) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Indiana University-South Bend is accessible at 83.8% acceptance versus 72.4% (accessible) at Purdue University Northwest.
Frequently asked
Indiana University-South Bend vs Purdue University Northwest, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Indiana University-South Bend or Purdue University Northwest the better value?
Purdue University Northwest has the higher EduGradify ROI score (19.87 vs 12.99), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Purdue University Northwest is cheaper — average net price $6,079 per year vs $8,653 at Indiana University-South Bend. The annual difference of $2,574 adds up to about $10,296 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Purdue University Northwest reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $48,318 vs $44,947 at Indiana University-South Bend. The annual gap in the federal data is $3,371.
Which school is harder to get into?
Purdue University Northwest is more selective at 72.4% acceptance vs 83.8% at Indiana University-South Bend.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Indiana University-South Bend reports a A value grade; Purdue University Northwest reports A+.