College Comparison
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Purdue University-Main Campus
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
University Park, PA
West Lafayette, IN
Total Enrollment
50,737
58,658
Undergrad Enrollment
42,604
44,819
Student-Faculty Ratio
16:1
14:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
60.6%
49.9%
Average GPA
3.87
3.90
SAT Range
1240–1420
1200–1480
ACT Range
27–32
27–34
Test Policy
Optional
Required
Application Fee
$65
$60
Total Applicants
88,478
78,745
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$34,330
$22,533
Avg Net Price
$27,450
$12,421
Tuition (In-State)
$19,286
$9,718
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$38,102
$28,520
Room & Board
$15,044
$12,815
% Receiving Aid
37.0%
40.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,336
$11,294
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
86.0%
77.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
71.0%
58.0%
Retention Rate
93.0%
93.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$63,435
$72,424
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Penn State is in University Park, PA
Purdue is in West Lafayette, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is $27,450 per year, compared to $12,421 at Purdue University-Main Campus. Purdue University-Main Campus is $15,029 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus typically score between 1240-1420 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Purdue University-Main Campus, the typical SAT range is 1200-1480. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 86%, while Purdue University-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 77%. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, while Purdue University-Main Campus has a ratio of 14:1. Purdue University-Main Campus offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, 37% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $11,336. At Purdue University-Main Campus, 40% of students receive aid with an average grant of $11,294.
The median earnings for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,435, compared to $72,424 for Purdue University-Main Campus graduates. Graduates from Purdue University-Main Campus tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is located in University Park, PA in a city: small setting. Purdue University-Main Campus is located in West Lafayette, IN in a city: small setting.