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
3.9
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
Academics & Faculty
Full-Time Faculty
3,858
2,117
Women Faculty
43%
37%
Research Spending
$909M
$1.0B
Offers Online Degree
No
Yes
Student Body
Women
48%
41%
Men
52%
59%
White
58%
54%
Black / African American
5%
3%
Hispanic / Latino
9%
7%
Asian
7%
12%
International
15%
17%
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$34,330
$22,533
Total Cost of Attendance
$41,338
$26,172
Avg Net Price
$27,450
$12,421
In-State Tuition
$19,286
$9,718
Out-of-State Tuition
$38,102
$28,520
Room and Board
$15,044
$12,815
Percent Receiving Aid
37.0%
40.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,336
$11,294
Outcomes
4-Year Graduation Rate
71.0%
58.0%
6-Year Graduation Rate
86.0%
77.0%
8-Year Graduation Rate
87.0%
79.0%
Retention Rate
93.0%
93.0%
Employment Rate
73.1%
79.9%
10 Year Median Earnings
$63,435
$72,424
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
Acceptance Rate
60.6%
49.9%
Average GPA
3.87
3.9
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
Full-Time Faculty
3,858
2,117
Women Faculty
43%
37%
Research Spending
$909M
$1.0B
Offers Online Degree
No
Yes
Women
48%
41%
Men
52%
59%
White
58%
54%
Black / African American
5%
3%
Hispanic / Latino
9%
7%
Asian
7%
12%
International
15%
17%
Sticker Price
$34,330
$22,533
Total Cost of Attendance
$41,338
$26,172
Avg Net Price
$27,450
$12,421
In-State Tuition
$19,286
$9,718
Out-of-State Tuition
$38,102
$28,520
Room and Board
$15,044
$12,815
Percent Receiving Aid
37.0%
40.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,336
$11,294
4-Year Graduation Rate
71.0%
58.0%
6-Year Graduation Rate
86.0%
77.0%
8-Year Graduation Rate
87.0%
79.0%
Retention Rate
93.0%
93.0%
Employment Rate
73.1%
79.9%
10 Year Median Earnings
$63,435
$72,424
Explore by Location
Penn State is in University Park, PA
Purdue is in West Lafayette, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 61%, while Purdue University-Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. This means Purdue University-Main Campus is more selective than Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus.
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