College Comparison
Purdue University-Main Campus vs University of California-Los Angeles
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
West Lafayette, IN
Los Angeles, CA
Total Enrollment
58,658
47,335
Undergrad Enrollment
44,819
33,475
Student-Faculty Ratio
14:1
20:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
49.9%
9.0%
Average GPA
3.90
3.92
SAT Range
1200–1480
1330–1530
ACT Range
27–34
29–34
Test Policy
Required
Not Required
Application Fee
$60
$80
Total Applicants
78,745
146,272
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$22,533
$29,933
Avg Net Price
$12,421
$15,166
Tuition (In-State)
$9,718
$11,564
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$28,520
$41,636
Room & Board
$12,815
$18,369
% Receiving Aid
40.0%
49.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,294
$25,627
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
77.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
58.0%
88.0%
Retention Rate
93.0%
97.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$72,424
$82,511
More Comparisons
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Explore by Location
Purdue is in West Lafayette, IN
UC Los Angeles is in Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Purdue University-Main Campus is $12,421 per year, compared to $15,166 at California-Los Angeles. Purdue University-Main Campus is $2,745 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Purdue University-Main Campus typically score between 1200-1480 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At California-Los Angeles, the typical SAT range is 1330-1530. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Purdue University-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 77%, while California-Los Angeles has a graduation rate of 94%. California-Los Angeles has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Purdue University-Main Campus has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, while California-Los Angeles has a ratio of 20:1. Purdue University-Main Campus offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Purdue University-Main Campus, 40% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $11,294. At California-Los Angeles, 49% of students receive aid with an average grant of $25,627.
The median earnings for Purdue University-Main Campus graduates 10 years after enrollment is $72,424, compared to $82,511 for California-Los Angeles graduates. Graduates from California-Los Angeles tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Purdue University-Main Campus is located in West Lafayette, IN in a city: small setting. California-Los Angeles is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.

