College Comparison
Purdue University-Main Campus vs University of Iowa
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
Iowa City, IA
Total Enrollment
58,658
30,779
Undergrad Enrollment
44,819
22,738
Student-Faculty Ratio
14:1
16:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
49.9%
83.6%
Average GPA
3.90
3.80
SAT Range
1200–1480
1130–1330
ACT Range
27–34
21–28
Test Policy
Required
Optional
Application Fee
$60
$40
Total Applicants
78,745
27,770
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$22,533
$21,631
Avg Net Price
$12,421
$20,121
Tuition (In-State)
$9,718
$8,711
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$28,520
$30,674
Room & Board
$12,815
$12,920
% Receiving Aid
40.0%
76.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,294
$9,865
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
77.0%
74.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
58.0%
56.0%
Retention Rate
93.0%
90.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$72,424
$64,762
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Explore by Location
Purdue is in West Lafayette, IN
Iowa is in Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Purdue University-Main Campus is $12,421 per year, compared to $20,121 at University of Iowa. Purdue University-Main Campus is $7,700 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 University of Iowa, the typical SAT range is 1130-1330. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Purdue University-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 77%, while University of Iowa has a graduation rate of 74%. Purdue University-Main Campus 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 University of Iowa has a ratio of 16:1. 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 University of Iowa, 76% of students receive aid with an average grant of $9,865.
The median earnings for Purdue University-Main Campus graduates 10 years after enrollment is $72,424, compared to $64,762 for University of Iowa graduates. Graduates from Purdue University-Main Campus 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. University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, IA in a city: small setting.