Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Purdue University-Main Campus
University Park, PA — West Lafayette, IN
| Metric | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA | Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Location | University Park, PA | West Lafayette, IN |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 42,284 | 44,503 |
| Acceptance Rate | 60.6% | 49.9% |
| SAT Average | 1,337 | 1,364 |
| In-State Tuition | $20,644 | $9,992 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $41,790 | $28,794 |
| Avg Net Price | $32,875 | $14,600 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 | $19,500 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 85.9% | 83.1% |
| Retention Rate | 92.6% | 92.7% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $55,620 | $60,838 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,435 | $72,424 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 3192600.0% | 887400.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
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Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Purdue University-Main Campus compare?▼
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (University Park, PA) has an acceptance rate of 60.6%, in-state tuition of $20,644, and median 10-year earnings of $63,435. Purdue University-Main Campus (West Lafayette, IN) has an acceptance rate of 49.9%, in-state tuition of $9,992, and median 10-year earnings of $72,424.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Purdue University-Main Campus?▼
Purdue University-Main Campus graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $72,424 vs $63,435. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Purdue University-Main Campus?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Purdue University-Main Campus is the more affordable option at $14,600 per year versus $32,875.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.9% vs 83.1%.
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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.
Related
Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025