Purdue University-Main Campus vs California State University-Los Angeles

West Lafayette, IN — Los Angeles, CA

Metric
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Location West Lafayette, IN Los Angeles, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 44,503 19,562
Acceptance Rate 49.9% 91.3%
SAT Average 1,364
In-State Tuition $9,992 $7,160
Out-of-State Tuition $28,794 $19,760
Avg Net Price $14,600 $3,967
Median Debt at Graduation $19,500 $13,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 83.1% 52.8%
Retention Rate 92.7% 71.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $60,838 $45,702
Median Earnings (10 yr) $72,424 $59,211
Loan Repayment Rate 887400.0% 569900.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
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California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Purdue University-Main Campus and California State University-Los Angeles compare?
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. California State University-Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) has an acceptance rate of 91.3%, in-state tuition of $7,160, and median 10-year earnings of $59,211.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Purdue University-Main Campus or California State University-Los Angeles?
Purdue University-Main Campus graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $72,424 vs $59,211. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Purdue University-Main Campus or California State University-Los Angeles?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Los Angeles is the more affordable option at $3,967 per year versus $14,600.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Purdue University-Main Campus has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 83.1% vs 52.8%.

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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