Purdue University-Main Campus vs Columbia University in the City of New York

West Lafayette, IN — New York, NY

Metric
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
Location West Lafayette, IN New York, NY
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 44,503 8,973
Acceptance Rate 49.9% 4.0%
SAT Average 1,364 1,553
In-State Tuition $9,992 $71,845
Out-of-State Tuition $28,794 $71,845
Avg Net Price $14,600 $21,590
Median Debt at Graduation $19,500 $21,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 83.1% 95.5%
Retention Rate 92.7% 98.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $60,838 $88,535
Median Earnings (10 yr) $72,424 $102,491
Loan Repayment Rate 887400.0% 185800.0%

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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Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Purdue University-Main Campus and Columbia University in the City of New York 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. Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) has an acceptance rate of 4.0%, in-state tuition of $71,845, and median 10-year earnings of $102,491.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Purdue University-Main Campus or Columbia University in the City of New York?
Columbia University in the City of New York graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $102,491 vs $72,424. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Purdue University-Main Campus or Columbia University in the City of New York?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Purdue University-Main Campus is the more affordable option at $14,600 per year versus $21,590.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Columbia University in the City of New York has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 95.5% 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