Purdue University-Main Campus vs Cornell University

West Lafayette, IN — Ithaca, NY

Metric
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Location West Lafayette, IN Ithaca, NY
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 44,503 15,995
Acceptance Rate 49.9% 8.8%
SAT Average 1,364 1,535
In-State Tuition $9,992 $69,314
Out-of-State Tuition $28,794 $69,314
Avg Net Price $14,600 $28,690
Median Debt at Graduation $19,500 $14,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 83.1% 95.3%
Retention Rate 92.7% 98.4%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $60,838 $87,830
Median Earnings (10 yr) $72,424 $104,043
Loan Repayment Rate 887400.0% 313700.0%

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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Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Purdue University-Main Campus and Cornell University 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. Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) has an acceptance rate of 8.8%, in-state tuition of $69,314, and median 10-year earnings of $104,043.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Purdue University-Main Campus or Cornell University?
Cornell University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $104,043 vs $72,424. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Purdue University-Main Campus or Cornell University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Purdue University-Main Campus is the more affordable option at $14,600 per year versus $28,690.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Cornell University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 95.3% 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