Purdue University-Main Campus vs Kansas State University

West Lafayette, IN — Manhattan, KS

Metric
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS
Location West Lafayette, IN Manhattan, KS
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 44,503 15,142
Acceptance Rate 49.9% 81.7%
SAT Average 1,364 1,151
In-State Tuition $9,992 $11,221
Out-of-State Tuition $28,794 $28,568
Avg Net Price $14,600 $19,406
Median Debt at Graduation $19,500 $21,250
4-Year Graduation Rate 83.1% 70.8%
Retention Rate 92.7% 85.6%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $60,838 $49,330
Median Earnings (10 yr) $72,424 $57,262
Loan Repayment Rate 887400.0% 746100.0%

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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Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Purdue University-Main Campus and Kansas State 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. Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS) has an acceptance rate of 81.7%, in-state tuition of $11,221, and median 10-year earnings of $57,262.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Purdue University-Main Campus or Kansas State University?
Purdue University-Main Campus graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $72,424 vs $57,262. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Purdue University-Main Campus or Kansas State 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 $19,406.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Purdue University-Main Campus has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 83.1% vs 70.8%.

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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