Purdue University-Main Campus vs University of California-Irvine

West Lafayette, IN — Irvine, CA

Metric
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA
Location West Lafayette, IN Irvine, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 44,503 30,197
Acceptance Rate 49.9% 28.6%
SAT Average 1,364
In-State Tuition $9,992 $15,722
Out-of-State Tuition $28,794 $49,922
Avg Net Price $14,600 $14,251
Median Debt at Graduation $19,500 $15,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 83.1% 86.4%
Retention Rate 92.7% 94.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $60,838 $56,210
Median Earnings (10 yr) $72,424 $80,735
Loan Repayment Rate 887400.0% 635700.0%

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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University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Purdue University-Main Campus and University of California-Irvine 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. University of California-Irvine (Irvine, CA) has an acceptance rate of 28.6%, in-state tuition of $15,722, and median 10-year earnings of $80,735.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Purdue University-Main Campus or University of California-Irvine?
University of California-Irvine graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $80,735 vs $72,424. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Purdue University-Main Campus or University of California-Irvine?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-Irvine is the more affordable option at $14,251 per year versus $14,600.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Irvine has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 86.4% 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