Purdue University-Main Campus vs Vanderbilt University

West Lafayette, IN — Nashville, TN

Metric
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Location West Lafayette, IN Nashville, TN
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 44,503 7,208
Acceptance Rate 49.9% 5.9%
SAT Average 1,364 1,549
In-State Tuition $9,992 $67,498
Out-of-State Tuition $28,794 $67,498
Avg Net Price $14,600 $15,846
Median Debt at Graduation $19,500 $14,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 83.1% 93.1%
Retention Rate 92.7% 96.3%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $60,838 $73,909
Median Earnings (10 yr) $72,424 $91,565
Loan Repayment Rate 887400.0% 84500.0%

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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Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Purdue University-Main Campus and Vanderbilt 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. Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) has an acceptance rate of 5.9%, in-state tuition of $67,498, and median 10-year earnings of $91,565.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Purdue University-Main Campus or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $91,565 vs $72,424. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Purdue University-Main Campus or Vanderbilt 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 $15,846.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Vanderbilt University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 93.1% 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