Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute vs Purdue University-Main Campus

Troy, NY — West Lafayette, IN

Metric
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
Location Troy, NY West Lafayette, IN
Type Private Nonprofit Public
Total Enrollment 5,714 44,503
Acceptance Rate 63.5% 49.9%
SAT Average 1,456 1,364
In-State Tuition $64,081 $9,992
Out-of-State Tuition $64,081 $28,794
Avg Net Price $36,228 $14,600
Median Debt at Graduation $23,750 $19,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 83.4% 83.1%
Retention Rate 90.7% 92.7%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $83,054 $60,838
Median Earnings (10 yr) $102,051 $72,424
Loan Repayment Rate 189900.0% 887400.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY
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Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Purdue University-Main Campus compare?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY) has an acceptance rate of 63.5%, in-state tuition of $64,081, and median 10-year earnings of $102,051. 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.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or Purdue University-Main Campus?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $102,051 vs $72,424. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or Purdue University-Main Campus?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Purdue University-Main Campus is the more affordable option at $14,600 per year versus $36,228.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 83.4% 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