San Diego Mesa College vs Purdue University-Main Campus

San Diego, CA — West Lafayette, IN

Metric
San Diego Mesa College
San Diego, CA
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
Location San Diego, CA West Lafayette, IN
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 16,098 44,503
Acceptance Rate 49.9%
SAT Average 1,364
In-State Tuition $1,146 $9,992
Out-of-State Tuition $10,002 $28,794
Avg Net Price $5,814 $14,600
Median Debt at Graduation $4,725 $19,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 34.3% 83.1%
Retention Rate 92.7%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $35,773 $60,838
Median Earnings (10 yr) $45,120 $72,424
Loan Repayment Rate 99700.0% 887400.0%

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

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San Diego Mesa College
San Diego, CA
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Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do San Diego Mesa College and Purdue University-Main Campus compare?
San Diego Mesa College (San Diego, CA) has no published acceptance rate, in-state tuition of $1,146, and median 10-year earnings of $45,120. 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, San Diego Mesa College or Purdue University-Main Campus?
Purdue University-Main Campus graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $72,424 vs $45,120. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, San Diego Mesa College or Purdue University-Main Campus?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), San Diego Mesa College is the more affordable option at $5,814 per year versus $14,600.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Purdue University-Main Campus has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 83.1% vs 34.3%.

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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