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Drexel University vs Purdue University-Main Campus

42 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

15
Drexel Wins
8
Tied / N/A
19
Purdue Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Great Lakes
13,233
Enrollment
44,503
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

79%
Acceptance Rate
50%
1345
SAT Average
1364
29
ACT Midpoint
30
1240-1440
SAT Range
1200-1480

Cost & Financial Aid

$62,412
In-State Tuition
$9,992
$62,412
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,794
$38,509
Average Net Price
$14,600
$28,055
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$5,098
$29,435
Net Price ($30-48K)
$6,241
$34,970
Net Price ($48-75K)
$9,438
$48,089
Net Price ($110K+)
$22,742
27%
Pell Grant Rate
13%
49%
Federal Loan Rate
22%

Academics

78%
Graduation Rate
83%
90%
Retention Rate
93%
58%
Full-Time Faculty
96%
$12,380
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,473
29%
First-Gen Students
19%

Student Body

57%
Female
47%
40%
White
54%
9%
Hispanic
8%
10%
Black
3%
24%
Asian
15%
0.75
Diversity Index
0.67

Outcomes

$69,063
Earnings (6yr)
$60,838
$79,235
Earnings (8yr)
$66,951
$84,648
Earnings (10yr)
$72,424
$25,325
Median Debt
$19,500
0.3x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.27x
83%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Capital

1.82
Economic Connectedness
1.67
-0.02
Friending Bias
0.00
7.8%
Volunteering Rate
6.9%

Research (Times HE)

#190
World Rank
N/A
45
Teaching Score
N/A
35.9
Research Score
N/A
58.2
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit

79% accept 78% grad $84,648 earnings $38,509 net

With over 13,200 students, Drexel University is a great fit for those seeking a hands-on educational experience, particularly in fields like Engineering, Health Professions, and Business & Marketing. The university's acceptance rate of 79% suggests a welcoming environment, which can be reassuring for students looking for a place where they can thrive academically. Many students appreciate the strong focus on experiential learning, including co-op programs that allow them to gain real-world experience while they study.

After graduation, students from Drexel can expect impressive earning potential, with graduates reporting a median income of $84,648 ten years after completing their degree. This financial outcome is particularly appealing, given how many graduates find themselves in well-paying fields. Affordability is a significant factor too, with a net price of $38,509 after aid, making it accessible for many families. Although the Pell Grant rate sits at 27%, it reflects the university’s commitment to supporting students from diverse financial backgrounds.

When considering the practical aspects, Drexel’s median debt of $25,325 is relatively manageable, especially when balanced against the earning potential. Students who tend to thrive here are often those ready to engage fully in their education, taking advantage of the co-op experiences and networking opportunities available. This proactive approach can really pay off, leading to successful careers and a solid return on investment for their education.

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN · Public

50% accept 83% grad $72,424 earnings $14,600 net

With an enrollment of over 44,500 students, Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a solid choice for those who thrive in a large, dynamic environment. It’s particularly appealing for students interested in engineering, business, computer science, biology, and social sciences. The 50% acceptance rate suggests a competitive atmosphere, and the 83% graduation rate indicates that many students are successfully completing their degrees.

After graduation, students can expect a median earning of $72,424 after ten years. That’s a significant number, especially for graduates entering fields like engineering and technology. While the cost of attendance is reasonable, the long-term financial outlook is promising, making it clear that a degree from Purdue can lead to solid career opportunities.

When it comes to affordability, the net price after aid averages around $14,600, which is manageable for many families. With a median debt of $19,500, students leave with a debt load that is relatively low compared to potential earnings. Those who tend to thrive here are often self-motivated, ambitious, and ready to take advantage of the university's strong programs and supportive resources.

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