Head-to-Head Comparison
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus vs Purdue University-Main Campus
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GA
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
- Georgia Technology-Main Wins
- 23
- Tied
- 16
- Purdue University-Main Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $12,116 vs Purdue University-Main Campus's $14,600, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $102,772 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Georgia Technology-Main
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $102,772 ten years after enrollment, 42% more than Purdue University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,116, roughly $2,484 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 14% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Purdue University-Main
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Georgia Technology-Main graduates concentrate in Engineering (42% of degrees); Purdue University-Main in Engineering (25%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Georgia Institute of Technology over Purdue University. Median earnings of $102,772 ten years after enrollment vs $72,424.
Pick Georgia Institute of Technology over Purdue University. Net price $12,116 vs $14,600.
Pick Georgia Institute of Technology over Purdue University. 93% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Georgia Institute of Technology and Purdue University are close on paper, but Georgia Institute of Technology wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Georgia Institute of Technology is the harder admit. It takes 14% of applicants, while Purdue University takes 50%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,480 to 1,364.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Georgia Institute of Technology sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Georgia Institute of Technology comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $12,116, about $2,484 a year below Purdue University's $14,600. Graduates of Purdue University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $21,672.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $9,936 before any change in aid. Choosing Georgia Institute of Technology leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Georgia Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $102,772, compared with $72,424 at Purdue University. That is a 42% advantage. Set against borrowing, Georgia Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.27x.
So what: An earnings gap of 42% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Georgia Institute of Technology graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 10% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Georgia Institute of Technology to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Georgia Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and Purdue University offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $14,600 runs well above Georgia Institute of Technology's $12,116.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Purdue University's enrollment, and Georgia Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Purdue University's enrollment of 44,503 far exceeds Georgia Institute of Technology's 18,785.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Purdue University-Main holds onto its admits more tightly: 49% of admitted students enroll, versus 46% at Georgia Technology-Main — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GA · Public
Georgia Institute of Technology has an impressive graduation rate of 93%, showcasing its commitment to student success. This high rate indicates that most students not only enroll but also complete their degrees, a critical factor for anyone considering their future at this institution.
Graduates from Georgia Tech see significant financial returns, earning a median salary of $102,772 a decade after finishing their degrees. This strong earning potential underscores the effectiveness of the education provided, particularly in high-demand fields like engineering and computer science. The school plays an important role in enhancing economic mobility, although specific rates for low-income students are not available.
With a net price of $12,116 and a median debt of $21,672, Georgia Tech presents a financially manageable option for many students. Those who thrive here are typically driven, with a focus on STEM fields, and come from diverse backgrounds. The competitive acceptance rate of 14% reflects the school's selectivity, attracting students who are ready to engage in rigorous academic challenges.
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN · Public
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.
Rankings They Appear On
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus is featured on the Best Public Universities ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Mechanical Engineering as their top enrolled program field, comprising 42% of Georgia Technology-Main's student body and 25% of Purdue University-Main's.
Georgia Technology-Main
Purdue University-Main
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Georgia Technology-Main) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Purdue University-Main).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Georgia Institute of Technology or Purdue University?
Georgia Institute of Technology is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 50% at Purdue University.
Which is more affordable, Georgia Institute of Technology or Purdue University?
Georgia Institute of Technology is more affordable, with an average net price of $12,116 after aid versus $14,600 at Purdue University.
Do Georgia Institute of Technology or Purdue University graduates earn more?
Georgia Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $102,772 ten years after enrollment, versus $72,424 at Purdue University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Georgia Institute of Technology or Purdue University?
Georgia Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 83%.
Should you choose Georgia Institute of Technology or Purdue University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Georgia Institute of Technology if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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