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Ohio State University-Main Campus vs Purdue University-Main Campus

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

13
Ohio Wins
4
Tied / N/A
21
Purdue Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
Great Lakes
Region
Great Lakes
45,638
Enrollment
44,503
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

61%
Acceptance Rate
50%
1387
SAT Average
1364
29
ACT Midpoint
30
1310-1480
SAT Range
1200-1480

Cost & Financial Aid

$13,244
In-State Tuition
$9,992
$40,022
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,794
$17,339
Average Net Price
$14,600
$4,885
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$5,098
$5,751
Net Price ($30-48K)
$6,241
$9,807
Net Price ($48-75K)
$9,438
$27,359
Net Price ($110K+)
$22,742
20%
Pell Grant Rate
13%
29%
Federal Loan Rate
22%

Academics

88%
Graduation Rate
83%
94%
Retention Rate
93%
63%
Full-Time Faculty
96%
$14,386
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,473
26%
First-Gen Students
19%

Student Body

52%
Female
47%
60%
White
54%
6%
Hispanic
8%
8%
Black
3%
11%
Asian
15%
0.61
Diversity Index
0.67

Outcomes

$51,438
Earnings (6yr)
$60,838
$56,186
Earnings (8yr)
$66,951
$60,409
Earnings (10yr)
$72,424
$19,976
Median Debt
$19,500
0.33x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.27x
72%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Capital

1.57
Economic Connectedness
1.67
0.03
Friending Bias
0.00
8.5%
Volunteering Rate
6.9%

The Overviews

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public

61% accept 88% grad $60,409 earnings $17,339 net

With an enrollment of over 45,600 students, Ohio State University-Main Campus is a vibrant place for those seeking a large, diverse community. It attracts students who are eager to explore a variety of fields, especially in Business & Marketing, Engineering, Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of 61% means there's a good chance for students to join this dynamic environment, where the graduation rate stands impressively at 88%.

Looking at life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates earn a median salary of $60,409 within ten years of completing their degree. This level of income can make a significant difference in improving one’s quality of life, particularly when the cost of attending is manageable. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, Ohio State shows a commitment to supporting those from lower-income backgrounds, providing pathways for upward mobility.

When it comes to the financial aspects, the net price after aid is approximately $17,339, which keeps college within reach for many families. The median debt load of $19,976 is relatively low compared to what students at other public institutions might face. This combination of affordability and strong outcomes makes Ohio State a fitting choice for motivated students who are ready to thrive in a collaborative and engaging setting.

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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