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Princeton University vs Purdue University-Main Campus

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

27
Princeton Wins
13
Tied / N/A
6
Purdue Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Great Lakes
5,709
Enrollment
44,503
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

5%
Acceptance Rate
50%
1553
SAT Average
1364
34
ACT Midpoint
30
1510-1580
SAT Range
1200-1480

Cost & Financial Aid

$62,688
In-State Tuition
$9,992
$62,688
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,794
$6,128
Average Net Price
$14,600
$41
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$5,098
$352
Net Price ($30-48K)
$6,241
$1,217
Net Price ($48-75K)
$9,438
$36,094
Net Price ($110K+)
$22,742
19%
Pell Grant Rate
13%
2%
Federal Loan Rate
22%

Academics

97%
Graduation Rate
83%
98%
Retention Rate
93%
87%
Full-Time Faculty
96%
$25,354
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,473
28%
First-Gen Students
19%

Student Body

51%
Female
47%
34%
White
54%
10%
Hispanic
8%
9%
Black
3%
23%
Asian
15%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.67

Outcomes

$87,815
Earnings (6yr)
$60,838
$112,152
Earnings (8yr)
$66,951
$110,066
Earnings (10yr)
$72,424
$10,320
Median Debt
$19,500
0.09x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.27x
83%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

134.58%
Mobility Rate
N/A
6586.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
N/A
204.3%
From Bottom 20%
N/A
$218,100
Parent Median Income
N/A

Social Capital

1.88
Economic Connectedness
1.67
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
10.8%
Volunteering Rate
6.9%

Research (Times HE)

#5
World Rank
N/A
90.9
Teaching Score
N/A
95.4
Research Score
N/A
99.9
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofit

5% accept 97% grad $110,066 earnings $6,128 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Princeton University is not for everyone, but for those who make the cut, it’s a place where ambition meets opportunity. The school attracts bright minds, particularly in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, and Biology. Students here are often deeply engaged in their studies, working alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. This kind of environment fosters not just learning but also a strong sense of community among peers.

After graduation, the benefits of attending Princeton are clear. Alumni can expect an impressive average earning of $110,066 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This speaks volumes about the value of a Princeton education, especially when considering the high graduation rate of 97%. The school’s focus on producing skilled graduates who excel in their careers contributes significantly to their long-term success.

When it comes to finances, the net price after aid is manageable at $6,128, and the median debt stands at $10,320. This means many graduates leave with a realistic financial outlook, allowing them to focus on their careers rather than being weighed down by overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here often come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a variety of perspectives that enhance classroom discussions and campus life.

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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