Head-to-Head Comparison
Purdue University-Main Campus vs University of Portland
- Purdue University-Main Wins
- 22
- Tied
- 14
- Portland Wins
- 12
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Purdue University-Main Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $14,600 vs University of Portland's $28,210, Purdue University-Main Campus delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Purdue University-Main Campus's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Purdue University-Main
- Lower cost: Average net price of $14,600, roughly $13,610 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 83% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 50% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Portland
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,804 ten years after enrollment, 14% more than Purdue University
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Purdue University-Main graduates concentrate in Engineering (25% of degrees); Portland in Health Professions (29%). 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 University of Portland over Purdue University. Median earnings of $82,804 ten years after enrollment vs $72,424.
Pick Purdue University over University of Portland. Net price $14,600 vs $28,210.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Purdue University and University of Portland are close on paper, but Purdue University 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
Purdue University is the harder admit. It takes 50% of applicants, while University of Portland takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,364 to 1,277.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Purdue University 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, Purdue University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $14,600, about $13,610 a year below University of Portland's $28,210. Graduates of Purdue University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $21,370.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $54,440 before any change in aid. Choosing Purdue University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Portland graduates report median earnings of $82,804, compared with $72,424 at Purdue University. That is a 14% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Portland has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.27x.
So what: An earnings gap of 14% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Purdue University to keep costs and debt down; pick University of Portland for the higher earnings ceiling.
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.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Purdue University saves about $13,610 a year, yet University of Portland graduates earn $10,380 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Purdue University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while University of Portland leans toward Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Purdue University's enrollment of 44,503 far exceeds University of Portland's 2,957.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $28,210 runs well above Purdue University's $14,600.
- Engineering-focused students: Purdue University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Test scores matter less at Portland, where only about 9% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
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.
University of Portland
Portland, OR · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of just under 3,000 students, the University of Portland is a great fit for those seeking a close-knit community while still accessing solid academic programs. Students here often dive into popular fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and Psychology. An acceptance rate of 89% indicates that the university welcomes a diverse range of applicants, making it an appealing option for many.
After graduation, students can expect to earn about $82,804 within ten years, which can be quite encouraging when considering job prospects. This earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. While nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, the supportive environment helps many move up in their careers, even if specific mobility rates aren’t available.
When it comes to the financials, the net price after aid sits at $28,210, which can be manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $21,370, suggesting that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of student loans. Those who thrive here are often proactive, engaged, and looking for a collaborative atmosphere that values both academic and personal growth.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Portland is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Oregon ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Purdue University-Main's top program is Mechanical Engineering (25% of enrollment), while Portland leads with Nursing (BSN) (29%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Purdue University-Main) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Portland).
The two schools feed different job markets. Purdue University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while University of Portland concentrates in Health Professions. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Purdue University-Main
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Purdue University or University of Portland?
Purdue University is harder to get into, admitting 50% of applicants compared with 89% at University of Portland.
Which is more affordable, Purdue University or University of Portland?
Purdue University is more affordable, with an average net price of $14,600 after aid versus $28,210 at University of Portland.
Do Purdue University or University of Portland graduates earn more?
University of Portland graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,804 ten years after enrollment, versus $72,424 at Purdue University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Purdue University or University of Portland?
Purdue University has the higher graduation rate, 83% versus 80%.
Should you choose Purdue University or University of Portland?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Purdue University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of Portland if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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