Head-to-Head Comparison
Purdue University-Main Campus vs University of San Francisco
- Purdue University-Main Wins
- 21
- Tied
- 12
- San Francisco Wins
- 15
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 San Francisco's $41,431, 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 $26,831 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
San Francisco
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $89,812 ten years after enrollment, 24% more than Purdue University
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Purdue University-Main graduates concentrate in Engineering (23% of degrees); San Francisco in Business & Marketing (21%). 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 San Francisco over Purdue University. Median earnings of $89,812 ten years after enrollment vs $72,424.
Pick Purdue University over University of San Francisco. Net price $14,600 vs $41,431.
Pick Purdue University over University of San Francisco. 83% completion rate vs 71%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Purdue University and University of San Francisco 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 San Francisco takes 62%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,364 to 1,295.
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 $26,831 a year below University of San Francisco's $41,431. Graduates of Purdue University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $23,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $107,324 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 San Francisco graduates report median earnings of $89,812, compared with $72,424 at Purdue University. That is a 24% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of San Francisco has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.27x.
So what: An earnings gap of 24% 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
Purdue University graduates a larger share of its students, 83% versus 71%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 13% 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 Purdue University to keep costs and debt down; pick University of San Francisco 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 $26,831 a year, yet University of San Francisco graduates earn $17,388 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 Engineering, Computer Science & IT, while University of San Francisco leans toward Health Professions, Social Sciences. 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 San Francisco's 5,287.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,431 runs well above Purdue University's $14,600.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $23,000, against $19,500 at Purdue University.
- Engineering-focused students: Purdue University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 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
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 San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Private nonprofit
Students at the University of San Francisco can expect to earn an average of $89,812 within ten years of graduation. This strong earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. With an acceptance rate of 62%, the university maintains a balance of accessibility and selectivity.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for this institution, but the outcomes for graduates suggest a solid return on investment. The graduation rate stands at 71%, indicating that a significant majority of students complete their degrees. This completion rate, combined with the potential earnings, points to a pathway for upward mobility.
Tuition at the University of San Francisco has a net price of $41,431, which is a notable consideration for prospective students. Graduates carry a median debt of $23,000, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. Students who thrive here often pursue programs in Business, Health Professions, and Social Sciences, aligning their education with market demand and job opportunities.
Rankings They Appear On
Purdue University-Main Campus is featured on the Best Bachelor's Programs in Indiana ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Purdue University-Main's top program is Mechanical Engineering (23% of enrollment), while San Francisco leads with Business Administration (21%).
Purdue University-Main
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 San Francisco).
The two schools feed different job markets. Purdue University is strongest in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, while University of San Francisco concentrates in Health Professions, Social Sciences, Psychology. 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 San Francisco?
Purdue University is harder to get into, admitting 50% of applicants compared with 62% at University of San Francisco.
Which is more affordable, Purdue University or University of San Francisco?
Purdue University is more affordable, with an average net price of $14,600 after aid versus $41,431 at University of San Francisco.
Do Purdue University or University of San Francisco graduates earn more?
University of San Francisco graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,812 ten years after enrollment, versus $72,424 at Purdue University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Purdue University or University of San Francisco?
Purdue University has the higher graduation rate, 83% versus 71%.
Should you choose Purdue University or University of San Francisco?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Purdue University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of San Francisco 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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