College Comparison
Purdue University vs The University of Alabama: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
School
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Purdue | Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 50.3%wins | 75.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1190–1460wins | 1170–1400 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–34wins | 24–31 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $28,794wins | $33,200 |
| Avg Net Price | $13,945wins | $22,150 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $72,424wins | $59,221 |
| Graduation Rate | 83.1%wins | 73.7% |
| Retention Rate | 92.0%wins | 86.1% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 14:1wins | 19:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 39,637wins | 32,323 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Purdue edges out Alabama on 10 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Purdue Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 50.3%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1190–1460
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 27–34
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,794
Alabama Strengths
- No clear advantages in available data
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