College Comparison
Purdue University vs Amherst College: 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
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Purdue | Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 50.3% | 9.8%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1190–1460 | 1360–1550wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–34 | 31–35wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $28,794wins | $67,280 |
| Avg Net Price | $13,945wins | $18,246 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $72,424 | $77,644wins |
| Graduation Rate | 83.1% | 93.4%wins |
| Retention Rate | 92.0% | 96.8%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 14:1 | 7:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 39,637wins | 1,907 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Amherst edges out Purdue on 7 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
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,794
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,945
- ✓Total Enrollment: 39,637
Amherst Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 9.8%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1360–1550
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 31–35
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $77,644
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