College Comparison
Purdue University vs Clemson University: 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
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Purdue | Clemson |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 50.3% | 38.0%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1190–1460 | 1230–1390wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–34 | 28–32wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $28,794wins | $39,498 |
| Avg Net Price | $13,945wins | $22,112 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $72,424wins | $71,513 |
| Graduation Rate | 83.1% | 87.9%wins |
| Retention Rate | 92.0% | 92.8%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 14:1wins | 16:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 39,637wins | 22,778 |
Verdict
Purdue and Clemson are remarkably similar across key metrics. Your decision should come down to campus culture, location, financial aid package, and specific program strength.
Purdue Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,794
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,945
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $72,424
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Clemson Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 38.0%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1230–1390
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 28–32
- ✓Graduation Rate: 87.9%
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