College Comparison
Purdue University vs Colorado State University-Fort Collins: 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
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Purdue | Colorado State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 50.3%wins | 89.6% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1190–1460wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–34 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $28,794wins | $33,751 |
| Avg Net Price | $13,945wins | $20,332 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $72,424wins | $60,543 |
| Graduation Rate | 83.1%wins | 66.9% |
| Retention Rate | 92.0%wins | 84.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 14:1wins | 17:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 39,637wins | 25,148 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Purdue edges out Colorado State on 9 of 9 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
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,794
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,945
Colorado State Strengths
- No clear advantages in available data
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