College Comparison
Purdue University vs University of Kentucky: 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
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Purdue | University of Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 50.3%wins | 92.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1190–1460wins | 1080–1290 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–34wins | 21–28 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $28,794wins | $33,406 |
| Avg Net Price | $13,945wins | $17,218 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $72,424wins | $59,025 |
| Graduation Rate | 83.1%wins | 69.9% |
| Retention Rate | 92.0%wins | 86.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 14:1wins | 17:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 39,637wins | 23,189 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Purdue edges out University of Kentucky 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
University of Kentucky Strengths
- No clear advantages in available data
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