College Comparison
Purdue University vs Rutgers 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
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Purdue | Rutgers |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 50.3%wins | 65.3% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1190–1460 | 1270–1480wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–34 | 28–33wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $28,794wins | $36,001 |
| Avg Net Price | $13,945wins | $23,519 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $72,424 | $74,479wins |
| Graduation Rate | 83.1% | 85.0%wins |
| Retention Rate | 92.0% | 92.6%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 14:1wins | 15:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 39,637wins | 36,357 |
Verdict
Purdue and Rutgers are remarkably similar across key metrics. Your decision should come down to campus culture, location, financial aid package, and specific program strength.
Purdue Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 50.3%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,794
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,945
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Rutgers Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1270–1480
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 28–33
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $74,479
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.0%
Want a deeper comparison?
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