College Comparison
Purdue University vs University of South Carolina-Columbia: 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 South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Purdue | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 50.3%wins | 61.5% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1190–1460wins | 1180–1380 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–34wins | 26–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $28,794wins | $34,934 |
| Avg Net Price | $13,945wins | $24,532 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $72,424wins | $62,177 |
| Graduation Rate | 83.1%wins | 77.8% |
| Retention Rate | 92.0%wins | 90.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 14:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 39,637wins | 28,113 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Purdue edges out South Carolina 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
South Carolina Strengths
- No clear advantages in available data
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