College Comparison
Purdue University vs The University of Tennessee-Knoxville: 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
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Purdue | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 50.3% | 46.0%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1190–1460 | 1190–1340 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–34wins | 25–31 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $28,794wins | $31,974 |
| Avg Net Price | $13,945wins | $18,109 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $72,424wins | $60,249 |
| Graduation Rate | 83.1%wins | 73.5% |
| Retention Rate | 92.0%wins | 91.1% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 14:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 39,637wins | 28,763 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Purdue edges out Tennessee on 8 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
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 27–34
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,794
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,945
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $72,424
Tennessee Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 46.0%
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