College Comparison
Purdue University vs University of Denver: 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 Denver
Denver, CO
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Purdue | University of Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 50.3%wins | 71.2% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1190–1460 | 1240–1410wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–34 | 29–32wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $28,794wins | $59,340 |
| Avg Net Price | $13,945wins | $36,037 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $72,424wins | $71,155 |
| Graduation Rate | 83.1%wins | 78.0% |
| Retention Rate | 92.0%wins | 87.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 14:1 | 10:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 39,637wins | 6,059 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Purdue edges out University of Denver on 7 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%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,794
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,945
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $72,424
University of Denver Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1240–1410
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 29–32
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.