College Comparison
Purdue University vs UC Davis: 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
UC Davis
Davis, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Purdue | UC Davis |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 50.3% | 41.6%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1190–1460wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–34 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $28,794wins | $46,024 |
| Avg Net Price | $13,945wins | $15,288 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $72,424 | $80,838wins |
| Graduation Rate | 83.1% | 85.1%wins |
| Retention Rate | 92.0% | 93.4%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 14:1wins | 21:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 39,637wins | 31,777 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Purdue edges out UC Davis on 5 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
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1190–1460
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,794
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,945
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 14:1
UC Davis Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 41.6%
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $80,838
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.1%
- ✓Retention Rate: 93.4%
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