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College Comparison

Purdue University vs Williams College: 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

Williams College

Williamstown, MA

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricPurdueWilliams
Acceptance Rate50.3%10.0%wins
SAT Range (25th–75th)1190–14601470–1560wins
ACT Range (25th–75th)27–3433–35wins
Tuition (Out-of-State)$28,794wins$64,860
Avg Net Price$13,945wins$14,852
Median Earnings (10 yr)$72,424$88,665wins
Graduation Rate83.1%96.5%wins
Retention Rate92.0%96.5%wins
Student–Faculty Ratio14:16:1wins
Total Enrollment39,637wins2,060

Verdict

Based on the data above, Williams edges out Purdue 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

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,794
  • Avg Net Price: $13,945
  • Total Enrollment: 39,637

Williams Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 10.0%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1470–1560
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $88,665

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