College Comparison
UCLA vs Purdue University: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
UCLA
Los Angeles, CA
School
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UCLA | Purdue |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 8.7%wins | 50.3% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1190–1460wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 27–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $44,524 | $28,794wins |
| Avg Net Price | $14,013 | $13,945wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $82,511wins | $72,424 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.7%wins | 83.1% |
| Retention Rate | 96.8%wins | 92.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 14:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 33,040 | 39,637wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Purdue edges out UCLA 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.
UCLA Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 8.7%
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $82,511
- ✓Graduation Rate: 92.7%
- ✓Retention Rate: 96.8%
Purdue Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1190–1460
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,794
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,945
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 14:1
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