College Comparison
UIUC 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
UIUC
Champaign, IL
School
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UIUC | Purdue |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.7%wins | 50.3% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1270–1510wins | 1190–1460 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 29–34wins | 27–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $34,501 | $28,794wins |
| Avg Net Price | $15,201 | $13,945wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $81,054wins | $72,424 |
| Graduation Rate | 84.9%wins | 83.1% |
| Retention Rate | 94.3%wins | 92.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 20:1 | 14:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 34,623 | 39,637wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UIUC edges out Purdue on 6 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.
UIUC Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 43.7%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1270–1510
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 29–34
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $81,054
Purdue Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,794
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,945
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- ✓Total Enrollment: 39,637
Want a deeper comparison?
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