College Comparison
WashU (St. Louis) 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
WashU (St. Louis)
St. Louis, MO
School
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | WashU | Purdue |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 12.0%wins | 50.3% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1570wins | 1190–1460 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35wins | 27–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $62,982 | $28,794wins |
| Avg Net Price | $22,117 | $13,945wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $86,182wins | $72,424 |
| Graduation Rate | 94.5%wins | 83.1% |
| Retention Rate | 95.9%wins | 92.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 7:1wins | 14:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,897 | 39,637wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, WashU 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.
WashU Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 12.0%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1570
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $86,182
Purdue Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,794
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,945
- ✓Total Enrollment: 39,637
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.