At $13,945/yr net price, Purdue University-Main Campus graduates earn $72,424/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $38,424/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,945 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,780 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $72,424/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$38,424/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 83.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,927/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,925/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,948/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,919/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,130/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $112,363 | $99,174 |
| Engineering, Other. | Master | $94,408 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $92,632 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $88,342 | $41,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $85,981 | $19,136 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | Master | $84,653 | $32,946 |
| Construction Engineering. | Bachelor | $78,343 | $20,625 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $78,343 | $113,597 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,448 | $22,875 |
The Risk Factor
83.1% of students at Purdue University-Main Campus graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Purdue delivers strong financial returns with median earnings of $72,424 against a reasonable net price of $13,945 annually. Your investment pays off particularly well in engineering and business, where graduates consistently earn above the university median.
Engineering programs dominate the highest-earning majors, with mechanical engineering graduates earning $92,632 and other engineering specialties reaching $94,408. Computer science offers excellent value at $85,981 with manageable debt of $19,136. Business administration graduates earn $88,342, though they carry higher debt loads at $41,000. Pharmacy leads all programs at $112,363 but requires substantial borrowing of $99,174.
The biggest financial risk centers on pharmacy, where you'll graduate with nearly $100,000 in debt despite strong earning potential. Indiana's job market supports Purdue's engineering focus well, with major employers like Cummins, Eli Lilly, and growing tech companies providing solid placement opportunities.
Purdue works best financially if you're targeting engineering, computer science, or business fields where the school's reputation translates directly to hiring advantages. The low percentage receiving aid (12.98%) suggests limited need-based assistance, but strong merit scholarship opportunities exist for high-achieving students, particularly in engineering programs.
You should look elsewhere if you're interested in liberal arts or social sciences, where Purdue's career outcomes lag behind its technical programs. The 83% graduation rate means completion risk exists, especially outside engineering where support systems are less developed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Purdue University-Main Campus worth the cost for engineering students?
Yes, Purdue engineering graduates earn a median of $92,600-$94,400 within 10 years, making it one of the better ROI choices for engineering. The relatively low net price of $13,945 per year and reasonable debt levels make the investment worthwhile for most engineering majors.
What is the average debt at Purdue University-Main Campus and is it manageable?
Purdue graduates leave with a median debt of $19,500, which is below the national average. With 10-year earnings of $72,424, most graduates can manage this debt load comfortably.
Which programs at Purdue University-Main Campus have the best return on investment?
Pharmacy leads with $112,363 in 10-year earnings, followed by engineering programs at $92,000-$94,000. Business and computer science graduates earn around $85,000-$88,000, all providing solid returns given Purdue's low net cost.
Is Purdue University-Main Campus a good value compared to other universities?
Purdue offers strong value with a net price of just $13,945 annually and solid graduate earnings across most programs. The 83% graduation rate and low debt levels make it a safer investment than many comparable schools.