Indiana University-Bloomington and Purdue University offer distinct educational experiences within the same state system. Admission to IU-Bloomington is considerably easier with an 82% acceptance rate compared to Purdue's more selective 53% rate.
Cost differences favor Purdue significantly. In-state students pay $9,992 at Purdue versus $11,790 at IU, while out-of-state costs are $28,794 and $40,482 respectively. Purdue also provides better value with an average net price of $13,945 compared to IU's $15,342.
Academically, Purdue excels in engineering, technology, and business programs, contributing to higher graduate earnings of $72,424 after ten years. IU-Bloomington offers strong liberal arts, business, and journalism programs, with graduates earning $63,742 after ten years. Purdue provides a better student-faculty ratio at 14:1 versus IU's 18:1.
Both campuses offer NCAA Division I athletics and active college experiences. Purdue's enrollment of 39,637 slightly exceeds IU's 36,571. Purdue demonstrates superior retention (92% versus 90.6%) and graduation rates (83.1% versus 81.2%).
Career outcomes strongly favor Purdue, with graduates earning nearly $9,000 more annually while carrying similar debt loads around $19,500. Both schools maintain comparable post-graduation employment rates.
Students interested in engineering, technology, or seeking strong return on investment should consider Purdue, while those pursuing liberal arts, creative fields, or preferring a more accessible admission process may find IU-Bloomington better suited to their goals.
Cost differences favor Purdue significantly. In-state students pay $9,992 at Purdue versus $11,790 at IU, while out-of-state costs are $28,794 and $40,482 respectively. Purdue also provides better value with an average net price of $13,945 compared to IU's $15,342.
Academically, Purdue excels in engineering, technology, and business programs, contributing to higher graduate earnings of $72,424 after ten years. IU-Bloomington offers strong liberal arts, business, and journalism programs, with graduates earning $63,742 after ten years. Purdue provides a better student-faculty ratio at 14:1 versus IU's 18:1.
Both campuses offer NCAA Division I athletics and active college experiences. Purdue's enrollment of 39,637 slightly exceeds IU's 36,571. Purdue demonstrates superior retention (92% versus 90.6%) and graduation rates (83.1% versus 81.2%).
Career outcomes strongly favor Purdue, with graduates earning nearly $9,000 more annually while carrying similar debt loads around $19,500. Both schools maintain comparable post-graduation employment rates.
Students interested in engineering, technology, or seeking strong return on investment should consider Purdue, while those pursuing liberal arts, creative fields, or preferring a more accessible admission process may find IU-Bloomington better suited to their goals.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Indiana University-Bloomington | Purdue University-Main Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 82.4% | 52.7% |
| SAT Average | 1,290 | 1,335 |
| Enrollment | 36,571 | 39,637 |
| In-State Tuition | $11,790 | $9,992 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $40,482 | $28,794 |
| Net Price | $15,342 | $13,945 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 81.2% | 83.1% |
| Retention Rate | 90.6% | 92.0% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $63,742 | $72,424 |
| Median Debt | $19,509 | $19,500 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Indiana University-Bloomington | Purdue University-Main Campus | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Computer Science. | $70,596 | Computer Science. | $85,981 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | $65,832 | Construction Engineering. | $78,343 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $61,516 | Computer Engineering. | $72,448 |
| Mathematics. | $57,318 | Mechanical Engineering. | $71,255 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $57,318 | Industrial Engineering. | $70,057 |