Academic Comparison between Purdue and IWU

Purdue University-Main Campus and Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Purdue is a four-year, public school located in West Lafayette, IN and IWU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Marion, IN.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Purdue is a public and IWU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • IWU has more expensive tuition & fees ($32,352) than Purdue ($28,794).
  • It is harder to admit to Purdue than IWU.
  • Purdue has a higher submitted SAT score (1,350) than IWU (1,080).
  • Purdue has higher submitted ACT score (31) than IWU (21).
  • Purdue has more students with 58,658 students while IWU has 2,204 students.
  • IWU has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Purdue's ratio is 14 to 1.
  • Purdue has more full-time faculties with 2,107 faculties while IWU has 218 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Purdue University-Main Campusvs.Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion
West Lafayette, IndianaLocationMarion, Indiana
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (smaller programs)
In-State$9,992
Out-Of-State$28,794
2025 Tuition & Fees$32,352
43%% Receiving Financial Aid92%
$10,408Average Amount of Financial Aid$21,751
49.87 %Acceptance Rates88.94 %
29.20 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)16.95 %
1,350SAT Score1,080
31ACT Score21
83 %Graduation Rate67 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
93 %Retention Rate83 %
58,658Student Population2,204
2,107Number of Faculties218
14 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services