Academic Comparison between Purdue and Penn State

Purdue University-Main Campus and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. Purdue is located in West Lafayette, IN and Penn State is located in University Park, PA.

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.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • Penn State has more expensive tuition & fees ($41,790) than Purdue ($28,794).
  • It is harder to admit to Purdue than Penn State.
  • Purdue has a higher submitted SAT score (1,350) than Penn State (1,330).
  • Purdue has higher submitted ACT score (31) than Penn State (30).
  • Purdue has more students with 58,658 students while Penn State has 50,737 students.
  • Purdue has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while Penn State's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 4,174 faculties while Purdue has 2,107 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Purdue University-Main Campusvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IndianaLocationUniversity Park, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$9,992
Out-Of-State$28,794
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
43%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$10,408Average Amount of Financial Aid$14,013
49.87 %Acceptance Rates60.56 %
29.20 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.11 %
1,350SAT Score1,330
31ACT Score30
83 %Graduation Rate86 %
-Transfer-out Rate2 %
93 %Retention Rate93 %
58,658Student Population50,737
2,107Number of Faculties4,174
14 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycare