Academic Comparison between Purdue and UI

Purdue University-Main Campus and University of Iowa are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. Purdue is located in West Lafayette, IN and UI is located in Iowa City, IA.

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.
  • UI has more expensive tuition & fees ($33,371) than Purdue ($28,794).
  • It is harder to admit to Purdue than UI.
  • Purdue has a higher submitted SAT score (1,350) than UI (1,230).
  • Purdue has higher submitted ACT score (31) than UI (24).
  • Purdue has more students with 58,658 students while UI has 30,779 students.
  • Purdue has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while UI's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • UI has more full-time faculties with 2,474 faculties while Purdue has 2,107 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Purdue University-Main Campusvs.University of Iowa
West Lafayette, IndianaLocationIowa City, Iowa
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$11,283
Out-Of-State$33,371
43%% Receiving Financial Aid69%
$10,408Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,070
49.87 %Acceptance Rates83.62 %
29.20 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.43 %
1,350SAT Score1,230
31ACT Score24
83 %Graduation Rate75 %
-Transfer-out Rate17 %
93 %Retention Rate90 %
58,658Student Population30,779
2,107Number of Faculties2,474
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, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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