Indiana University-Bloomington vs Purdue University Fort Wayne
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Indiana University-Bloomington comes out ahead: 84/100 to 35/100, a 49-point edge over Purdue University Fort Wayne. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Purdue University Fort Wayne runs $13,171 a year against $16,264 at Indiana University-Bloomington - $3,093 more a year, or about $12,372 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Indiana University-Bloomington graduates earn a median $63,742 against $45,872 at Purdue University Fort Wayne. The cost earns itself back in 7.1 years at Indiana University-Bloomington and 17.7 years at Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Indiana University-Bloomington owing a median $19,509 versus $21,500 at Purdue University Fort Wayne. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 and 0.65 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Indiana University-Bloomi... | Purdue University Fort Wa... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $12,144 | $9,532 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $41,891 | $22,887 |
| Net Price (avg) | $16,264 | $13,171 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $65,056 | $52,684 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $44,200 | $33,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $63,742 | $45,872 |
| Graduation Rate | 80.2% | 36.3% |
| Payback Period | 7.1 yr | 17.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,509 | $21,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $207 | $228 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.44 | 0.65 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 82.1% | 71.1% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 77.7% | 57.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 78.2% | 83.9% |
| Enrollment | 37,806 | 5,484 |
| SAT Range | 1170-1400 | 970-1220 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Indiana University-B... | Purdue University Fo... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $6,324 | $8,306 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $7,610 | $8,703 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $12,154 | $12,444 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $20,204 | $18,430 |
| $110,001+ | $25,128 | $20,224 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Indiana University-B... | Purdue University Fo... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $114,199 | $101,396 |
| Business Administration and Management | $105,583 | $63,627 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $98,539 | $69,013 |
| Mathematics | $89,112 | $43,893 |
| Registered Nursing | $81,781 | $74,918 |
| Public Administration | $77,422 | $53,257 |
| Biology | $65,224 | $50,366 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $63,855 | $46,619 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $60,199 | $47,614 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $58,390 | $46,723 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $57,754 | $46,046 |
| Sociology | $56,591 | $27,749 |
| English Language and Literature | $56,204 | $38,113 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $54,630 | $44,227 |
| Psychology | $53,867 | $49,582 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Indiana University-B... | Purdue University Fo... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 86 | 43 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 82 | 30 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 83 | 40 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 90 | 16 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 77 | 43 |
| Overall ROI Score | 84 | 35 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: Indiana University-Bloomington clearly outperforms Purdue University Fort Wayne (84 vs 35), a 49-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Purdue University Fort Wayne brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to Indiana University-Bloomington.
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Indiana University-Bloomington
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Purdue University Fort Wayne
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.