Purdue University-Main Campus vs Ball State University
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, Purdue University-Main Campus comes out ahead: 91/100 to 54/100, a 37-point edge over Ball State University. 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-Main Campus runs $14,600 a year against $14,940 at Ball State University - $340 more a year, or about $1,360 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Purdue University-Main Campus graduates earn a median $72,424 against $51,833 at Ball State University. The cost earns itself back in 5.3 years at Purdue University-Main Campus and 11.9 years at Ball State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Purdue University-Main Campus owing a median $19,500 versus $23,250 at Ball State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.40 and 0.66 - 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 | Purdue University-Main Ca... | Ball State University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $9,992 | $11,082 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $28,794 | $29,630 |
| Net Price (avg) | $14,600 | $14,940 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $58,400 | $59,760 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $49,000 | $35,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $72,424 | $51,833 |
| Graduation Rate | 83.1% | 62.3% |
| Payback Period | 5.3 yr | 11.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $23,250 |
| Monthly Payment | $207 | $246 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.40 | 0.66 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 85.8% | 74.1% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 83.0% | 68.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 49.9% | 85.5% |
| Enrollment | 44,503 | 13,988 |
| SAT Range | 1200-1480 | 1080-1260 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Purdue University-Ma... | Ball State Universit... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $5,098 | $7,834 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $6,241 | $9,848 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $9,438 | $14,333 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $18,177 | $19,567 |
| $110,001+ | $22,742 | $23,479 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Purdue University-Ma... | Ball State Universit... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $99,896 | $79,620 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $93,976 | $77,774 |
| Accounting | $90,119 | $75,559 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians | $88,474 | $73,664 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $85,924 | $70,833 |
| Marketing | $84,725 | $64,895 |
| Economics | $83,195 | $56,782 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations | $82,441 | $78,401 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $81,040 | $75,703 |
| Registered Nursing | $80,403 | $76,161 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $72,724 | $55,053 |
| International Relations | $71,601 | $58,953 |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $69,768 | $34,000 |
| Chemistry | $67,680 | $63,764 |
| Landscape Architecture | $67,113 | $65,382 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Purdue University-Ma... | Ball State Universit... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 94 | 63 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 92 | 50 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 87 | 38 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 91 | 64 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 88 | 52 |
| Overall ROI Score | 91 | 54 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: Purdue University-Main Campus clearly outperforms Ball State University (91 vs 54), a 37-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Ball State University 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 Purdue University-Main Campus.
Want to personalize these numbers?
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Purdue University-Main Campus
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Ball State University
Below Average 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.