Purdue University-Main Campus 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, Purdue University-Main Campus comes out ahead: 91/100 to 35/100, a 56-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 $14,600 at Purdue University-Main Campus - $1,429 more a year, or about $5,716 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Purdue University-Main Campus graduates earn a median $72,424 against $45,872 at Purdue University Fort Wayne. The cost earns itself back in 5.3 years at Purdue University-Main Campus and 17.7 years at Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Purdue University-Main Campus owing a median $19,500 versus $21,500 at Purdue University Fort Wayne. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.40 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 | Purdue University-Main Ca... | Purdue University Fort Wa... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $9,992 | $9,532 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $28,794 | $22,887 |
| Net Price (avg) | $14,600 | $13,171 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $58,400 | $52,684 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $49,000 | $33,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $72,424 | $45,872 |
| Graduation Rate | 83.1% | 36.3% |
| Payback Period | 5.3 yr | 17.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $21,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $207 | $228 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.40 | 0.65 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 85.8% | 71.1% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 83.0% | 57.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 49.9% | 83.9% |
| Enrollment | 44,503 | 5,484 |
| SAT Range | 1200-1480 | 970-1220 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Purdue University-Ma... | Purdue University Fo... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $5,098 | $8,306 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $6,241 | $8,703 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $9,438 | $12,444 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $18,177 | $18,430 |
| $110,001+ | $22,742 | $20,224 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Purdue University-Ma... | Purdue University Fo... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $146,685 | $101,396 |
| Electrical Engineering | $105,396 | $67,236 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $102,572 | $85,075 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $99,896 | $69,013 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians | $86,891 | $81,259 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $81,040 | $60,816 |
| Registered Nursing | $80,403 | $74,918 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $65,517 | $46,619 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $59,050 | $47,614 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $58,917 | $44,227 |
| Hospitality Administration | $58,861 | $44,909 |
| Mathematics | $58,453 | $43,893 |
| Biology | $58,225 | $50,366 |
| Sociology | $55,072 | $27,749 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $54,559 | $46,723 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Purdue University-Ma... | Purdue University Fo... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 94 | 43 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 92 | 30 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 87 | 40 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 91 | 16 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 88 | 43 |
| Overall ROI Score | 91 | 35 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: Purdue University-Main Campus clearly outperforms Purdue University Fort Wayne (91 vs 35), a 56-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 Purdue University-Main Campus.
Want to personalize these numbers?
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Purdue University-Main Campus
Exceptional 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.