Texas A&M University-College Station vs Purdue University-Main Campus
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
Good news if you're stuck between them: Texas A&M University-College Station and Purdue University-Main Campus come out about even on financial return. Texas A&M University-College Station scores 89/100 and Purdue University-Main Campus scores 91/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Purdue University-Main Campus runs $14,600 a year against $21,315 at Texas A&M University-College Station - $6,715 more a year, or about $26,860 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Purdue University-Main Campus graduates earn a median $72,424 against $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station. The cost earns itself back in 6.1 years at Texas A&M University-College Station and 5.3 years at Purdue University-Main Campus.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Texas A&M University-College Station owing a median $17,804 versus $19,500 at Purdue University-Main Campus. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.33 and 0.40 - 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 | Texas A&M University-Coll... | Purdue University-Main Ca... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $13,154 | $9,992 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $40,124 | $28,794 |
| Net Price (avg) | $21,315 | $14,600 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $85,260 | $58,400 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $53,600 | $49,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $72,097 | $72,424 |
| Graduation Rate | 83.9% | 83.1% |
| Payback Period | 6.1 yr | 5.3 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $17,804 | $19,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $189 | $207 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.33 | 0.40 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 88.5% | 85.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 85.2% | 83.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 57.4% | 49.9% |
| Enrollment | 59,615 | 44,503 |
| SAT Range | 1150-1400 | 1200-1480 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Texas A&M University... | Purdue University-Ma... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,784 | $5,098 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $13,317 | $6,241 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $17,435 | $9,438 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $26,520 | $18,177 |
| $110,001+ | $30,660 | $22,742 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Texas A&M University... | Purdue University-Ma... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $124,283 | $146,685 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $129,401 | $99,896 |
| Computer Engineering | $127,042 | $121,462 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $112,319 | $85,924 |
| Chemical Engineering | $111,073 | $104,514 |
| Industrial Engineering | $95,918 | $107,031 |
| Electrical Engineering | $103,789 | $105,396 |
| Accounting | $103,662 | $90,119 |
| Nuclear Engineering | $103,438 | $63,226 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $97,903 | $102,572 |
| Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians | $99,943 | $85,224 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | $97,227 | $97,332 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $93,305 | $93,434 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations | $93,141 | $82,441 |
| Physics | $92,826 | $67,505 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Texas A&M University... | Purdue University-Ma... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 85 | 94 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 89 | 92 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 92 | 87 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 92 | 91 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 93 | 88 |
| Overall ROI Score | 89 | 91 |
The Verdict
It's close. Purdue University-Main Campus edges out Texas A&M University-College Station by 2 points (91 vs 89), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Texas A&M University-College Station
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Purdue University-Main Campus
Exceptional 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.