Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University vs Purdue University-Main Campus

Good news if you're stuck between them: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Purdue University-Main Campus come out about even on financial return. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 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 $24,953 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - $10,353 more a year, or about $41,412 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduates earn a median $81,698 against $72,424 at Purdue University-Main Campus. The cost earns itself back in 5.1 years at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and 5.3 years at Purdue University-Main Campus.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Purdue University-Main Campus owing a median $19,500 versus $21,500 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.43 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.