Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, Indiana · Public · 49.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 91/100 · Exceptional Value
Purdue University-Main Campus
Exceptional ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $9,992/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $28,794/yr |
| Average net price | $14,600/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $58,400 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $72,424 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $49,000 |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $207 |
| Estimated payback period | 5.3 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 83.1% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 44,503 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,098 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,241 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,438 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,177 |
| $110,001+ | $22,742 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Purdue University-Main Campus with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $146,685 | A |
| Mechanical Engineering | $102,572 | A |
| Computer Engineering | $121,462 | B+ |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $52,170 | C |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | $97,332 | B+ |
| Biology | $58,225 | C+ |
| Industrial Engineering | $107,031 | A |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians | $86,891 | B+ |
| Finance and Financial Management | $85,924 | B |
| Statistics | $104,047 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Purdue University-Main Campus is $9,992/year ($28,794/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $14,600/year, or roughly $58,400 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $5,098/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $22,742/year.
The median graduate leaves with $19,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $207 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $72,424 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.40 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 82.2% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 85.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 83.0% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 85.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 49.9% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 600-760 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 600-720 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 27-34 |
| Enrollment | 44,503 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 13.0% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $14,473 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University-Main Campus (this school) | 91 | $14,600 | $72,424 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | 93 | $14,355 | $81,054 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | 91 | $17,354 | $73,792 |
| California State University-Long Beach | 86 | $10,440 | $64,403 |
| Ball State University | 54 | $14,940 | $51,833 |
| Purdue University Fort Wayne | 35 | $13,171 | $45,872 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
Purdue University-Main Campus is one of the strongest financial investments in higher education. With a total 4-year net cost of $58,400 and median graduate earnings of $72,424 ten years out, the math works decisively in graduates' favor. The estimated payback period of 5.3 years is well below average.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 83.1% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $19,500 is very manageable against $72,424 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.