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DePauw University vs Purdue University-Main Campus

DePauw University is a private university in Greencastle, IN, and Purdue University-Main Campus is a public university in West Lafayette, IN. Purdue University-Main Campus is the more selective of the two, admitting about 50% of applicants against 57% at DePauw University. Purdue University-Main Campus is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,600 a year against $22,264 at DePauw University. About 83% of students graduate at Purdue University-Main Campus, compared with 77% at DePauw University. Ten years after enrolling, Purdue University-Main Campus alumni earn a median of about $72,424, against $70,527 for DePauw University.

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DePauw University

Greencastle, IN · Private

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Greencastle, IN
West Lafayette, IN
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,905
44,503
Acceptance rate
57%
50%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1410
1200–1480
ACT (middle 50%)
28–32
27–34
Test policy
Considered
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,264
$14,600
Full cost / yr
$74,320
$24,591
In-state tuition
$59,070
$9,992
Out-of-state tuition
$59,070
$28,794
Application fee
$0
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,820
$5,098
$30k - $48k
$13,957
$6,241
$48k - $75k
$12,979
$9,438
$75k - $110k
$21,774
$18,177
Over $110k
$31,225
$22,742
Outcomes
Graduation rate
77%
83%
Freshman retention
89%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$58,476
$60,838
Median earnings (10 yr)
$70,527
$72,424
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
13%
First-generation students
16%
19%
International students
23%
10%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is DePauw University or Purdue University-Main Campus harder to get into?
Purdue University-Main Campus is harder to get into. It admits about 50% of applicants, compared with 57% at DePauw University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, DePauw University or Purdue University-Main Campus?
Purdue University-Main Campus is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,600 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,264 at DePauw University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at DePauw University and Purdue University-Main Campus?
Before aid, Purdue University-Main Campus costs about $24,591 a year and DePauw University about $74,320. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, DePauw University or Purdue University-Main Campus?
Purdue University-Main Campus. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,098 there, against about $11,820 at DePauw University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, DePauw University or Purdue University-Main Campus?
Purdue University-Main Campus is the larger of the two, with about 44,503 undergraduates against 1,905 at DePauw University.
Does DePauw University or Purdue University-Main Campus have a better graduation rate?
Purdue University-Main Campus has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 77% at DePauw University.
Do graduates of DePauw University or Purdue University-Main Campus earn more?
Purdue University-Main Campus alumni earn more on average: a median of about $72,424 ten years after enrolling, against about $70,527 for DePauw University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do DePauw University and Purdue University-Main Campus require SAT or ACT scores?
DePauw University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Purdue University-Main Campus requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do DePauw University and Purdue University-Main Campus look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1410 at DePauw University and 1200–1480 at Purdue University-Main Campus. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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