Head-to-head · 2026
Indiana State University vs Purdue University-Main Campus
Compare average net price ($10,873 at Indiana State University; $14,600 at Purdue University-Main Campus), ROI score (11.13 vs 12.40), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($48,387 vs $72,424), and admissions selectivity (80.8% acceptance at Indiana State University; 49.9% at Purdue University-Main Campus) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Indiana State University | Purdue University-Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 11.13 | 12.40 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $10,873 ✓ | $14,600 |
| 4-year avg net price | $43,492 ✓ | $58,400 |
| In-state tuition | $10,258 | $9,992 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $22,322 | $28,794 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $48,387 | $72,424 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 80.8% | 49.9% |
| Graduation rate | 42.9% | 83.1% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 65.9% | 92.7% ✓ |
| Median debt | $24,000 | $19,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 6,188 | 44,503 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1364 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Indiana State University | Purdue University-Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $6,455 | $5,098 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $6,571 | $6,241 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $9,317 ✓ | $9,438 |
| Family income $75–110k | $15,450 ✓ | $18,177 |
| Family income $110k+ | $19,345 ✓ | $22,742 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Indiana State University | Purdue University-Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 9.4% | 1.7% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 2% | 6.2% |
| Communication and Media Studies | 2.4% | 3.3% |
| Air Transportation | 3.7% | 1.5% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 4.5% | 0.7% |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians | 2.7% | 2.3% |
| Computer Science | 0.5% | 4% |
| Biology, General | 2.4% | 2% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Indiana State University reports the lower average net price by $3,727 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $14,908 difference over four years ($43,492 vs $58,400).
Purdue University-Main Campus reports $24,037 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($72,424 vs $48,387). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 65.9% at Indiana State University and 92.7% at Purdue University-Main Campus. Median federal debt among completers is $24,000 vs $19,500, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
Related college comparisons
Promoted matchups involving the same colleges or other leading schools in their states.
Frequently asked
Indiana State University vs Purdue University-Main Campus, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Indiana State University is cheaper — average net price $10,873 per year vs $14,600 at Purdue University-Main Campus. The annual difference of $3,727 adds up to about $14,908 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Purdue University-Main Campus reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $72,424 vs $48,387 at Indiana State University. The gap in the federal data is $24,037. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Purdue University-Main Campus is more selective at 49.9% acceptance vs 80.8% at Indiana State University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.