Head-to-head · 2026
Indiana University-Bloomington vs Purdue University-Main Campus
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 0 wins for Indiana University-Bloomington, 7 for Purdue University-Main Campus — Purdue University-Main Campus has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Indiana University-Bloomington | Purdue University-Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.80 | 12.40 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,264 | $14,600 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $63,742 | $72,424 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 78.2% | 49.9% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 80.2% | 83.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $19,509 | $19,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 37,806 | 44,503 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1313 | 1364 ✓ |
| Wins | 0 | 7 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Indiana University-Bloomington costs $1,664 more per year than Purdue University-Main Campus ($16,264 vs $14,600). Purdue University-Main Campus graduates report $8,682 higher median earnings after ten years ($72,424 vs $63,742). On EduGradify's model that puts Purdue University-Main Campus ahead on projected ROI (12.40 vs 9.80, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Purdue University-Main Campus) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Indiana University-Bloomington is accessible at 78.2% acceptance versus 49.9% (selective) at Purdue University-Main Campus.
Frequently asked
Indiana University-Bloomington vs Purdue University-Main Campus, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Indiana University-Bloomington or Purdue University-Main Campus the better value?
Purdue University-Main Campus has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.40 vs 9.80), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Purdue University-Main Campus is cheaper — average net price $14,600 per year vs $16,264 at Indiana University-Bloomington. The annual difference of $1,664 adds up to about $6,656 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Purdue University-Main Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $72,424 vs $63,742 at Indiana University-Bloomington. The annual gap in the federal data is $8,682.
Which school is harder to get into?
Purdue University-Main Campus is more selective at 49.9% acceptance vs 78.2% at Indiana University-Bloomington.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Indiana University-Bloomington reports a B value grade; Purdue University-Main Campus reports A.