Head-to-head · 2026
Indiana University-Bloomington vs Purdue University Northwest
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 4 wins for Indiana University-Bloomington, 3 for Purdue University Northwest — Indiana University-Bloomington 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 Northwest |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.80 | 19.87 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,264 | $6,079 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $63,742 ✓ | $48,318 |
| Acceptance rate | 78.2% | 72.4% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 80.2% ✓ | 42.9% |
| Median debt | $19,509 ✓ | $21,229 |
| Enrollment | 37,806 | 5,671 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1313 ✓ | 1024 |
| Wins | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Indiana University-Bloomington costs $10,185 more per year than Purdue University Northwest ($16,264 vs $6,079). Indiana University-Bloomington graduates report $15,424 higher median earnings after ten years ($63,742 vs $48,318). On EduGradify's model that puts Purdue University Northwest ahead on projected ROI (19.87 vs 9.80, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Purdue University Northwest) 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 72.4% (accessible) at Purdue University Northwest.
Frequently asked
Indiana University-Bloomington vs Purdue University Northwest, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Indiana University-Bloomington or Purdue University Northwest the better value?
Purdue University Northwest has the higher EduGradify ROI score (19.87 vs 9.80), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Purdue University Northwest is cheaper — average net price $6,079 per year vs $16,264 at Indiana University-Bloomington. The annual difference of $10,185 adds up to about $40,740 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Indiana University-Bloomington reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $63,742 vs $48,318 at Purdue University Northwest. The annual gap in the federal data is $15,424.
Which school is harder to get into?
Purdue University Northwest is more selective at 72.4% 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 Northwest reports A+.