Head-to-head · 2026
Indiana University-East vs Purdue University-Main Campus
Compare average net price ($8,134 at Indiana University-East; $14,600 at Purdue University-Main Campus), ROI score (14.49 vs 12.40), ten-year median earnings ($47,156 vs $72,424), and admissions selectivity (67.2% acceptance at Indiana University-East; 49.9% at Purdue University-Main Campus) using federal College Scorecard data. Purdue University-Main Campus has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. Indiana University-East leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Indiana University-East | Purdue University-Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 14.49 ✓ | 12.40 |
| Avg net price | $8,134 ✓ | $14,600 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $47,156 | $72,424 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 67.2% | 49.9% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 39.6% | 83.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $18,000 ✓ | $19,500 |
| Enrollment | 2,589 | 44,503 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1061 | 1364 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Purdue University-Main Campus costs $6,466 more per year than Indiana University-East ($14,600 vs $8,134). Purdue University-Main Campus graduates report $25,268 higher median earnings after ten years ($72,424 vs $47,156). On EduGradify's model that puts Indiana University-East ahead on projected ROI (14.49 vs 12.40, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Indiana University-East) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Indiana University-East is accessible at 67.2% acceptance versus 49.9% (selective) at Purdue University-Main Campus.
Frequently asked
Indiana University-East vs Purdue University-Main Campus, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Indiana University-East or Purdue University-Main Campus the better value?
Indiana University-East has the higher EduGradify ROI score (14.49 vs 12.40), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Indiana University-East is cheaper — average net price $8,134 per year vs $14,600 at Purdue University-Main Campus. The annual difference of $6,466 adds up to about $25,864 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Purdue University-Main Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $72,424 vs $47,156 at Indiana University-East. The annual gap in the federal data is $25,268.
Which school is harder to get into?
Purdue University-Main Campus is more selective at 49.9% acceptance vs 67.2% at Indiana University-East.
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-East reports a A value grade; Purdue University-Main Campus reports A.