Head-to-head · 2026
Indiana University-Indianapolis vs Purdue University-Main Campus
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 1 wins for Indiana University-Indianapolis, 6 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-Indianapolis | Purdue University-Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 11.83 | 12.40 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $11,668 ✓ | $14,600 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $55,198 | $72,424 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 76.4% | 49.9% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 54.5% | 83.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $20,000 | $19,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 13,830 | 44,503 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1139 | 1364 ✓ |
| Wins | 1 | 6 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Purdue University-Main Campus costs $2,932 more per year than Indiana University-Indianapolis ($14,600 vs $11,668). Purdue University-Main Campus graduates report $17,226 higher median earnings after ten years ($72,424 vs $55,198). On EduGradify's model that puts Purdue University-Main Campus ahead on projected ROI (12.40 vs 11.83, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Purdue University-Main Campus) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Indiana University-Indianapolis is accessible at 76.4% acceptance versus 49.9% (selective) at Purdue University-Main Campus.
Frequently asked
Indiana University-Indianapolis vs Purdue University-Main Campus, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Indiana University-Indianapolis or Purdue University-Main Campus the better value?
Purdue University-Main Campus has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.40 vs 11.83), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Indiana University-Indianapolis is cheaper — average net price $11,668 per year vs $14,600 at Purdue University-Main Campus. The annual difference of $2,932 adds up to about $11,728 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Purdue University-Main Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $72,424 vs $55,198 at Indiana University-Indianapolis. The annual gap in the federal data is $17,226.
Which school is harder to get into?
Purdue University-Main Campus is more selective at 49.9% acceptance vs 76.4% at Indiana University-Indianapolis.
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-Indianapolis reports a A value grade; Purdue University-Main Campus reports A.