Head-to-head · 2026
Indiana University-Northwest vs Purdue University-Main Campus
Compare average net price ($5,130 at Indiana University-Northwest; $14,600 at Purdue University-Main Campus), ROI score (21.13 vs 12.40), ten-year median earnings ($43,361 vs $72,424), and admissions selectivity (73.4% acceptance at Indiana University-Northwest; 49.9% at Purdue University-Main Campus) using federal College Scorecard data. Purdue University-Main Campus has a 5-2 metric-level edge. Indiana University-Northwest 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-Northwest | Purdue University-Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 21.13 ✓ | 12.40 |
| Avg net price | $5,130 ✓ | $14,600 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,361 | $72,424 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 73.4% | 49.9% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 37.4% | 83.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $21,710 | $19,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,661 | 44,503 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1055 | 1364 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Purdue University-Main Campus costs $9,470 more per year than Indiana University-Northwest ($14,600 vs $5,130). Purdue University-Main Campus graduates report $29,063 higher median earnings after ten years ($72,424 vs $43,361). On EduGradify's model that puts Indiana University-Northwest ahead on projected ROI (21.13 vs 12.40, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Indiana University-Northwest) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Indiana University-Northwest is accessible at 73.4% acceptance versus 49.9% (selective) at Purdue University-Main Campus.
Frequently asked
Indiana University-Northwest vs Purdue University-Main Campus, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Indiana University-Northwest or Purdue University-Main Campus the better value?
Indiana University-Northwest has the higher EduGradify ROI score (21.13 vs 12.40), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Indiana University-Northwest is cheaper — average net price $5,130 per year vs $14,600 at Purdue University-Main Campus. The annual difference of $9,470 adds up to about $37,880 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Purdue University-Main Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $72,424 vs $43,361 at Indiana University-Northwest. The annual gap in the federal data is $29,063.
Which school is harder to get into?
Purdue University-Main Campus is more selective at 49.9% acceptance vs 73.4% at Indiana University-Northwest.
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-Northwest reports a A+ value grade; Purdue University-Main Campus reports A.