Head-to-head · 2026
Indiana University-South Bend vs Purdue University-Main Campus
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Indiana University-South Bend, 5 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-South Bend | Purdue University-Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.99 ✓ | 12.40 |
| Avg net price | $8,653 ✓ | $14,600 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $44,947 | $72,424 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 83.8% | 49.9% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 40.1% | 83.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $21,355 | $19,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 3,933 | 44,503 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1081 | 1364 ✓ |
| Wins | 2 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Purdue University-Main Campus costs $5,947 more per year than Indiana University-South Bend ($14,600 vs $8,653). Purdue University-Main Campus graduates report $27,477 higher median earnings after ten years ($72,424 vs $44,947). On EduGradify's model that puts Indiana University-South Bend ahead on projected ROI (12.99 vs 12.40, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Indiana University-South Bend) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Indiana University-South Bend is accessible at 83.8% acceptance versus 49.9% (selective) at Purdue University-Main Campus.
Frequently asked
Indiana University-South Bend vs Purdue University-Main Campus, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Indiana University-South Bend or Purdue University-Main Campus the better value?
Indiana University-South Bend has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.99 vs 12.40), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Indiana University-South Bend is cheaper — average net price $8,653 per year vs $14,600 at Purdue University-Main Campus. The annual difference of $5,947 adds up to about $23,788 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Purdue University-Main Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $72,424 vs $44,947 at Indiana University-South Bend. The annual gap in the federal data is $27,477.
Which school is harder to get into?
Purdue University-Main Campus is more selective at 49.9% acceptance vs 83.8% at Indiana University-South Bend.
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-South Bend reports a A value grade; Purdue University-Main Campus reports A.