IU-Bloomington vs Purdue

Indiana University-Bloomington and Purdue University-Main Campus, two prominent public universities in Indiana, offer distinct academic experiences and opportunities. While both institutions excel in various fields, they differ in several key aspects. IU Bloomington boasts a higher acceptance rate, a more diverse student body, and a wider range of undergraduate programs, including a renowned liberal arts curriculum. Purdue, on the other hand, is known for its strength in STEM disciplines, a larger graduate student population, and a higher graduation rate. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into specific details and discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Indiana University-Bloomington	Purdue University-Main Campus
Overview
Location	Bloomington, Indiana	West Lafayette, Indiana
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	90.0%	91.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	85.0%	68.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $60
SAT range	1160 - 1380	1190 - 1430
ACT range	26 - 32	26 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	39.0%	62.0%
Students submitting ACT score	23.0%	31.0%
Total number of applicants	46,498	59,436
Total number of admissions given out	39,543	40,898
Admitted students who chose to enroll	9,482	10,278
Yield rate	24.0%	25.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $27,299 Out of state: $54,318	In state: $22,812 Out of state: $41,614
Average net price	$13,386	$14,619
Tuition	In state: $9,913 Out of state: $36,932	In state: $9,718 Out of state: $28,520
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,798 Meal plan: $4,300	Room/dormitory: $4,860 Meal plan: $5,398
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	67.0% Average amount $11,608	68.0% Average amount $7,324
Students receiving federal student loan	30.0% Average amount $5,040	29.0% Average amount $5,101
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $19,336	7.0% Average amount $18,535

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	34,253 Men 50.1% Women 49.9%	37,806 Men 57.8% Women 42.2%
Graduate students	11,075 Men 53.1% Women 46.9%	12,538 Men 57.5% Women 42.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	43.6%	51.2%
International students	10.4%	17.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	13,484	15,597
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Indiana Illinois New Jersey California New York	Indiana Illinois California New Jersey Ohio

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Public Administration and Social Service Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Computer and Information Science Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Engineering Business Health Professions Agriculture Education
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	80.8%	82.7%
Dropout rate	7.9%	16.0%
Transferred out	10.2%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $111,595 Year 2: $114,366 Year 3: $123,644 Optometry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $95,538 Year 2: $108,370 Year 3: $115,751 Human Computer Interaction (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,640 Year 2: $80,355 Year 3: $97,668 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $101,331 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $88,260 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,263 Year 2: $70,596 Year 3: $82,012 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $73,288 Year 2: $67,869 Year 3: $81,338 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $79,011 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $79,545 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,371 Year 2: $65,832 Year 3: $78,226 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $66,745 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $75,109 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $73,446 Year 3: $74,650	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $86,594 Year 2: $112,363 Year 3: $123,756 Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,166 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $110,527 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,310 Year 2: $88,342 Year 3: $105,735 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,040 Year 2: $92,632 Year 3: $104,408 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,895 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $101,018 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $81,749 Year 2: $85,981 Year 3: $94,727 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $84,821 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $89,107 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $70,034 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $88,209 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,843 Year 2: $72,448 Year 3: $85,950 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,780 Year 2: $70,057 Year 3: $79,694

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Indiana University Bloomington (IU) and Purdue University (Purdue)?

IU Bloomington is a large, public liberal arts university known for its strong programs in music, arts, humanities, and social sciences. Purdue University, on the other hand, is a large, public STEM-focused university renowned for its engineering, technology, and science programs. IU has a more residential campus feel with a focus on a well-rounded education, while Purdue emphasizes career preparation and research in technical fields.
Which university is better for STEM fields like engineering and computer science?

Purdue University is generally considered superior for STEM fields, particularly engineering, computer science, and related technologies. Purdue consistently ranks among the top universities globally for these disciplines, offering extensive research opportunities and industry connections.
Which university is better for arts, humanities, and social sciences?

Indiana University Bloomington excels in arts, humanities, and social sciences. IU boasts a world-renowned Jacobs School of Music, a strong College of Arts and Sciences, and notable programs in journalism, education, and public affairs. It offers a broader range of programs in these areas compared to Purdue.
How do the campus cultures differ between IU and Purdue?

IU Bloomington has a vibrant and diverse campus culture with a strong emphasis on arts, culture, and student life. It's known for its lively atmosphere, numerous student organizations, and a strong sense of community. Purdue has a more focused and career-oriented campus culture, with a strong emphasis on academics and research. While Purdue also has a vibrant student life, it tends to be more centered around STEM-related activities and organizations.
What are the differences in tuition and cost of attendance?

Tuition and cost of attendance can vary depending on residency status and program of study. Generally, both IU and Purdue have similar tuition rates for in-state students. However, out-of-state tuition is significantly higher. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date and specific cost information based on your individual circumstances.
Which university is located in a more urban environment?

Neither IU Bloomington nor Purdue University are located in major metropolitan areas. Bloomington, Indiana, where IU is located, is a college town with a lively arts and music scene. West Lafayette, Indiana, where Purdue is located, is also a college town, but it has a more engineering-focused and research-oriented atmosphere. Both offer a more traditional college town experience.
How do the acceptance rates compare between IU and Purdue?

Purdue University generally has a more selective admissions process than Indiana University Bloomington. Purdue's acceptance rate is typically lower, reflecting its higher demand, particularly for its highly ranked STEM programs. IU Bloomington, while still competitive, tends to have a slightly higher acceptance rate.
What are the research opportunities like at each university?

Both IU and Purdue offer extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Purdue is particularly strong in engineering, science, and technology research, with numerous research centers and institutes. IU also has significant research activity across a wide range of disciplines, including medicine, arts, humanities, and social sciences. The best choice depends on your specific research interests.
Which university has a stronger alumni network?

Both IU and Purdue have strong and active alumni networks. Purdue's alumni network is particularly strong in the engineering and technology sectors, while IU's alumni network is well-represented in various fields, including business, law, arts, and media. The strength of the alumni network can be beneficial for career opportunities and networking.
How do the career services compare at IU and Purdue?

Both universities offer comprehensive career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career development. Purdue's career services are particularly strong in connecting students with opportunities in STEM fields, while IU's career services cater to a broader range of industries and career paths. Both universities host career fairs and provide resources for resume writing, interviewing, and networking.

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