Purdue vs Florida State

Purdue University-Main Campus and Florida State University, two prominent institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences to their students. Purdue, known for its strong engineering and technology programs, boasts a lower acceptance rate compared to Florida State, which is renowned for its acclaimed programs in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. While both universities attract a diverse student body, Purdue's student population leans slightly more towards males, while Florida State has a higher percentage of female students. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details about these universities, including their graduation rates, popular majors, and additional factors that may influence your decision in choosing the best fit for your academic and personal aspirations.

	Florida State University	Purdue University-Main Campus
Overview
Location	Tallahassee, Florida	West Lafayette, Indiana
Campus setting	City: Midsize	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	94.0%	91.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	37.1%	68.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $30	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $60
SAT range	1180 - 1340	1190 - 1430
ACT range	26 - 30	26 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	65.0%	62.0%
Students submitting ACT score	36.0%	31.0%
Total number of applicants	65,235	59,436
Total number of admissions given out	24,183	40,898
Admitted students who chose to enroll	7,619	10,278
Yield rate	31.5%	25.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	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: $23,476 Out of state: $36,606	In state: $22,812 Out of state: $41,614
Average net price	$12,684	$14,619
Tuition	In state: $4,022 Out of state: $16,540	In state: $9,718 Out of state: $28,520
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,020 Meal plan: $4,856	Room/dormitory: $4,860 Meal plan: $5,398
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	94.0% Average amount $10,620	68.0% Average amount $7,324
Students receiving federal student loan	19.0% Average amount $4,996	29.0% Average amount $5,101
Students taking out private loans	2.0% Average amount $13,430	7.0% Average amount $18,535

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	33,593 Men 42.9% Women 57.1%	37,806 Men 57.8% Women 42.2%
Graduate students	11,537 Men 38.4% Women 61.6%	12,538 Men 57.5% Women 42.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	15.7%	51.2%
International students	4.2%	17.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	6,709	15,597
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Florida Georgia New Jersey New York Illinois	Indiana Illinois California New Jersey Ohio

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Education Visual & Performing Arts Legal Profession	Engineering Business Health Professions Agriculture Education
Students to faculty ratio	22:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	83.2%	82.7%
Dropout rate	10.9%	16.0%
Transferred out	5.3%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $86,926 Year 2: $92,632 Year 3: $102,429 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,442 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $89,448 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,610 Year 2: $68,305 Year 3: $78,263 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,971 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $78,057 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,179 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $77,718 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $78,794 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $77,527 Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,567 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $75,845 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,881 Year 2: $68,918 Year 3: $74,476 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: N/A Year 3: $74,364 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $63,216 Year 2: $60,325 Year 3: $72,686	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 Purdue University and Florida State University?

Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a STEM-focused, public research university known for its strong engineering, technology, and science programs. Florida State University (FSU), situated in Tallahassee, Florida, is a comprehensive public university with strengths in arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Purdue has a more pronounced emphasis on quantitative fields, while FSU offers a broader range of highly-regarded programs across diverse disciplines.
Which university is better for engineering programs?

Purdue University is generally considered to be significantly stronger in engineering than Florida State University. Purdue's College of Engineering is consistently ranked among the top in the nation, offering a wide array of specialized engineering disciplines and extensive research opportunities. While FSU offers engineering programs, they are not as highly ranked or as comprehensive as Purdue's.
How do the overall academic reputations of Purdue and FSU compare?

Both Purdue and FSU are respected public universities, but Purdue generally holds a higher national ranking and a stronger academic reputation, particularly in STEM fields. FSU is well-regarded, especially in areas like film, music, political science, and criminology. The 'better' reputation depends on your specific field of study.
What is the difference in campus culture and student life?

Purdue's campus culture is often described as academically focused and driven, with a strong emphasis on STEM-related activities and organizations. The climate in West Lafayette is colder, and the campus has a more traditional Midwestern feel. FSU's campus culture is known for its vibrant social scene, strong school spirit, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Tallahassee offers a warmer climate and a more prominent emphasis on arts and culture.
How do the costs of attending Purdue and FSU compare?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status. Generally, for in-state students, FSU is typically less expensive than Purdue. For out-of-state students, Purdue can be more expensive. It's crucial to check the most recent tuition and fees on each university's website, as well as consider living expenses, which can differ based on location.
Which university is located in a more urban environment?

Neither Purdue nor FSU is located in a major metropolitan area. West Lafayette, Indiana, where Purdue is located, is a smaller college town. Tallahassee, Florida, where FSU is located, is a larger city and the state capital, offering more urban amenities and cultural attractions compared to West Lafayette.
What are the strengths of Florida State University?

Florida State University excels in areas such as film, music, political science, criminology, and hospitality management. It also has strong programs in the natural sciences and offers a vibrant campus life with a strong emphasis on arts and culture. FSU is known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community.
What are the strengths of Purdue University?

Purdue University is renowned for its top-ranked engineering, technology, and science programs. It offers extensive research opportunities, a strong focus on innovation, and a rigorous academic environment. Purdue is also known for its strong alumni network and career services, particularly in STEM fields.
How do the admission requirements compare between Purdue and FSU?

Both Purdue and FSU are selective universities, but Purdue generally has slightly higher admission standards, particularly for its engineering and science programs. Both universities consider factors such as GPA, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply), essays, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. Check each university's admissions website for the most up-to-date requirements.
Which university has a larger student body?

Purdue University typically has a slightly larger student body than Florida State University. This difference can impact class sizes and the overall campus environment.
How does the availability of financial aid and scholarships compare?

Both Purdue and FSU offer a range of financial aid and scholarship opportunities. The availability and amount of aid can vary depending on individual circumstances and academic merit. It's recommended to explore the financial aid websites of both universities and complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal and institutional aid.
Which school is better for someone interested in a career in the arts?

Florida State University is generally considered a better choice for students pursuing careers in the arts, particularly in areas like film, music, and theater. FSU has renowned programs and facilities in these areas, providing students with ample opportunities for creative expression and professional development. While Purdue offers some arts programs, they are not as prominent or highly ranked as those at FSU.

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