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Head to head · Indiana

Indiana University-Indianapolis vs Purdue University-Main Campus

Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At under $30k and below, Purdue University-Main Campus is the cheaper of the two; from $30–48k up, Indiana University-Indianapolis is. Sticker price shows none of this.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeIndiana UniversityPurdue UniversityDifference
Under $30k$5,701$5,098$603
$30–48k$5,995$6,241$246
$48–75k$11,038$9,438$1,600
$75–110k$18,056$18,177$121
Over $110k$20,680$22,742$2,062

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

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Four years, at $75–110k

Indiana University-Indianapolis$76,106
Purdue University-Main Campus$76,616
Difference over four years$510

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate76% · 50%
Average SAT1139 · 1364

Listed Indiana University first, then Purdue University. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$55,198 · $72,424
Graduate in four years39% · 65%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$20,000 · $19,500

Again Indiana University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
Run both against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — odds with the math shown, and what four years would really cost you, side by side. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

Indiana University-Indianapolis — every income band · Purdue University-Main Campus — every income band · All Indiana public colleges