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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 · Purdue University
$30–48k$5,995$6,241$246 · Indiana University
$48–75k$11,038$9,438$1,600 · Purdue University
$75–110k$18,056$18,177$121 · Indiana University
Over $110k$20,680$22,742$2,062 · Indiana University

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.

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.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. 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