Purdue vs Iowa State

Purdue University-Main Campus and Iowa State University, both renowned public research universities, offer distinct academic experiences and opportunities. Purdue, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, boasts a lower acceptance rate (68%) compared to Iowa State's (84%) in Ames, Iowa. While Purdue's student body is slightly larger, both universities share a vibrant and diverse campus culture. Engineering, Computer Science, and Management are popular majors at Purdue, while Iowa State excels in Agriculture, Engineering, and Business. With similar graduation rates, both universities ensure their students are well-prepared for successful careers. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these institutions' unique strengths and determine which one aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Iowa State University	Purdue University-Main Campus
Overview
Location	Ames, Iowa	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	88.0%	91.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	91.1%	68.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $60
SAT range	1083 - 1330	1190 - 1430
ACT range	21 - 28	26 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	13.0%	62.0%
Students submitting ACT score	63.0%	31.0%
Total number of applicants	20,357	59,436
Total number of admissions given out	18,550	40,898
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,387	10,278
Yield rate	29.0%	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: $22,152 Out of state: $37,964	In state: $22,812 Out of state: $41,614
Average net price	$15,422	$14,619
Tuition	In state: $8,324 Out of state: $24,136	In state: $9,718 Out of state: $28,520
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $4,590 Meal plan: $4,498	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)	87.0% Average amount $8,833	68.0% Average amount $7,324
Students receiving federal student loan	47.0% Average amount $5,202	29.0% Average amount $5,101
Students taking out private loans	11.0% Average amount $11,630	7.0% Average amount $18,535

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	25,808 Men 56.1% Women 43.9%	37,806 Men 57.8% Women 42.2%
Graduate students	4,900 Men 50.6% Women 49.4%	12,538 Men 57.5% Women 42.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	51.2%
International students	8.2%	17.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	9,400	15,597
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Indiana Illinois California New Jersey Ohio

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Agriculture Education Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Engineering Business Health Professions Agriculture Education
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	76.0%	82.7%
Dropout rate	6.1%	16.0%
Transferred out	16.7%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $85,739 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $101,292 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,956 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $95,081 Industrial Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,120 Year 2: $89,059 Year 3: $92,521 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $77,573 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $85,108 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,299 Year 2: $73,321 Year 3: $83,452 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,598 Year 2: $73,839 Year 3: $83,292 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,184 Year 2: $71,734 Year 3: $81,196 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $83,223 Year 2: $70,680 Year 3: $79,916 Construction Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,580 Year 2: $70,083 Year 3: $77,479 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,534 Year 2: $67,156 Year 3: $76,113	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 key academic strengths of Purdue University and Iowa State University?

Purdue University is renowned for its strong engineering, technology, and agricultural programs. It also excels in aviation and pharmacy. Iowa State University is particularly well-regarded for its programs in agriculture, engineering, design, and veterinary medicine. Both universities offer a wide range of other academic disciplines, but these are their most prominent areas.
How do the campus environments of Purdue and Iowa State compare?

Purdue University has a large, bustling campus in West Lafayette, Indiana, with a significant student population. It offers a classic college town experience. Iowa State University, located in Ames, Iowa, also has a large campus, known for its beautiful landscaping and a strong sense of community. Both campuses provide a wide array of student activities and resources.
What is the cost of attendance at Purdue and Iowa State?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, varies each year. Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates, especially for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition is higher. It's best to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date and detailed cost information, including potential financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
What are the research opportunities like at Purdue and Iowa State?

Both Purdue and Iowa State are major research institutions with extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Purdue has a strong focus on STEM research, while Iowa State is a leader in agricultural and engineering research. Both universities provide access to state-of-the-art facilities and encourage student involvement in research projects.
How do the student life and extracurricular activities differ at Purdue and Iowa State?

Both universities offer a vibrant student life with numerous clubs, organizations, and activities. Purdue has a strong emphasis on engineering and technology-related clubs, while Iowa State has a robust agricultural and design-focused student body. Both schools have active Greek life, Division I sports programs, and a wide variety of recreational opportunities.
What are the career prospects for graduates of Purdue and Iowa State?

Graduates from both Purdue and Iowa State have excellent career prospects. Purdue graduates are highly sought after by employers in engineering, technology, and related fields. Iowa State graduates are in demand in agriculture, engineering, design, and veterinary medicine. Both universities have strong career services departments that assist students with job placement and career development.
How do the locations of Purdue and Iowa State impact the student experience?

Purdue, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, offers a more urban-adjacent experience, with easy access to Indianapolis and Chicago. Iowa State, situated in Ames, Iowa, provides a more traditional college town environment with a strong sense of community and a focus on agricultural and rural life. Both locations offer a safe and supportive environment for students.
What are the admission requirements for Purdue and Iowa State?

Admission requirements for both universities typically include a strong high school GPA, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and letters of recommendation. Purdue often has more competitive admission standards, particularly for its engineering programs. Iowa State generally has slightly less competitive admission requirements, but still seeks well-rounded applicants. It's crucial to review the specific requirements on each university's admissions website.
Which university is better for a student interested in engineering?

Both Purdue and Iowa State have excellent engineering programs. Purdue is often considered to have a slightly more prestigious and well-known engineering program, particularly in areas like aerospace and electrical engineering. Iowa State's engineering programs are also highly regarded and offer a strong education with a focus on practical application. The best choice depends on the specific engineering discipline and the student's individual preferences.
How do the campus cultures differ at Purdue and Iowa State?

Purdue's campus culture is often described as focused on academics and innovation, with a strong emphasis on STEM fields. Iowa State's campus culture is known for its friendly atmosphere, strong sense of community, and a focus on agriculture and design. Both universities foster a welcoming environment, but the specific emphasis and values may differ slightly.

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