Academic Comparison between PU and UI

Purdue University-Main Campus and University of Iowa are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. PU is located in West Lafayette, IN and UI is located in Iowa City, IA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • UI has more expensive tuition & fees ($32,927) than PU ($28,794).
  • It is harder to admit to PU than UI.
  • PU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,320) than UI (1,220).
  • PU has higher submitted ACT score (31) than UI (25).
  • PU has more students with 51,528 students while UI has 30,015 students.
  • PU has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while UI's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • UI has more full-time faculties with 2,485 faculties while PU has 2,039 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Purdue University-Main Campusvs.University of Iowa
West Lafayette, IndianaLocationIowa City, Iowa
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$9,992
Out-Of-State$28,794
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$10,964
Out-Of-State$32,927
45%% Receiving Financial Aid70%
$9,819Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,058
50.30 %Acceptance Rates84.67 %
25.52 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)23.29 %
1,320SAT Score1,220
31ACT Score25
83 %Graduation Rate73 %
-Transfer-out Rate18 %
90 %Retention Rate89 %
51,528Student Population30,015
2,039Number of Faculties2,485
14 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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