Academic Comparison between UI and PU

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

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 (1,220) than UI (1,220).
  • PU has higher submitted ACT score (25) 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

University of Iowavs.Purdue University-Main Campus
Iowa City, IowaLocationWest Lafayette, Indiana
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$10,964
Out-Of-State$32,927
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,992
Out-Of-State$28,794
70%% Receiving Financial Aid45%
$10,058Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,819
85.00 %Acceptance Rates50.00 %
23.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)26.00 %
1,220SAT Score1,320
25ACT Score31
73 %Graduation Rate83 %
18 %Transfer-out Rate-
89 %Retention Rate90 %
30,015Student Population51,528
2,485Number of Faculties2,039
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, 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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