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NYU vs Purdue University

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

12.2% NYU acceptance
53.0% Purdue acceptance
$166,408 Purdue cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

NYU
New York, New York
Private
Founded
1831
Enrollment
59,144
Setting
Urban
Purdue
West Lafayette, Indiana
Public
Founded
1869
Enrollment
51,344
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Purdue saves $31,644
NYU
$60,438
Purdue
$28,794
Acceptance Rate NYU more selective
NYU
12.2%
Purdue
53.0%
Graduation Rate NYU higher
NYU
87%
Purdue
83%
Avg SAT Score NYU higher
NYU
1480
Purdue
1340
Starting Salary NYU higher
NYU
$74,100
Purdue
$70,100

Detailed Comparison

Metric NYU Purdue Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$60,438$28,794Purdue
Tuition (In-State)$60,438$9,992Purdue
Room & Board$21,578$11,620Purdue
Acceptance Rate12.2%53.0%NYU
Graduation Rate87%83%NYU
Average SAT14801340NYU
Student-Faculty Ratio8:114:1NYU
Enrollment59,14451,344-
Avg Financial Aid$38,960$13,510NYU
Starting Salary$74,100$70,100NYU
Endowment$6.2B$3.8BNYU
Campus Size230 acres2,468 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

NYU
$328,064
4-year total (private)
VS
Purdue
$161,656
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: NYU = $172,224 | Purdue = $107,616. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

NYU Top Majors

BusinessLiberal StudiesFilmEconomicsComputer Science

Purdue Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyAgriculture

Campus & Student Life

Setting
NYUUrban
PurdueSuburban
Campus Size
NYU230 ac
Purdue2,468 ac
Athletics
NYUNCAA D3
PurdueNCAA D1
Region
NYUNortheast
PurdueMidwest
Founded
NYU1831
Purdue1869
Enrollment
NYU59,144
Purdue51,344

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is NYU or Purdue harder to get into?+
NYU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.2% compared to 53.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, NYU or Purdue?+
At sticker price, Purdue costs less over 4 years ($161,656 vs $328,064). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. NYU offers an average of $38,960/year in aid while Purdue offers $13,510/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for NYU and Purdue?+
The average SAT score at NYU is 1480 and at Purdue it is 1340. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do NYU or Purdue graduates earn more?+
Graduates of NYU have a higher average starting salary ($74,100 vs $70,100). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
NYU has a 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Purdue has 14:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do NYU and Purdue compare for campus life?+
NYU is located in New York, New York (urban setting) with a 230-acre campus. Purdue is in West Lafayette, Indiana (suburban setting) with 2,468 acres. NYU competes in NCAA D3 athletics and Purdue in NCAA D1.