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Purdue University vs Texas A&M University

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

53.0% Purdue acceptance
63.0% Texas A&M acceptance
$50,444 Purdue cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Purdue
West Lafayette, Indiana
Public
Founded
1869
Enrollment
51,344
Setting
Suburban
Texas A&M
College Station, Texas
Public
Founded
1876
Enrollment
74,829
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Purdue saves $11,293
Purdue
$28,794
Texas A&M
$40,087
Acceptance Rate Purdue more selective
Purdue
53.0%
Texas A&M
63.0%
Graduation Rate Same
Purdue
83%
Texas A&M
83%
Avg SAT Score Purdue higher
Purdue
1340
Texas A&M
1290
Starting Salary Purdue higher
Purdue
$70,100
Texas A&M
$66,300

Detailed Comparison

Metric Purdue Texas A&M Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$28,794$40,087Purdue
Tuition (In-State)$9,992$12,413Purdue
Room & Board$11,620$12,938Purdue
Acceptance Rate53.0%63.0%Purdue
Graduation Rate83%83%Tie
Average SAT13401290Purdue
Student-Faculty Ratio14:119:1Purdue
Enrollment51,34474,829-
Avg Financial Aid$13,510$13,700Texas A&M
Starting Salary$70,100$66,300Purdue
Endowment$3.8B$17.1BTexas A&M
Campus Size2,468 acres5,200 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Purdue
$161,656
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Texas A&M
$212,100
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Purdue = $107,616 | Texas A&M = $157,300. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Purdue Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyAgriculture

Texas A&M Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyAgricultureBiomedical Science

Campus & Student Life

Setting
PurdueSuburban
Texas A&MSuburban
Campus Size
Purdue2,468 ac
Texas A&M5,200 ac
Athletics
PurdueNCAA D1
Texas A&MNCAA D1
Region
PurdueMidwest
Texas A&MSouth
Founded
Purdue1869
Texas A&M1876
Enrollment
Purdue51,344
Texas A&M74,829

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Purdue or Texas A&M harder to get into?+
Purdue is more selective with an acceptance rate of 53.0% compared to 63.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Purdue or Texas A&M?+
At sticker price, Purdue costs less over 4 years ($161,656 vs $212,100). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Purdue offers an average of $13,510/year in aid while Texas A&M offers $13,700/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Purdue and Texas A&M?+
The average SAT score at Purdue is 1340 and at Texas A&M it is 1290. 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 Purdue or Texas A&M graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Purdue have a higher average starting salary ($70,100 vs $66,300). 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?+
Purdue has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Texas A&M has 19:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Purdue and Texas A&M compare for campus life?+
Purdue is located in West Lafayette, Indiana (suburban setting) with a 2,468-acre campus. Texas A&M is in College Station, Texas (suburban setting) with 5,200 acres. Purdue competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Texas A&M in NCAA D1.