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Purdue University vs University of Florida

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

53.0% Purdue acceptance
23.0% UF acceptance
$424 UF 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
UF
Gainesville, Florida
Public
Founded
1853
Enrollment
55,211
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UF saves $136
Purdue
$28,794
UF
$28,658
Acceptance Rate UF more selective
Purdue
53.0%
UF
23.0%
Graduation Rate UF higher
Purdue
83%
UF
90%
Avg SAT Score UF higher
Purdue
1340
UF
1390
Starting Salary Purdue higher
Purdue
$70,100
UF
$64,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Purdue UF Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$28,794$28,658UF
Tuition (In-State)$9,992$6,380UF
Room & Board$11,620$11,650Purdue
Acceptance Rate53.0%23.0%UF
Graduation Rate83%90%UF
Average SAT13401390UF
Student-Faculty Ratio14:117:1Purdue
Enrollment51,34455,211-
Avg Financial Aid$13,510$12,860Purdue
Starting Salary$70,100$64,200Purdue
Endowment$3.8B$2.7BPurdue
Campus Size2,468 acres2,000 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Purdue
$161,656
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UF
$161,232
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Purdue = $107,616 | UF = $109,792. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Purdue Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyAgriculture

UF Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
PurdueSuburban
UFSuburban
Campus Size
Purdue2,468 ac
UF2,000 ac
Athletics
PurdueNCAA D1
UFNCAA D1
Region
PurdueMidwest
UFSouth
Founded
Purdue1869
UF1853
Enrollment
Purdue51,344
UF55,211

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Purdue or UF harder to get into?+
UF is more selective with an acceptance rate of 23.0% compared to 53.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Purdue or UF?+
At sticker price, UF costs less over 4 years ($161,232 vs $161,656). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Purdue offers an average of $13,510/year in aid while UF offers $12,860/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Purdue and UF?+
The average SAT score at Purdue is 1340 and at UF it is 1390. 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 UF graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Purdue have a higher average starting salary ($70,100 vs $64,200). 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 UF has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Purdue and UF compare for campus life?+
Purdue is located in West Lafayette, Indiana (suburban setting) with a 2,468-acre campus. UF is in Gainesville, Florida (suburban setting) with 2,000 acres. Purdue competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UF in NCAA D1.