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Purdue University vs University of Georgia

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

53.0% Purdue acceptance
39.0% UGA acceptance
$11,184 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
UGA
Athens, Georgia
Public
Founded
1785
Enrollment
41,652
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Purdue saves $2,326
Purdue
$28,794
UGA
$31,120
Acceptance Rate UGA more selective
Purdue
53.0%
UGA
39.0%
Graduation Rate UGA higher
Purdue
83%
UGA
88%
Avg SAT Score Same
Purdue
1340
UGA
1340
Starting Salary Purdue higher
Purdue
$70,100
UGA
$58,700

Detailed Comparison

Metric Purdue UGA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$28,794$31,120Purdue
Tuition (In-State)$9,992$12,080Purdue
Room & Board$11,620$12,090Purdue
Acceptance Rate53.0%39.0%UGA
Graduation Rate83%88%UGA
Average SAT13401340Tie
Student-Faculty Ratio14:117:1Purdue
Enrollment51,34441,652-
Avg Financial Aid$13,510$12,980Purdue
Starting Salary$70,100$58,700Purdue
Endowment$3.8B$2.0BPurdue
Campus Size2,468 acres762 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Purdue
$161,656
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Purdue = $107,616 | UGA = $120,920. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Purdue Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyAgriculture

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

Campus & Student Life

Setting
PurdueSuburban
UGASuburban
Campus Size
Purdue2,468 ac
UGA762 ac
Athletics
PurdueNCAA D1
UGANCAA D1
Region
PurdueMidwest
UGASouth
Founded
Purdue1869
UGA1785
Enrollment
Purdue51,344
UGA41,652

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Purdue or UGA harder to get into?+
UGA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 39.0% compared to 53.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Purdue or UGA?+
At sticker price, Purdue costs less over 4 years ($161,656 vs $172,840). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Purdue offers an average of $13,510/year in aid while UGA offers $12,980/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Purdue and UGA?+
The average SAT score at Purdue is 1340 and at UGA 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 Purdue or UGA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Purdue have a higher average starting salary ($70,100 vs $58,700). 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 UGA has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Purdue and UGA compare for campus life?+
Purdue is located in West Lafayette, Indiana (suburban setting) with a 2,468-acre campus. UGA is in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with 762 acres. Purdue competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UGA in NCAA D1.