Purdue vs Georgia Tech

Purdue University-Main Campus and Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, both renowned for their academic excellence and vibrant student life, offer distinct experiences to prospective students. Purdue, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, boasts a higher acceptance rate (68%) compared to Georgia Tech's (28%) in Atlanta, Georgia. While Purdue's student body is slightly larger, both universities share a diverse community with international students from over 100 countries. Engineering and technology programs thrive at Georgia Tech, while Purdue excels in engineering, agriculture, and pharmacy. With similar graduation rates, both institutions ensure their students are well-prepared for successful careers. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these exceptional universities and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus	Purdue University-Main Campus
Overview
Location	Atlanta, Georgia	West Lafayette, Indiana
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	97.0%	91.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	16.0%	68.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $60
SAT range	1310 - 1500	1190 - 1430
ACT range	30 - 34	26 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	53.0%	62.0%
Students submitting ACT score	36.0%	31.0%
Total number of applicants	44,048	59,436
Total number of admissions given out	7,030	40,898
Admitted students who chose to enroll	3,453	10,278
Yield rate	49.1%	25.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $32,698 Out of state: $53,810	In state: $22,812 Out of state: $41,614
Average net price	$17,360	$14,619
Tuition	In state: $10,258 Out of state: $31,370	In state: $9,718 Out of state: $28,520
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,918 Meal plan: $5,328	Room/dormitory: $4,860 Meal plan: $5,398
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	70.0% Average amount $14,015	68.0% Average amount $7,324
Students receiving federal student loan	22.0% Average amount $4,919	29.0% Average amount $5,101
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $13,058	7.0% Average amount $18,535

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	17,461 Men 60.2% Women 39.8%	37,806 Men 57.8% Women 42.2%
Graduate students	26,398 Men 74.0% Women 26.0%	12,538 Men 57.5% Women 42.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	40.2%	51.2%
International students	26.6%	17.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	8,667	15,597
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Georgia Florida New Jersey North Carolina New York	Indiana Illinois California New Jersey Ohio

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Computer and Information Science Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Architecture	Engineering Business Health Professions Agriculture Education
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	91.9%	82.7%
Dropout rate	2.2%	16.0%
Transferred out	4.7%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $122,073 Year 2: $127,034 Year 3: $137,753 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $121,610 Year 2: $111,196 Year 3: $137,409 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $89,428 Year 2: $91,152 Year 3: $110,089 Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,509 Year 2: $92,632 Year 3: $108,748 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $94,709 Year 2: $101,406 Year 3: $106,452 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,098 Year 2: $90,983 Year 3: $100,683 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $81,067 Year 2: $83,270 Year 3: $97,066 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $85,001 Year 2: $85,834 Year 3: $91,491 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,050 Year 2: $73,992 Year 3: $87,541 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,354 Year 2: $76,283 Year 3: $86,996	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $86,594 Year 2: $112,363 Year 3: $123,756 Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,166 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $110,527 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,310 Year 2: $88,342 Year 3: $105,735 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,040 Year 2: $92,632 Year 3: $104,408 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,895 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $101,018 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $81,749 Year 2: $85,981 Year 3: $94,727 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $84,821 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $89,107 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $70,034 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $88,209 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,843 Year 2: $72,448 Year 3: $85,950 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,780 Year 2: $70,057 Year 3: $79,694

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main academic strengths of Purdue University and Georgia Tech?

Purdue University excels in engineering, agriculture, and science, particularly in areas like aerospace, mechanical, and agricultural engineering. Georgia Tech is renowned for its strengths in engineering, computing, and business, with top-ranked programs in fields like computer science, electrical engineering, and industrial engineering.
How do the campus environments differ between Purdue and Georgia Tech?

Purdue offers a traditional, large-university campus experience in West Lafayette, Indiana, with a strong sense of community and school spirit. Georgia Tech provides a more urban campus environment in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, offering access to numerous professional and cultural opportunities.
What is the typical student body size and composition at each university?

Purdue University has a large student body, with a significant proportion of undergraduate students. Georgia Tech also has a large student body, but with a higher percentage of graduate students, reflecting its strong research focus.
How do the research opportunities compare between Purdue and Georgia Tech?

Both Purdue and Georgia Tech are leading research institutions. Purdue has extensive research facilities and opportunities across various disciplines, particularly in engineering and agriculture. Georgia Tech is a powerhouse in research, especially in technology and engineering, with numerous research centers and institutes.
What are the career prospects like for graduates of Purdue and Georgia Tech?

Graduates from both Purdue and Georgia Tech are highly sought after by employers. Purdue graduates find excellent opportunities in industries related to engineering, agriculture, and technology. Georgia Tech graduates are in high demand in technology, engineering, and business sectors, particularly in the Southeast region and beyond.
How do the costs of attending Purdue and Georgia Tech compare?

The cost of attendance can vary depending on residency status. Generally, Purdue may have a lower tuition cost for in-state students compared to Georgia Tech. However, out-of-state tuition at both institutions is comparable. It's important to consider the overall cost of living, which may be higher in Atlanta compared to West Lafayette.
What is the student life like at Purdue versus Georgia Tech?

Purdue offers a vibrant student life with a strong emphasis on athletics, clubs, and organizations. Georgia Tech provides a more diverse range of activities, including professional organizations, research opportunities, and access to Atlanta's cultural scene. Both universities have active Greek life and numerous student-led initiatives.
How do the admission requirements and acceptance rates compare?

Both Purdue and Georgia Tech are highly selective institutions. Georgia Tech generally has a lower acceptance rate, reflecting its high demand. Both universities require strong academic records, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply), and compelling essays. A strong background in math and science is crucial for both.
What are some notable alumni from Purdue and Georgia Tech?

Purdue boasts notable alumni in various fields, including engineering, science, and business, such as Neil Armstrong. Georgia Tech has produced prominent figures in technology, business, and politics, including Jimmy Carter. Both universities have a strong network of successful alumni.
Which university is better for specific engineering disciplines?

While both are excellent engineering schools, Purdue is often considered stronger in areas like aerospace and agricultural engineering. Georgia Tech is typically ranked higher in computer engineering, electrical engineering, and industrial engineering. Your specific engineering interest should influence your decision.
How does the location of each university impact internship and job opportunities?

Purdue's location in Indiana provides access to internships and jobs in the Midwest's manufacturing and agricultural sectors, as well as opportunities with companies that recruit heavily from Purdue's strong engineering programs. Georgia Tech's location in Atlanta offers access to a thriving tech hub with numerous Fortune 500 companies and startups, providing ample internship and job opportunities in technology, business, and engineering.
What resources are available for students with disabilities at each university?

Both Purdue and Georgia Tech are committed to providing accessible learning environments and offer comprehensive disability resource centers. These centers provide accommodations, assistive technology, and support services to students with disabilities to ensure equal access to education and campus life.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.