Purdue vs UT Austin

When it comes to choosing the right university, Purdue University-Main Campus and The University of Texas at Austin stand out as two exceptional options. With acceptance rates of 57% and 37%, respectively, both universities offer a competitive and rigorous academic environment. Purdue excels in engineering, computer science, and agriculture, while UT Austin shines in business, engineering, and natural sciences. The student body demographics reflect the diverse nature of both institutions, with international students comprising 12% of Purdue's population and 10% of UT Austin's. Graduation rates are comparable, with Purdue boasting a rate of 82% and UT Austin achieving 80%. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these aspects and more, providing valuable insights into the unique strengths and characteristics of each university.

	Purdue University-Main Campus	The University of Texas at Austin
Overview
Location	West Lafayette, Indiana	Austin, Texas
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Large
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	91.0%	96.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	68.8%	28.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $65
SAT range	1190 - 1430	1230 - 1500
ACT range	26 - 33	27 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	62.0%	56.0%
Students submitting ACT score	31.0%	26.0%
Total number of applicants	59,436	66,077
Total number of admissions given out	40,898	18,994
Admitted students who chose to enroll	10,278	9,060
Yield rate	25.1%	47.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $22,812 Out of state: $41,614	In state: $29,788 Out of state: $59,032
Average net price	$14,619	$16,589
Tuition	In state: $9,718 Out of state: $28,520	In state: $11,752 Out of state: $40,996
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $4,860 Meal plan: $5,398	$12,768
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	68.0% Average amount $7,324	51.0% Average amount $12,725
Students receiving federal student loan	29.0% Average amount $5,101	28.0% Average amount $4,961
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $18,535	1.0% Average amount $16,366

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	37,806 Men 57.8% Women 42.2%	40,916 Men 43.4% Women 56.6%
Graduate students	12,538 Men 57.5% Women 42.5%	11,075 Men 49.5% Women 50.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	51.2%	9.2%
International students	17.8%	9.1%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	15,597	7,809
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Indiana Illinois California New Jersey Ohio	Texas California New York New Jersey Illinois

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Health Professions Agriculture Education	Business Engineering Multidisciplinary Studies Communication and Journalism Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	82.7%	87.8%
Dropout rate	16.0%	11.7%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	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	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $130,952 Year 2: $131,707 Year 3: $149,763 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $122,716 Year 2: $97,959 Year 3: $131,523 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $115,909 Year 2: $120,124 Year 3: $127,068 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $92,526 Year 2: $100,607 Year 3: $120,559 Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $109,082 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $119,993 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,247 Year 2: $102,706 Year 3: $108,654 Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $87,293 Year 2: $88,723 Year 3: $99,721 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $89,133 Year 2: $79,558 Year 3: $97,550 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $83,714 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $93,999 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $81,984 Year 2: $80,550 Year 3: $92,064

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Purdue University and UT Austin?

Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a public land-grant research university renowned for its STEM programs, particularly in engineering, agriculture, and technology. UT Austin, situated in Austin, Texas, is a large public research university with a broader range of highly-ranked programs, including business, law, liberal arts, and natural sciences, in addition to strong STEM offerings. Purdue has a more pronounced focus on practical, hands-on learning, while UT Austin offers a wider array of academic and extracurricular opportunities due to its larger size and location in a major city.
Which university is better for engineering?

Both Purdue and UT Austin have exceptional engineering programs consistently ranked among the top in the nation. Purdue is often considered a powerhouse in specific engineering disciplines like aerospace, mechanical, and industrial engineering. UT Austin also boasts top-tier engineering programs, particularly in petroleum, civil, and electrical engineering. The 'better' choice depends on your specific engineering interest and preferred learning environment. Research the specific departments and faculty within each university to determine the best fit for your goals.
How do the campus environments compare?

Purdue's campus is located in West Lafayette, a classic college town offering a more focused and traditional campus experience. The atmosphere is generally more academically driven and community-oriented. UT Austin, on the other hand, is located in the vibrant city of Austin, providing students with access to a thriving music scene, diverse cultural experiences, and numerous internship and job opportunities. UT Austin's campus is more integrated into the urban environment, offering a blend of academic and city life.
What is the cost of attendance at Purdue versus UT Austin?

Generally, Purdue University will have a lower cost of attendance for out-of-state students compared to UT Austin. However, for Texas residents, UT Austin offers significantly lower tuition rates. Be sure to check the most recent tuition and fees on each university's official website, as well as explore available financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Consider the overall cost of living in West Lafayette versus Austin, as this can also impact your total expenses.
Which university has a stronger focus on research?

Both Purdue and UT Austin are major research universities with significant research funding and opportunities. UT Austin, being a larger institution, generally has a higher overall research expenditure. However, Purdue is particularly strong in engineering and technology-related research. Students at both universities have ample opportunities to participate in research projects with faculty members.
How do the student bodies differ?

UT Austin has a significantly larger student body than Purdue. This means UT Austin offers a more diverse range of perspectives and experiences. Purdue's student body, while still diverse, tends to be more focused on STEM fields. Both universities attract students from across the United States and around the world.
What are the advantages of attending UT Austin?

UT Austin offers several advantages, including its location in a thriving city with numerous job opportunities, a broader range of academic programs, a larger and more diverse student body, and a strong alumni network. The university's location in Texas also provides access to a unique cultural experience and a strong state economy.
What are the advantages of attending Purdue University?

Purdue University offers a focused and rigorous academic environment, particularly in STEM fields. It has a strong reputation for hands-on learning and practical application of knowledge. The lower cost of attendance (for out-of-state students) and the close-knit campus community are also significant advantages. Purdue's strong industry connections provide excellent career opportunities for graduates.
How do the admission requirements compare?

Both Purdue and UT Austin are highly selective universities. Admission requirements are competitive and typically include a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply, so check the latest requirements), compelling essays, and strong letters of recommendation. UT Austin may place a slightly greater emphasis on holistic review, considering factors beyond academic achievements. Check each university's admissions website for the most up-to-date requirements and deadlines.
Which university is better for international students?

Both Purdue and UT Austin are welcoming to international students and offer resources to support their academic and personal success. UT Austin's location in a major city may provide more cultural amenities and support networks for some international students. Purdue's strong STEM focus and reputation may be particularly attractive to international students pursuing engineering or technology-related fields. Consider your specific needs and preferences when making your decision.

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