DePauw University vs Purdue University-Main Campus
Purdue University-Main Campus is moderately selective with a 50.3% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than DePauw University (54.1%). Graduates of Purdue University-Main Campus earn $1,897 more per year at the 10-year mark ($72,424 vs $70,527). For families earning $48k–$75k, Purdue University-Main Campus is more affordable at $8,948 net price vs $12,979. Students at Purdue University-Main Campus graduate with less debt ($19,500 vs $27,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Purdue University-Main Campus has a higher yield rate (25.5%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Purdue University-Main Campus has a higher median SAT (1320 vs 1280).
Greencastle, IN
West Lafayette, IN
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Purdue University-Main Campus is more affordable at $4,927 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $31,225 vs $21,130.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. DePauw University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (16%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
DePauw University
- 1 Computer Science$66,941
- 2 Economics$57,860
- 3 Communication and Media Studies$43,054
- 4 Political Science and Government$42,682
- 5 English Language and Literature, General$38,289
Purdue University-Main Campus
- 1 Computer Science$85,981
- 2 Construction Engineering$78,343
- 3 Computer Engineering$72,448
- 4 Mechanical Engineering$71,255
- 5 Industrial Engineering$70,057
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
DePauw University
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Economics
- 3 Communication and Media Studies
- 4 Psychology, General
- 5 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
Purdue University-Main Campus
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Mechanical Engineering
- 3 Computer Engineering
- 4 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 5 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
DePauw University
- International students23%
- Tuition (international)$51,736
- Est. total cost/year$66,418
- School typePublic
Purdue University-Main Campus
- International students18%
- Tuition (international)$28,010
- Est. total cost/year$38,824
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 23% international enrollment, DePauw University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into DePauw University or Purdue University-Main Campus?
Purdue University-Main Campus is more selective with a 50.3% acceptance rate, compared to 54.1%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: DePauw University or Purdue University-Main Campus?
Purdue University-Main Campus graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $72,424 compared to $70,527. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: DePauw University or Purdue University-Main Campus?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Purdue University-Main Campus has a lower net price at $8,948 per year vs $12,979. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at DePauw University vs Purdue University-Main Campus?
Purdue University-Main Campus has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 83.1%, compared to 77.4%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: DePauw University or Purdue University-Main Campus?
DePauw University has a larger international student population at 23% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at DePauw University and Purdue University-Main Campus?
At DePauw University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $66,941 within two years. At Purdue University-Main Campus, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $85,981. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.