purdue university vs university of michigan

Purdue University vs University of Michigan

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

The University of Michigan (UMich) is ranked higher internationally than Purdue. In QS 2026, UMich is approximately 45, with leading strength in Engineering, Business, Medicine, Social Sciences, and Law. Purdue University is approximately 88 in QS 2026, with leading strength in Engineering, Computer Science, Agriculture, Aviation, and Technology. Although both are research universities, UMich has subject strengths across a larger number of disciplines, whereas Purdue is best known for STEM and applied sciences.

General Information

UMich, established in 1817 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a big public research university with ~46,000 students, providing a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Purdue, established in 1869 in West Lafayette, Indiana, is also a big public research university with ~50,000 students, famous for its STEM and technology-centered education with an international student body.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

UMich is extremely selective 18% with competitive undergraduate admissions in Engineering, Business, and Computer Science, and professional schools for Law and Medicine. Purdue has a moderate rate of acceptance 50.3%, although its Engineering, Computer Science, and Aviation programs are much more competitive than its overall rate indicates.

Research Impact & Facilities

UMich is a Carnegie R1 university with far-reaching research in engineering, medicine, business, and social sciences with partnerships with federal agencies and corporations. Purdue is also research-oriented, especially aerospace, mechanical engineering, computer science, and agriculture, with highly advanced labs and close ties with companies such as Boeing, Caterpillar, and NASA.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both are public institutions. UMich is ~$16,000 in-state and ~$53,000 out-of-state per year, whereas Purdue is ~$10,000 in-state and ~$29,000 out-of-state per year, so Purdue is much more affordable. Both offer merit scholarships, need-based assistance, and graduate student assistantships.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UMich alumni thrive around the world in business, law, medicine, engineering, and academics on the strength of an enormous and influential alumni network. Purdue graduates are strong in engineering, technology, computer science, and aviation, with excellent placement in industry and a reputation for delivering workforce-ready STEM professionals.