butler university vs purdue

Butler University vs Purdue University

Subject Strength

Purdue is internationally prominent in STEM areas like Engineering, Agriculture, and Computer Science. It also has solid business and aviation offerings. Butler, though not a global research leader, is a leader in professional preparation in business, communication, health sciences, and performing arts, traditionally ranking high in the U.S. Midwest. For those looking for international renown, the winner is Purdue, while Butler stands out in an intense, individualized liberal arts and professional school setting.

General Information

Butler, founded in 1855, is a private institution with roughly 5,500 students and a suburban location in Indianapolis (~295 acres). Purdue, founded in 1869, is a large public R1 institution with 52,000 students at its 2,468-acre West Lafayette campus. Butler's student–faculty ratio is 11:1, supporting personalized instruction, but Purdue's ratio is 13:1 and yet scales much larger with high-volume research production and worldwide engagement.

Acceptance Rate

Butler accepts around 76% of applicants, being moderately selective, while Purdue's overall acceptance is ~53%, notably more competitive, particularly for Engineering, Computer Science, and Business, where admit rates drop below 20%. Butler has a less competitive admissions route with good student support, while Purdue is more difficult to gain access to but has more international prestige.

Location

Butler's Indianapolis campus provides students with access to the state capital, healthcare, business, media, and arts internships, in addition to a vibrant sports culture. Purdue's West Lafayette campus is a traditional college town experience with the strong engineering hub sensibility, but it is more rural. For students who require an urban professional environment, Butler is best; for students who prefer a traditional campus experience with massive research capabilities, Purdue is ideal.

Cost & Financial Aid

Butler costs (2024–25) are approximately USD 46,000/year, total cost of attendance being approximately USD 64,000. Purdue costs ~USD 10,000 for in-state and ~USD 28,800 for out-of-state, with total cost being approximately USD 45,000–50,000 for non-residents. Out-of-state and international students pay similarly. Purdue is usually much cheaper, particularly for state residents. Scholarships are available at both universities, although Butler, being a private institution, focuses on merit-based aid to help cover expenses.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Achievement

Purdue boasts a large network of alumni (600,000+ globally), with robust career outcomes in engineering, technology, and business, and excellent employment rates throughout the U.S. and around the world. Butler graduates perform well regionally and nationally, particularly in pharmacy, health care, performing arts, and communication; Butler placement rates are around 98% within 6 months of graduation. Purdue's international brand results in greater starting pay in STEM (avg. starting engineer salary ~$75K), whereas Butler alumni excel in career sectors with robust support and lower-network relationships throughout Indiana and the Midwest. 

Infrastructure

Purdue has state-of-the-art facilities such as state-of-the-art engineering labs, research facilities, aviation training facilities, and Big Ten athletic facilities. Butler facilities are modest but highly respected for business, health, and arts (e.g., Butler Arts Center, College of Pharmacy laboratories). Purdue infrastructure is research-oriented and world-sized, whereas Butler focuses on teaching-oriented, professional, and liberal arts-focused facilities.