University of Washington vs Purdue University

University of Washington vs Purdue University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both Purdue University and the University of Washington (UW) are first-rate public research universities, with UW tending to rank higher in worldwide systems. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, UW is positioned approximately 80th, while Purdue is situated at 88th. UW comes in at #25, and Purdue #79, according to Times Higher Education, which displays UW's greater overseas research reputation and wider subject reach.

In subject areas, UW stands out in Medicine, Computer Science, Environmental Science, and Public Health, with top 25 rankings in many fields. Purdue is strongest in Engineering (#6 nationally), Data Science, and Agricultural Sciences, with top 10 rankings in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Interdisciplinary research and healthcare are UW's strengths, while applied STEM and innovation are Purdue's strongholds.

General Information

The University of Washington, established in 1861, is situated in Seattle, Washington, an urban cultural and tech center. It has an enrollment of around 55,620 students, comprising 30,000 undergraduate students. The Purdue University, formed in 1869, is situated in West Lafayette, Indiana, with a sum total of around 52,905 students, comprising 44,000 undergraduate students.

UW has an urban, research-oriented campus with close industry and innovation ties. Purdue has a suburban, engineering-based setting with a large foreign student body and a heavy technical education focus.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Admissions in both universities are relatively competitive. UW's admission rate stands at approximately 43%, while Purdue is a tad higher at 50.3%. UW students generally offer SAT scores of 1200–1453 and ACT scores of 27–33, with Purdue admitted students scoring 1190–1460 SAT and 27–34 ACT.

UW is test-blind for admissions but emphasizes holistic review and academic strength, particularly in health sciences and STEM. Purdue is test-optional, but it requires test scores and prioritizes academic work, particularly for business and engineering programs.

Research Impact & Facilities

UW's research facilities comprise the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, UW Medicine, and the Clean Energy Institute, with more than $1.5 billion in research funding each year. It is one of the leading U.S. institutions in federal research grants and innovation production.

Purdue fosters large-scale research with its College of Engineering, Krannert School of Management, and Discovery Park, boasting excellent programs in aerospace, manufacturing, and life sciences. Purdue is recognized for its experiential research environment and collaboration with industry, particularly defense, agriculture, and technology.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both are public institutions that provide financial assistance, although UW is generally more giving. UW in-state tuition is approximately $11,524, and out-of-state tuition is $40,878, with an average net price of $11,023. Purdue in-state tuition is $9,718, and out-of-state tuition is $28,520, with a slightly higher average net price of $12,421.

UW provides higher average grants ($14,390) than Purdue ($11,126), and assists a larger percentage of students with aid (43% vs. 39%). Purdue's lower tuition rate makes it more economical overall, particularly for engineering students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UW grads have a median salary of $65,800 ten years post-graduation, with good placement in tech, healthcare, engineering, and public policy. Top employers are Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, aided by Seattle's thriving job market.

Purdue graduates have a median salary of $61,200, with engineering, manufacturing, consulting, and the pharmaceutical industry being areas of strength. Cummins, Eli Lilly, Northrop Grumman, and General Motors are some of the companies that aggressively recruit Purdue graduates, particularly from its engineering and business schools.