Purdue VS Penn State: Which is better for studies in USA?

Purdue University- West Lafayette vs Pennsylvania State University

Purdue University is a public research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana. it is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the United States. Purdue university campus has a population of 45,869 from 50 states and nearly 130 countries. Purdue University holds the position of being the fourth largest international student population of any university in USA.Pennsylvania State University is the best university in the state of Pennsylvania in academics, research and graduate education. It has a huge campus with a comprehensive list of amenities. These includes athletic facilities, cultural institutions, healthcare and dining. 

Overview Comparison
Purdue UniversityPennsylvania State University
Collegedunia Score5.8 Out of 105.9 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 85 Times Higher Education 2026
# 88 QS World University 2026
# 66 Center for World University Rankings 2025
# 82 QS World University 2026
# 108 Times Higher Education 2026
# 57 Center for World University Rankings 2025
Subject Strength# 6 for Engineering by US News 2025
# 51 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025
# 301 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 31 for Engineering by US News 2025
# 51 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025
# 118 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
ProgramsUG Programs -197
PG Programs -57
Doctorate Programs -7
UG Programs -163
PG Programs -116
Acceptance Rate50.0 %54.0 %
Exam ScoreDuolingo-115
IELTS-6.5
TOEFL-80
IELTS-6.5
SAT-1160
TOEFL-80
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   31104
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  28203
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 13720 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   35984
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  38198
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 26664 Per Year
placement (average package)

Top recruiters are Cummins Inc, Boeing Company, Eli Lily and Company, Northrop Grumman Corporation, etc.

  • Doctorate:  $120,000 
  • MBA:  $107,000 
  • Executive MBA: $95,000 
  • Masters in Science: $85,000  
  • Bachelor of Science: $78,000 
  • Masters of Arts: $75,000 

PhD: $150,0000- $158,000
MBA: $133,483
MS: $83,000
Around 42% of bachelors students were placed in the private sector (2018-19)


application requirements

Avg GPA required- 3.6 (grade B). Include essay and answers to Purdue questions along with applicant profile. 

Submit Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) along with application, SAT/ACT scores are also accepted as language proficiency proof. You may have to fulfill additional requriements as per the program.

Campuses and B-SchoolsKrannert School of Management
Smeal College of Business
CollegeDunia Reviews7.9/10 Read 18 reviews7.5/10 Read 18 reviews
General Facts Comparison
General FactsPurdue UniversityPennsylvania State University
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1869
1855
Student:Faculty Ratio15:1:1
15:1
Male:Female59% Male, 0% Female65% Male, 35% Female
Location Facts

West Lafayette campus located in Indiana is the flagship campus of Purdue University System


It has 24 campuses located throughout the state allowing students to explore the city while learning. University Park area is situated in located in State College and College township is located in Center Country.   


Library

9 libraries: 6 subject-oriented, Hicks Undergraduate Library, VIrginia Kelly Karnes Archives, Special Collection Research Center, Includes 3,317,331 printed volumes and electronic books; 227,814 electronic and print journals; 400,000 microforms and government documents.


Titles held: 7,240,616
Ebooks: 2,226,680
Volumes held: 8,647,496


Campus Life

Over 1000 sports clubs and organizations such as A Cause for Paws, Make and Go Maker Space Initiative, 3D Printing Club, Accounting Association, Center for Democratic Citizenship


Engage in varsity athletics, 31 intercollegiate athletic teams, intramural clubs, Center for Spiritual and ethical development, LGBTQ resource center.  
Have your own creamery within the university- Berkey


Hostel#Housing and Food - $13720
#On campus - $11280
#Off campus (not with family) - $11280
#Off campus (with family) - $4104
Famous Alumni

23 astronauts including Neil Armstrong (first man to walk on moon), Edward Mills Purcell (Nobel laureate, physicist), Yitang Zhang (mathematician), Jeffrey Lacker (Federal Reserve Bank president), James Thompson (CEO of Rand Corporation)


Saquon Barkley (American Footballer), Adam Huber (Actor), Jerry Sandusky (football coach- America), Dan Bongino (American commentator), Safaa Al- Hashim (politician), Bo Nickal (Freestyle Wrestler). Alumni are famously called Nittany Lions.


City Life

Lafayette – West Lafayette is situated between Chicago, Illinois and Indianapolis; Has over 40 parks and extensive trail systems, many nationally and international known high-tech corporations and institutions; population is approximately 190,000


State College, Pennsylvania is the largest borough area. Downtown Improvement District and University Park are two major sections in State College. The neighborhood has Orchard Parks, West End, College Heights, South State College, and more. Penn State University is the largest employer followed by Mount Nittany Medical Center. You can enjoy art fests, dance night marathons, and more. 


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