Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a high-ranked public research university with international recognition. It has a large enrollment base of more than 45,000 students and a selective acceptance rate 50.3%. Purdue's specializations are Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Agriculture, and Health Professions. The six-year graduation rate is well over 80%, indicating good student outcomes.
Georgia State University (GSU) in Atlanta, Georgia is a large public urban research university with more than 50,000 students enrolled across several campuses. Its admissions are moderately selective, and its acceptance rate is approximately 52%. Business, Social Sciences, Psychology, Health Professions, and Education are well-known majors. Its six-year graduation rate is approximately 55–60%, lower than that of Purdue, but it has been in the spotlight for greatly improving student retention and graduation rates.
| Purdue University | Georgia State University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 5.8 Out of 10 | 4.2 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 85 Times Higher Education 2026 # 88 QS World University 2026 # 66 Center for World University Rankings 2025 | # 501 Times Higher Education 2026 # 781 QS World University 2026 # 501 Times Higher Education 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 | # 451 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 79 for Law by US News 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -197 PG Programs -57 Doctorate Programs -7 | UG Programs -49 PG Programs -43 |
| Acceptance Rate | 50.0 % | 55.0 % |
| Exam Score | Duolingo-115 IELTS-6.5 TOEFL-80 | IELTS-6.5 PTE-53 SAT-480 TOEFL-90 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 31104 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 28203 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 13720 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 27986 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 30216 [For PG Program] |
| placement (average package) | Top recruiters are Cummins Inc, Boeing Company, Eli Lily and Company, Northrop Grumman Corporation, etc.
| Some programs and the average salary are as follows:
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| application requirements | Avg GPA required- 3.6 (grade B). Include essay and answers to Purdue questions along with applicant profile. | Submit the non-refundable application fee of $60. |
| Campuses and B-Schools | Krannert School of Management | NA |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.9/10 Read 18 reviews | 7.3/10 Read 13 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 71 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 96 for Business by QS World University 2025 | # 201 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 251 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| application | - | - |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 140/160IELTS - 8.0/9TOEFL - 105/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 90/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -76570 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Nov 15, 2025 (Priority Admission and Financial Aid Consideration Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) Mar 1, 2026 (Late Priority Admission and Financial Aid Consideration Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) Apr 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) | Jan 26, 2026 (Round 2 Application Deadline for Fall 2026 intake) Mar 16, 2026 (Round 1 Application Deadline for Summer 2026 intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Purdue University | Georgia State University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1869 | 1913 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 15:1:1 | 25:1 |
| Male:Female | 59% Male, 0% Female | 41% Male, 59% Female |
| Location Facts | West Lafayette campus located in Indiana is the flagship campus of Purdue University System | University consists of five different campuses around the Metro Atlanta region. Campuses in Alpharetta, Clarkston, Decatur, Dunwoody, and Newton County each offer different amenities. |
| 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. |
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| 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 | Georgia State University maintains a visible presence on all campuses and offers a comprehensive public safety program to benefit the university community.
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| Hostel | #Housing and Food - $13720 | - |
| 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) |
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| 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 |
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| Weather |
Purdue University vs Georgia State University
Title Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Purdue University (PU) Ranked approximately 88 in the world (QS 2026).It is a STEM powerhouse with extensive industry ties and worldwide research power.Georgia State University (GSU): Ranked approximately 781-790 worldwide (QS 2026), GSU is a national leader in Public Affairs, Business, Law, Education, Social Sciences, and Health Professions.
General Information
Purdue, established in 1869 in West Lafayette, Indiana, has ~50,000 students and provides a traditional residential campus life with an emphasis on STEM and research. GSU, established in 1913 in Atlanta, Georgia, has ~54,000 students and is one of the largest U.S. universities, with an emphasis on urban presence and diversity of the student population.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Purdue is relatively competitive 50.3% acceptance rate with greater competitiveness for programs such as Engineering, Computer Science, and Business. GSU is more inclusive with a lower admissions requirement 52%, focusing on diversity and accommodating a wide range of first-generation and non-traditional students.
Research Impact & Facilities
Purdue is a Carnegie R1 research institution, boasting worldwide-prominent facilities like the Purdue Research Park, Discovery Park District, and partnerships with NASA and Fortune 500 firms. GSU is similarly Carnegie R1, with flagship research institutions in public health, urban policy, neuroscience, and law, bolstered by its robust metropolitan setting.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both are state universities. Purdue is cheaper for Indiana residents but more expensive for out-of-state/international students. GSU is comparatively priced compared to most U.S. universities, with large investments in need-based aid and student support systems that help enhance retention and graduation rates.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Purdue alumni succeed worldwide in engineering, aerospace, computer science, agriculture, and business, with a strong history of graduates serving as astronauts, CEOs, and technology innovators. GSU graduates succeed in law, business, health care, education, and government, with numerous alumni taking advantage of Atlanta's status as a dominant economic center to provide internships and jobs.
