by our College Data Analytics TeamIs Purdue worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
Purdue is ranked #738 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of C-. Within Indiana, it ranks #4 of 59 for value.
Among the majors Purdue offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Mechanization | #1 of 8 |
| Agriculture | #1 of 9 |
| Agroecology & Sustainable Agriculture | #1 of 17 |
| Plant Genetics | #1 of 3 |
| Other Special Education & Teaching | #1 of 36 |
| Special Education | #1 of 36 |
| Agricultural Engineering | #1 of 21 |
| Construction Engineering | #1 of 22 |
| Engineering | #1 of 22 |
| Consumer Merch&ising/Retailing Management | #1 of 4 |
Read the full Purdue value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
Purdue University-Main Campus is ranked #2 out of #61 in Indiana for quality and #4 out of #59 for Indiana value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the Purdue financial aid page to be sure.
Purdue University-Main Campus is ranked #738 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Purdue University-Main Campus is priced appropriately for the quality of education it provides, making it a fair value according to College Factual.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at Purdue costs about $20,204. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $80,816 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $24,607 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $14,600 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $20,204 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $80,816 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about Purdue net price and the factors that affect it.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a Purdue degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $98,428 | — | — |
| All Students | $80,816 | #738 | C- |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $58,400 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $98,428 | — | — |
| All Students | $80,816 | #4 | A |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $58,400 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at Purdue shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $4,927 |
| $30K–$48K | $5,925 |
| $48K–$75K | $8,948 |
| $75K–$110K | $18,919 |
| Over $110K | $21,130 |
About 44% of Purdue undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $10,408 per year. Get more details on the Purdue financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the Purdue net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.