Kettering University vs. Purdue

Comparable Facts

Compare Kettering University in Flint, MI with Purdue University Main Campus in West Lafayette, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Purdue University Main Campus is larger than Kettering University based on total student enrollment (58,658 students vs. 1,466 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kettering University is located in Flint, MI (Midsize City setting); Purdue University Main Campus is in West Lafayette, IN (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Kettering University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Purdue University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Kettering University 11:1; Purdue University Main Campus 14:1.

Kettering University vs. Purdue Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kettering University or Purdue? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Purdue University Main Campus than Kettering University ($13,722 vs. $35,609).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kettering University are 18.9% lower than at Purdue University Main Campus ($10,400 vs. $12,820).
• Kettering University is 385.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Purdue (about $38,478 more per year; $48,470.00 vs. $9,992.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.3% higher at Kettering University than at Purdue University Main Campus (about $19,676 more per year; $48,470.00 vs. $28,794.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kettering University than at Purdue University Main Campus (100% vs. 40%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kettering University students is 127% larger than aid received by Purdue University Main Campus students ($25,641 vs. $11,294).

Kettering University vs. Purdue Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kettering University or Purdue? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Purdue and Kettering University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Purdue University Main Campus (1340) is 90 points higher than at Kettering University (1250).
• Incoming Purdue students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Kettering University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kettering University 1160/1330; Purdue University Main Campus 1200/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kettering University 26/30; Purdue University Main Campus 27/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kettering University - Test optional; Purdue - Required.
• Accepted freshman Kettering University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Purdue (3.67).
• Kettering University has a higher acceptance rate (78.7%) than Purdue (49.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.5% at Kettering University vs. 29.2% at Purdue.

Kettering University vs. Purdue Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kettering University and Purdue? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Purdue University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Kettering University's (59%).
• Graduates from Kettering University earn a median of about $14,800 more per year than Purdue graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,000 vs. $61,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Purdue University Main Campus graduates have a $4,899 lower median loan debt than Kettering University graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,399).
• Among borrowers, Purdue graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kettering University graduates ($222 vs. $272).
• More Kettering University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Purdue students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 78%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.