DePauw University vs Purdue University

Purdue University is the more selective of the two at 50%, versus 57% at DePauw University. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

DePauw University
Moderately selective
57%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1310
Private · Indiana
Purdue University
Selective
50%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1430
Public · Indiana

DePauw University vs Purdue University: the differences that matter

How DePauw University and Purdue University stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Purdue University is meaningfully harder to get into, admitting about 50% of applicants versus 57% at DePauw University, a gap of roughly 7 percentage points. Treat Purdue University as the bigger reach of the two when you build your list.

The two also read applications a little differently. DePauw University leans more on interview, extracurricular activities, talent / ability, while Purdue University puts more weight on class rank, standardized test scores. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, DePauw University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1310 and Purdue University's is around 1430. Admitted students at Purdue University post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorDePauw UniversityPurdue University
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Class rankconsideredimportant
Standardized test scoresimportantvery important
Application essayimportantimportant
Recommendationsimportantimportant
Extracurricular activitiesimportantconsidered
Talent / abilityimportantconsidered
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is DePauw University or Purdue University harder to get into?

Purdue University is harder to get into, with a 50% acceptance rate versus 57% at DePauw University.

What's the difference in SAT scores between DePauw University and Purdue University?

DePauw University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1310, and Purdue University's is around 1430.

What are my chances at DePauw University and Purdue University?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.