WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue University has been recognized as one of the nation’s best-value public universities, ranking No. 2 in SmartAsset’s 2026 study. The university also earned the top ranking among public institutions in Indiana and across the Big Ten, reflecting its continued focus on affordability, accessibility, and student success.
According to the SmartAsset rankings released on July 9, Purdue’s strong performance was driven by an annual cost of attendance of $24,591, median alumni earnings of $72,424, and an 83% graduation rate.
The University of Florida claimed the top spot with a 91% graduation rate and median alumni earnings of $71,588, while New York City-based Baruch College ranked third. In SmartAsset’s 2023 Best Value Universities report, Purdue ranked No. 6 among public institutions and No. 15 overall.
SmartAsset evaluated more than 500 public colleges and universities nationwide to identify institutions that offer the best value. Schools with below-median costs of attendance for comparable institutions were scored using graduation rates and median earnings 10 years after students first enrolled. The 50 highest-scoring institutions were named America’s Best Value Public Universities.
The cost-of-attendance metric includes tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. All data used in the rankings was published in March 2026.
