Game 9: Saturday, November 1, 2025 | Purdue at Michigan | Michigan Stadium | 7:30 PM
Michigan returns home to the Big House for a primetime matchup against Purdue. While the rivalry on the field highlights Big Ten competition at its best, both universities share a strong reputation for excellence in research, engineering, and innovation that extends far beyond football Saturdays.
Did You Know?
Ann Arbor & West Lafayette Connections
- The University of Michigan and Purdue University are both members of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, a network of leading research institutions collaborating on shared initiatives in technology, data science, and public policy.
- Purdue is known as the “Cradle of Astronauts,” with more than two dozen alumni having traveled to space, while Michigan’s aerospace engineering program consistently ranks among the nation’s best.
- Both communities are entrepreneurial hubs where research parks and innovation centers attract global companies, startups, and top talent driving the Midwest’s economy.
- Michigan and Purdue have met on the football field more than 70 times since 1890. Purdue was also Michigan’s opponent in the first-ever night game at Michigan Stadium in 2011—a tradition that continues this season.
How Our Communities Compare
Ann Arbor and West Lafayette both embody the spirit of a college town, where the university’s presence shapes the local economy, culture, and quality of life.
Ann Arbor’s Washtenaw County has a population of about 122,000 and a median household income of $80,603. Nearly 77 percent of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting one of the most highly educated populations in the Midwest. The cost of living index sits near the national average at 99.6.
West Lafayette, located in Tippecanoe County, has a population of around 45,000 and a median household income of $33,497. The area offers a cost of living index of 92.7, making it an affordable and accessible destination for students, families, and professionals alike. Educational attainment is high, with more than 70 percent of residents holding a college degree.
Both communities thrive on research, innovation, and collaboration, proving that academic excellence can fuel regional prosperity in different ways.
Comparing the Universities
The University of Michigan and Purdue University stand among the nation’s top public research institutions. U-M ranks fourth in the country for research expenditures, investing $1.93 billion in 2023, while Purdue’s $844.6 million in annual research spending secures its place among the top 50 research universities nationally.
Michigan ranks among the top five public universities overall, excelling in engineering, business, computer science, and health-related programs. Purdue is equally respected for its engineering, education, and agricultural programs and is a consistent leader in innovation and technology commercialization.
With total enrollments of over 50,000 students each, both universities serve as training grounds for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs who will shape industries across the Midwest and beyond.
Beyond the Field
The ties between these universities extend into every corner of the Midwest economy. Their research output drives technological advancement, fuels startup creation, and strengthens manufacturing and mobility sectors that define regional competitiveness.
Together, Ann Arbor and West Lafayette demonstrate how university-driven innovation continues to shape the future of talent, industry, and discovery across the heartland.
In Case You Missed It
Catch up on our previous posts from this season:
Game 1: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. New Mexico
Game 2: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Oklahoma
Game 3: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Central Michigan
Game 4: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Nebraska
Game 5: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Wisconsin
Game 6: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. USC
Game 7: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Washington
Game 8: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Michigan State
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