About
See what students say:
Academics
Purdue is a Big Ten school that provides “a world class education” with a name “that is known all over the world and not just the state of Indiana.” The university is especially “known for being a great engineering school,” but has a bevy of amazing programs including “a great nursing program,” “a great Pharmacy program,” and a “speech pathology program [that] is one of the best.” “I knew that I would receive an unparalleled education here,” an Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering major says. Purdue, “cradle of engineers and quarterbacks alike,” is known for its athletics as well as its academics. There is “great school spirit exhibited in student organizations and athletic events.” Yet despite the “big campus atmosphere,” the school still maintains “small-school feel within its individual colleges.” The “knowledgeable and helpful” professors are “very excited about their topic of teaching” and “the classes are excellent and stimulating.” “Many of my professors have at least ten years under their belts with PhD’s,” one student boasts. Students are not going to find easy classes here. Purdue has teachers that “expect the most out of you.” However, “the difficult and rigorous curriculum” is a bonding experience that “increases out-of-the-classroom skills such as communication and collaboration.” Some students did worry that “many things (such as Industrial Roundtable) are focused almost exclusively on engineers, which leaves some other majors out in the cold.” “The dining services are immaculate” at Purdue, and students love how the school “promotes green technology.” One Biology major explains the Purdue appeal: “It has everything a college kid could want: sports, academics, clubs, and delicious food.” Purdue provides an educational experience that students will remember the rest of their lives. As one student puts it: “Once a Boilermaker, always a Boilermaker.”
Student Body
Located in Indiana, Purdue has a student body that is largely “white and from the Midwest” with “conservative political views.” That said, one student points out that “West Lafayette is a pretty progressive town and usually ends up going Democratic if you check election records.” A fair number of students say the school needs to work to bring “better diversity.” “Most students are really down to earth,” and “students can all find their niche here and get along well.” Students tend to bond “within their majors,” which “helps create a small-school feel within a huge university,” although “it is not unheard of for people involved in different things to be with different people.” There is a fair amount of animosity between majors since “science and engineering majors DO look down on other majors” and tend to think that non-technical majors “are a ‘joke’ to the point that people are arrogant, obnoxious, and rude.” Still, most students “fit in well,” and at the end of the day, “we take all kinds here and turn everyone into Boilermakers.”
Campus Life
Life at Purdue involves a lot of “time management” and “a typical student has a hard time completing all three S’s (sleep, study, socialize) but has fun trying.” As a Big Ten university, athletics make up a large part of campus life. “We have Ross-Ade Brigade and Paint Crew, student clubs for cheering on the athletic teams, and they’re fairly large,” one Biology major explains. “Partying and hard alcohol [are] common,” but seem to divide the student body. Some wish the administration put “more control on partying and drinking,” while others wish it was “less strict on alcohol/drug policies.” A particularly vocal set of students note that West Lafayette isn’t their cup of tea, but thankfully “there is always something fun to do on campus” as well as the option to “party hard on Thursday nights at the Cactus” or to participate in Greek life, which is “huge” but “not essential” at Purdue. Weekend trips to nearby Chicago and Indy also provide some options, and those who stay on campus “unwind and have fun by joining a club or organization.” Everyone seems to find a place to fit in, ultimately, and students note that “the atmosphere on campus coaxes most out of their shell sooner or later.”
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Contact
Megan Dorton
Senior Associate Director of Admissions
Address
Office of Admissions
Schleman Hall, Room 109
West Lafayette, IN 47907
Phone
765 494 1776
admissions@purdue.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Pudue Memorial Union
Recreational Sports Center
Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering
Marriott Hall (hospitality and tourism management program)
Pao Hall for Visual and Performing Arts
Big Ten sports venues
Most Popular Places Off Campus
Wolf Park
Wabash Heritage Trail
Ft. Quiatenon
Various events in town
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday and Saturdays during fall and spring semesters
8am-5pm (weekdays); 9am-noon (Saturday)
765 494 1776
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: Varies
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
No
Information Sessions
Not Available
Times
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Arrangements
www.purduesports.com/playforpurdue
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available
Limitations
N/A
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Shuttles to Indianapolis (one hour) and Chicago (2+ hours) airports from campus. Amtrak and Greyhound serve Greater Lafayette.
Driving Instructions to Campus
Refer to Admissions website for comprehensive driving directions
Local Accommodations
The inexpensive Union Club (765-494-8900) is conveniently located on campus. The University Inn (3001 Northwestern Ave.; 765-463-5511) is a mile and a half away. Rates are at the low end of the moderate range and there is an indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, and exercise room.
Save School
- Admissions
- Academics
- Student Body
- Campus Life
- Careers
Admissions
- Overview
- GPA Breakdown
- Testing Policies
- Deadlines
- Other Admission Factors
- Selectivity Rating
Admissions
Overview
Applicants:59,173
Acceptance Rate:69%
Average HS GPA:3.67
GPA Breakdown
9%
4.0
39%
3.75 - 3.99
27%
3.50 - 3.74
15%
3.25 - 3.49
7%
3.00 - 3.24
3%
2.50 - 2.99
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SAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
590 - 690
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
600 - 740
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
26 - 33
Testing Policies
Superscore ACT
No
Superscore SAT
Yes
Standardized testing policy for use in admission
Requires applicants to submit either the SAT or ACT
Deadlines
Early Action — November 1
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Standardized Test Scores
Selectivity Rating
Admissions selectivity rating
89/99
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Academics
- Faculty and Class Information
- Graduation Rates
- Majors
- Degrees
- Career Services
- Prominent Alumni
- Academic Rating
Academics
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
13.9:1
Total Faculty
2,826
with Terminal Degree
2,744
1,730
Men
1,096
Women
745
Minority
188
International
Most frequent class size
10 - 19
Most frequent lab / sub section size
20 - 29
Professors interesting rating
84/99
Professors accessible rating
94/99
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
60%
Graduate in 5 years
79%
Graduate in 6 years
83%
Majors
AGRICULTURE, AGRICULTURE OPERATIONS, AND RELATED SCIENCES.
Agricultural Business and Management, General.
Agricultural Communication/Journalism.
Agricultural Economics.
Agricultural Mechanization, General.
Agriculture, General.
Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture.
Agronomy and Crop Science.
Animal Sciences, General.
Farm/Farm and Ranch Management.
Food Science.
Horticultural Science.
Soil Science and Agronomy, General.
Turf and Turfgrass Management.
ARCHITECTURE AND RELATED SERVICES.
Landscape Architecture.
AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
African-American/Black Studies.
American/United States Studies/Civilization.
Asian Studies/Civilization.
Italian Studies.
Women's Studies.
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Biochemistry.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Botany/Plant Biology.
Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology.
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
Entomology.
Genetics, General.
Microbiology and Immunology.
Neurobiology and Anatomy.
Plant Genetics.
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting.
Actuarial Science.
Business Administration and Management, General.
Financial Planning and Services.
Hotel/Motel Administration/Management.
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other.
Organizational Leadership.
Selling Skills and Sales Operations.
COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Communication and Media Studies.
Communication, General.
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer Graphics.
Computer Science.
Information Technology.
EDUCATION.
Agricultural Teacher Education.
Art Teacher Education.
College Student Counseling and Personnel Services.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.
Education, General.
Elementary Education and Teaching.
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.
Health Teacher Education.
Learning Sciences.
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.
Social Studies Teacher Education.
Special Education and Teaching, Other.
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Other.
Technology Teacher Education/Industrial Arts Teacher Education.
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES AND ENGINEERING-RELATED FIELDS.
Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician.
Architectural Engineering Technology/Technician.
Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician.
Engineering/Industrial Management.
Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician.
Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician.
ENGINEERING.
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering.
Agricultural Engineering.
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering.
Chemical Engineering.
Civil Engineering, General.
Computer Engineering, General.
Construction Engineering.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Engineering, Other.
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering.
Industrial Engineering.
Materials Engineering.
Mechanical Engineering.
Nuclear Engineering.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
Creative Writing.
English Language and Literature, General.
Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing.
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES/HUMAN SCIENCES.
Consumer Merchandising/Retailing Management.
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General.
Human Development and Family Studies, General.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Comparative Literature.
French Language and Literature.
German Language and Literature.
Hispanic and Latin American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
Japanese Language and Literature.
Linguistics.
Russian Language and Literature.
HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist.
Dietetics/Dietitian.
Health and Wellness, General.
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other.
Pharmaceutics and Drug Design.
Public Health Education and Promotion.
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
HISTORY.
History.
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Applied Mathematics, General.
Computational and Applied Mathematics.
Financial Mathematics.
Mathematical Statistics and Probability.
Mathematics, General.
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Ancient Studies/Civilization.
Biological and Physical Sciences.
Mathematics and Computer Science.
Medieval and Renaissance Studies.
Nutrition Sciences.
Systems Science and Theory.
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management.
Forestry, General.
Natural Resources Management and Policy.
Natural Resources/Conservation, General.
Wood Science and Wood Products/Pulp and Paper Technology.
PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Health and Physical Education/Fitness, General.
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Jewish/Judaic Studies.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies.
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General.
Chemistry, General.
Geology/Earth Science, General.
Physics, General.
PSYCHOLOGY.
Experimental Psychology.
Psychology, General.
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Anthropology.
Economics, General.
Political Science and Government, General.
Sociology.
TRANSPORTATION AND MATERIALS MOVING.
Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot and Flight Crew.
Aviation/Airway Management and Operations.
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Acting.
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
Design and Visual Communications, General.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Fashion/Apparel Design.
Film/Cinema/Video Studies.
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
Industrial and Product Design.
Interior Design.
Photography.
Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology.
Degrees
Associate
Bachelor's
Certificate
Doctoral
Doctoral/Professional
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Post-Master's certificate
Terminal Associate
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Coop
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Neil Armstrong
Astronaut - first man on the moon
Drew Brees
Super Bowl-winning quarterback
Brian Lamb
Founder, CEO, C-SPAN
Jen Lancaster
Best-selling author
Ted Allen
Journalist, author, actor
Bob Peterson
Oscar-winning director, Pixar's Up
Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger
Pilot - the Hero of the Hudson
Academic Rating
Academic rating
84/99
Careers
- Graduation Rates
- Career Services
- Students Say
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
60%
Graduate in 5 years
79%
Graduate in 6 years
83%
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Coop
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Information from PayScale:
Starting Median Salary (Up to Bachelor's degree completed, only)
$75,100
Mid-Career Median Salary (Up to Bachelor's degree completed, only)
$126,300
Starting Median Salary (At least Bachelor's degree)
$77,300
Mid-Career Median Salary (At least Bachelor's degree)
$134,200
Percent High Job Meaning
49%
Percent STEM
43%
Return on Investment (ROI) rating
91/99
Students Say
“The programs to help people out with career development are countless. That’s definitely a strength at Purdue,” raves one student, and the school leaves them well prepared to navigate life after graduation; indeed, 96.4 percent of the Class of 2021 reported a successful career outcome. The Center for Career Opportunities & Pre-Professional Advising offers guidance on academic majors and career paths, networking and recruiting opportunities, resources for job and internship searches, and coaching on résumés, cover letters, and interviews. These services can all be scheduled through Purdue’s BoilerConnect portal. Overall, “Purdue has an outstanding reputation for developing difference makers, role models, and individuals who can think outside the box.” Employers clearly agree, and top companies including GM, Charles Schwab, and PepsiCo partner with the university for direct recruitment. Out of Purdue alumni visiting PayScale.com, the median starting salary was $72,900, and 51 percent report feeling as though they derive a high level of meaning from their careers.
Tuition & Aid
- Dates
- Available Aid
- Financial Aid Statistics
- Financial Aid Rating
- Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition & Aid
Dates
Application Deadlines
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$11,862
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$12,447
Average Need-Based Loan
$4,121
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
39%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$30,221
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$9,924
Financial aid provided to international students
No
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition (In-State)
$9,208
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$28,010
Required Fees
$784
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$1,160
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
Transportation for Commuters
On-Campus Room and Board
$10,030
Comprehensive Fee
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Financial Aid Rating
Financial Aid Rating
83/99
Student Body
- Student Body Profile
- Demographics
Student Body
Overall
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
37,101
Foreign Countries Represented
123
Demographics
11.82%
Asian
2.49%
Black
6.24%
Hispanic
62.33%
Caucasian
1.33%
Unknown
11.26%
International
43% female
57% male
45% are out of state
96% are full time
4% are part time
Campus Life
- Campus Life
- Housing Options
- Sports
- Student Activities
- Special Needs Admissions
- Student Services
- Sustainability
- Campus Security Report
- Other Information
Campus Life
Overview
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
41%
Help finding off-campus housing
Yes
Quality of life rating
85/99
First-Year Students living on campus
90%
Campus Environment
Suburban
Fire safety rating
95/99
Housing Options
Apartment Married
Apartment Single
Cooperative
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Dorms Female
Dorms Male
Frat Sorority
Theme Housing
Wellness Housing
Special Needs Admissions
Program / Service Name
Disability Resource Center
Type of Program
For all students with disabilities
Director
Randall Ward
College Entrance Tests Required
Yes
Interview Required
No
Documentation Required for LD
none
Documentation Required for ADHD
none
Special Need Services Offered
Calculator allowed in exams
Yes
Computer allowed in exams
Yes
Spellchecker allowed in exams
Yes
Extended test time
Yes
Scribes
Yes
Proctors
Yes
Oral exams
Yes
Notetakers
Yes
Distraction-free environment
Yes
Accommodation for students with ADHD
Yes
Reading machine
Yes
Other assistive technology
Yes
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
919
Number of Honor Societies
42
Number of Social Sororities
25
Number of Religious Organizations
47
15% join a fraternity
19% join a sorority
Sports
Athletic Division
Division I
16% participate in intramural sports
7% participate in intercollegiate sports
Men's Sports (Boilermakers)
11 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Football
Golf
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Wrestling
Women's Sports (Boilermakers)
11 Sports
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Golf
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Day Care
Health
Army ROTC Offered on-campus
Navy ROTC Offered on-campus
Air Force ROTC Offered on-campus
Sustainability
Green rating
60*
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
No
Partnerships with Technology Companies
Yes
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
Yes
Description
Apple, Dell, IBM, Hewlett Packard
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