Purdue University
About Purdue University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Purdue University is a public research university in West Lafayette, Indiana. It is a world leader in engineering, computer science, and agriculture, and is home to one of the most respected aerospace engineering programs in the country. Purdue has produced more astronauts than any other university.
Founded
1869
Location
West Lafayette, Indiana
Students
58,342
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
49.9%
Selective
Graduation Rate
83.1%
Above national average
In-State Tuition
$9,992
Out-of-state: $28,794
Avg Net Price
$14,600
After financial aid
SAT Average
1364
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$72,424
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
49.9 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Required
Application Fee
$60
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
Purdue University accepts 49.9% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1364 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
SAT Scores
1364/ 1600
ACT Scores
30/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
83.1% complete their degree within six years
Retention
92.7%
4-Year Grad
60%
6-Year Grad
83%
Teaching Quality
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
96.1%
$/Student
$20.5K
Class Size
Medium
While 60% finish in 4 years, 92.7% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$9,992
In-State
$28,794
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,820
Books & Supplies
$1,070
Total Cost of Attendance
$24,591
After Financial Aid
$14,600
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$5,098
Receive Grants
13%
Take Loans
22.5%
The full cost of attendance is about $24,591/yr for in-state students, including $12,820 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $14,600. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $28,794.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Purdue University fund their education.
While in School
13%
Get Grants
Free money
22.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$81,833
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$19,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$207/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 22.5% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $19,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Purdue University.
Gender
41%
Female
59%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
44,503
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
13,839
Graduates
18.5%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
2.7%
Age 25+
Men make up the majority at 59% of the student body. 18.5% are first-generation college students. 9.9% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
44,503
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +West Lafayette is an affordable, safe college town
- +Top-tier engineering at frozen in-state tuition
- +Strong aerospace and aviation heritage
- +Boilermaker alumni network in engineering and tech
Cons
- -Indiana winters are cold and flat
- -West Lafayette nightlife is limited
- -Very large campus can feel overwhelming
- -Engineering workload is notoriously heavy
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Purdue University fields 11 varsity teams with 662 student athletes, about 1% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Big Ten
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
662
1% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
57% / 43%
376
Men
286
Women
8
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Purdue Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$72,424
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Computer Science
$95K
560 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$80K
478 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Engineering
$90K
319 grads
1yr Earnings
Research and Experimental Psychology
$31K
318 grads
1yr Earnings
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
$72K
314 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$40K
290 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $61K at six years, $56K at eight, and $72K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Purdue University
What is the acceptance rate at Purdue University?▾
How much does Purdue University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Purdue University?▾
How much do Purdue University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.