West Lafayette, IN Overview
Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue is known for its strong engineering and aviation programs. It's the alma mater of several astronauts, including Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon. Purdue's commitment to innovation is reflected in its numerous research facilities and centers.
There are currently 38,438 undergraduates at Purdue and the school’s acceptance rate is 53%. The tuition at Purdue is $9,992 for in-state students and $28,794 for out-of-state.
University
City
SupplementalEssay
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
38,438
Pell Grant 14%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 5%
Undergrad Students Over 25 3%
Percent Male / Female 58% / 42%
Ethnic Diversity at Purdue
61% White
13% Asian / Pacific Islander
11% International / Non-Citizen
7% Hispanic
5% Multiracial
2% Black
1% Unknown
Academics Snapshot
Student/Faculty Ratio
14:1
Graduation Rate
83%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Engineering
24%
24% of graduates
Business, Management, & Marketing
15%
15% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
10%
10% of graduates
Engineering
7%
7% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
6%
6% of graduates
Agriculture & Agriculture Operations
5%
5% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
5%
5% of graduates
Social Sciences
4%
4% of graduates
Education
3%
3% of graduates
Mathematics
3%
3% of graduates
Psychology
3%
3% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
3%
3% of graduates
Physical Sciences
2%
2% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
2%
2% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
1%
1% of graduates
Family & Consumer Sciences
1%
1% of graduates
Transportation & Materials Moving
1%
1% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
1%
1% of graduates
English Language & Literature
1%
1% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
1%
1% of graduates
Liberal Arts & Humanities
1%
1% of graduates
Scholarships & Financial Aid Snapshot
$22,922
$27,724
$14,000
Cost Breakdown
In-State
In-State Estimated Cost:
$22,922for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Out-of-State
Out-Of-State Estimated Cost:
$41,724for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Since Purdue is a public university, there are different costs for in-state students and out-of-state students. The sticker price at Purdue is $22,922 for in-state students in IN, and $41,724 for out-of-state students. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Purdue would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
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Purdue University-Main Campus Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at Purdue University-Main Campus need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for Purdue University-Main Campus is 001825.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.
Stamps Scholarship at Purdue
Purdue participates in the Stamps Scholarship Program, which means that they offer recurring scholarships to select admitted students. These awards range between $6,000 to $90,000 per year. Many schools automatically consider admitted students for Stamps Scholarships. However, some schools have a separate application process; be sure to check Purdue's website for information on how to apply.
Midwest Student Tuition Exchange
Purdue is in a state that participates in the Midwest Student Exchange. That means that if you are a resident of Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, or Wisconsin, you may qualify for discounted tuition at Purdue. This program applies to both private and public institutions, although the discount at private institutions is lower. Check their website for more information on eligibility and what your discount would be.
Pell Grants at Purdue University-Main Campus
13% of students at Purdue University-Main Campus receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Purdue University-Main Campus.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Purdue students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
Purdue University-Main Campus Financial Aid Resources
If you are looking for more information about financial aid and scholarships at Purdue or have questions that are specific to your personal situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!
Here’s how you can get in touch:
- Website: https://www.pnw.edu/financial-aid/
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 855-608-4600
Admissions Snapshot
53%
30
1275 is the median SAT score and 30 is the median ACT score for admitted students at Purdue. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.
Does Purdue have a supplemental essay?
Yes, applicants to Purdue University-Main Campus will have to write a supplemental essay in order to complete their application. Luckily, we have a guide to help you through that essay prompt and stand out in the application process.
Purdue Supplemental Essay Guide
Is Purdue test-optional?
Purdue University-Main Campusrequires students to submit either an SAT or ACT score. We can help you decide which of these tests to focus on, and if you are not happy with your current score, there are ways to improve both your SAT and ACT scores.
What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into Purdue University-Main Campus?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Purdue University-Main Campus receive between a 27 and a 34 on their ACT, or a 1155 and a 1430 on their SAT.
Can students submit their SAT or ACT Superscore to Purdue?
Yes, applicants can submit their SAT or ACT Superscore when they apply to Purdue University-Main Campus. You should be able to find your superscore for either test on your student portal. Keep in mind that some colleges only allow Superscores for one of the two tests, so be sure to check their website for exact details on the Superscore policy.
Early Action
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Purdue?
Students must apply by January 15 to enroll at Purdue during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
And if you’re considering applying Early Action at Purdue, remember that the deadline is November 1.
Should I apply Early Action at Purdue?
Early Action is a great option for students who want to hear back from a college before the Regular Decision admissions are released. At some colleges, applying Early Action can also help your admissions chances. However, this varies on a college-by-college basis, so it will not always give you a boost.
Be on the lookout for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action options. These are not the same as Early Action, and although they can be great options for some students, they are not a good fit for everyone. If you’re considering applying for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action, be sure to read the college’s admissions website carefully. Make sure that these restrictions fit with your college admissions plan.
Student Outcomes Snapshot
Graduate Income
$72,424
Median Debt $19,500
Debt 10 years after graduation $207
Graduation Rate 83%
What is the graduation rate at Purdue University-Main Campus?
83% of students who start at Purdue University-Main Campus end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 25% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Purdue University-Main Campus go on to earn?
10 years after starting school at Purdue University-Main Campus, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $72,424. This is $22,033 more than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Purdue take out in loans?
Graduates of Purdue have to take out a median of $19,500 in federal student loans. This is $6,000 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
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