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Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN · City · 44,503 students
4
Year
Public
City
Large (10k+)
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue University-Main Campus is a premier public research institution globally renowned for its powerhouse STEM disciplines, boasting exceptionally strong programs in engineering, aviation, and computer science. Beyond the classroom, students enjoy a vibrant Big Ten campus culture rich in school spirit, collaborative peer networks, and hands-on learning opportunities through more than 1,000 student organizations. Distinctively known as the "Cradle of Astronauts" for graduating historic space pioneers like Neil Armstrong, Purdue also sets itself apart by maintaining a frozen tuition rate for over a decade, offering an elite education with an exceptional return on investment.

Location
West Lafayette, IN, 47907-2040 · City campus
Nearest airport from college
IND · Indianapolis
59 mi away
Cost
In-state COA
$49,388
Out-of-state COA
$68,190
Avg net price
$14,600
Room & board
$12,820
In-state tuition
$9,992
Out-of-state tuition
$28,794
Books & supplies
$1,070/yr
Average net price by family income
$0–30k
$5,098
$30–48k
$6,241
$48–75k
$9,438
$75–110k
$18,177
$110k+
$22,742
Admissions
Admit rate
50%
Test policy
Required
SAT average
1364
Reading 600720
Math 600760
ACT midpoint
30
Composite 2734
English 2635
Math 2634
SAT range (25th–75th percentile)
40080012001600

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Essay Requirements

Purdue University-Main Campus accepts the Common Application. All Common App schools require the personal statement essay. Some schools also require supplemental essays — check the school's page on Common App for current prompts and word limits.

See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.

Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
4-yr on-time completion
65%
1st-yr retention
93%
Transfer-out rate
0%
8-year outcomes
Graduated
84%
Transferred
10%
Still enrolled
0%
Dropped out / unknown
5%
Median earnings (6yr)
$60,838
Median earnings (10yr)
$72,424
Median debt
$19,500
Monthly loan payment
$207
Debt range (25th–75th)
$7,500$26,623
Debt (90th percentile)
$31,000
Student Body
Men 59%Women 41%
14
:
1
Student : Faculty ratio
Students   Faculty
Pell grant recipients
13%
First-generation
19%
Median family income
$81,833
Independent students
4%
Veterans
0%
Avg age at entry
19.0
Part-time students
6%
Race & ethnicity
White
54%
Hispanic
8%
Black
3%
Asian
15%
Two or more
5%
Non-resident
10%
Unknown
6%
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings for graduates across all programs
6 years after entry
$60,838
10 years after entry
$72,424
Computer Science560
Mechanical Engineering478
Computer Engineering319
Research and Experimental Psychology318
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering314
Biology, General290
Industrial Engineering269
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians265
Finance and Financial Management Services224
Statistics205
Computer Software and Media Applications181
Civil Engineering180
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering174
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods170
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing162
Computer and Information Sciences, General148
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Endowment
$4.0B
Classification
R1: Very High Research
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, selective admissions
Full-time faculty
96%
Avg faculty salary
$14,473/mo
Instructional spend/student
$20,511
Federal loan rate
22%

Wondering if Purdue University-Main Campus is the right fit for you?

Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

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