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Purdue is one of the top names in higher education. Their Boilermakers always make a mark during the NCAA football and basketball seasons and their academics are highly respected, too. The school is known as a pioneer in many ways, but their online platform, Purdue Global, is bringing their highly esteemed instruction to students far and wide.


Overview of Purdue University


The school's main campus in West Lafayette, Indiana offers their students a wide array of academic and recreational opportunities. As an undergraduate, you will choose from at least 70 areas of study. Whether you prefer accounting, engineering, art or something in business, your needs will be met at Purdue's Northwest Campus.

When it's time to close the books and enjoy a little non-academic learning, Purdue is there for you. The campus has intramural sports, fitness facilities, and loads of student organizations to keep you active and involved. You can participate in a mindfulness and meditation group, science clubs, or politically oriented organizations.

On top of all this, Purdue brings top-notch arts entertainment to campus on a regular basis. You might participate in a slam poetry night, watch a play, or take in a film. There are always many options to explore.

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting City: Small
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 13:1
Graduation Rate 81%
Year Founded 1869

Student Enrollment


Total Students44,474

Undergraduate
33,735
Graduate
10,739

Undergraduate Student

Male 19,566
19,566
Female 14,169
14,169

Graduate Student

Male 6,229
6,229
Female 4,510
4,510

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Top Rankings For Purdue University


Purdue Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATION53,722

Male32,795
Female 20,927

ACCEPTANCE31,159

Male 17,381
Female 13,812

Acceptance Rate58%

Male 53%
Female 66%

Enrollment 8,413

Male 2,356
Female 2,187
Admissions
Application Fee $60
High School GPA Required
High School Rank Recommended
High School Transcripts Required
College Prep Program Required
Recommendations Required
SAT/ACT Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) -
Application Deadline January 15
Common Application Accepted Yes

Purdue Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


Purdue is a public university system. As such, you will find a stellar value for your educational dollar. As an in-state student, your tuition will only run $9,992 per year. Note that while most colleges are raising their tuition, Purdue has maintained this price since 2017, when it dropped costs from the previous year. Out-of-state tuition has likewise maintained a steady rate of $28,794. However, these costs necessarily rise when you start adding on books, supplies, and living expenses.

In-state students can expect to pay out a total amount of $22,882. Their out-of-state classmates must pay nearly double that, or $41,684. Keep in mind that off-campus living can bring higher or lower costs depending on market conditions and your standards for college living. Purdue has also worked hard to provide ample on-campus accommodations for its students.

To help cover their costs, Purdue student have sought grants and scholarships. These funds needn't be repaid and can be very helpful when financing college. A total of 16,408 Purdue students received this free money in a recent academic year, amassing a total sum of $161,521,390. When averaged over the recipients, students received $9,844 each, nearly enough to cover tuition for a whole year.

Meanwhile, 9,347 students received financial assistance in the form of federal student loans. The total loan amount was $55,029,592, which works out to $5,887 per student.

Average net price 2017-2018
Net Price $11,898
Average Total Aid $10,524
Students Receiving Financial Aid 69%
Room & Board $10,030

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $9,992
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $28,794
  • Books and Supplies - $1,160
  • Room & Board - $10,030
  • Other - $1,640

Academics and Most Popular Majors at Purdue


Purdue is known to most people as a sports school, but they excel in academics. First-year, full-time students recognize the high quality of their Purdue education and return for a second year at a rate of 92%. Part-time students return at a lower rate, but there's a better-than-chance probability that you'll see your part-time classmates in year two. They return at a rate of 76%.

The graduation rate at Purdue is likewise impressive. Statistics show that 81% of your friends in the first-year dorm will graduate along with you. Most of them will take six years to complete their degree, as little more than half make it to the commencement stage in four years. Keep in mind that more and more students these days are taking six years to complete their undergraduate degrees.

These high numbers attest to Purdue's high quality of education. Since the admissions office only accepts 57% of applicants, it's little wonder that students are determined to arrive and thrive at Purdue. When students do make it through the rigors of acceptance, they find that their efforts are rewarded with the level of academic challenge they expected.

Student Population Total


Student Population 44,474

Undergraduate
33,735
Graduate
10,739
Evening Classes : -
Distance Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Engineering Majors 1,928 Total Graduates / 26%
Mechanical Engineering 363 Graduates
Industrial Engineering 249 Graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering 229 Graduates
Computer Engineering, General 206 Graduates
Chemical Engineering 173 Graduates
All Business Majors 1,009 Total Graduates / 14%
Business Administration and Management, General 174 Graduates
Finance, General 174 Graduates
Accounting 135 Graduates
Hotel/Motel Administration/Management 126 Graduates
Selling Skills and Sales Operations 86 Graduates
All Computer Information Science Majors 712 Total Graduates / 10%
Computer Science 415 Graduates
Information Technology 176 Graduates
Computer Graphics 121 Graduates
Engineering Technology and Engineering-Related Fields 641 Total Graduates / 9%
Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician 189 Graduates
Architectural Engineering Technology/Technician 123 Graduates
Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician 86 Graduates
Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician 79 Graduates
Industrial Technology/Technician 64 Graduates
Health Professions and Related Programs 443 Total Graduates / 6%
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 141 Graduates
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist 82 Graduates
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other 63 Graduates
Public Health Education and Promotion 48 Graduates
Pharmaceutics and Drug Design 43 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 35%

Outcome & Salary


The question most students and their parents will have is, "Is it worth it?" The answer seems to be a resounding, “Yes.” Purdue students see an annual return on their educational investment of a highly competitive 10.2%. This works out to a 20-year ROI of $557,000. It's not hard to figure that a Purdue education is worthwhile when you see that early-career salaries are around $60,900 and mid-career earnings rise to $110,000. The top end for fresh graduates can go as high as $84,800, depending on your chosen field of study and professional focus. The low end is around $24,200. Regardless of your actual starting salary, always keep in mind that professional satisfaction is measured by more factors than salary alone.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $60,900
College Grads Average Salary $75,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $110,000
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $750,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,850,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $47,592
10 Year Projected ROI $702,408
20 Year Projected ROI $1,802,408
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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