Purdue University
Purdue University at a Glance
Average SAT & ACT Scores for Purdue University
| Test | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Midpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading | 590 | 710 | 650 |
| SAT Math | 600 | 750 | 675 |
| SAT Total | 1190 | 1460 | 1325 |
| ACT Composite | 27 | 34 | 30 |
Admissions Funnel
| Applications Received | 73,083 |
| Students Admitted | 36,763 |
| Students Enrolled | 9,381 |
| Yield Rate | 25.5% |
Purdue University Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #43 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | #99 | 2025 |
| THE World University Rankings | #86 | 2025 |
Show 10-Year US News Ranking History
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #61 | #60 | #56 | #57 | #57 | #53 | #49 | #51 | #43 | #43 |
US News National Universities: #61 (2016) → #43 (2025) ↑ 18 spots
Purdue University Overview
Purdue University-Main Campus is a public university in West Lafayette, IN with 56,210 students. At 50.3% acceptance, it's selective but accessible to students who meet the academic benchmarks. The most popular majors are Engineering, Computer Science, and Business/Marketing.
| Full Name | Purdue University-Main Campus |
| Location | West Lafayette, IN 47907-2040 |
| Type | Public |
| Website | purdue.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 56,210 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 41,678 |
| Female Students | 42.7% |
Purdue University Housing & Dorms: Cost Breakdown
Should You Live On or Off Campus at Purdue University?
Purdue University has 16,270 on-campus beds for 41,678 undergrads — that's enough for about 39% of the undergraduate population. On-campus housing is competitive. Plan to explore off-campus options early.
On-Campus
- Walk to classes — no commute
- Meal plan included (21 meals/week)
- Built-in community and social life
- Utilities, wifi, and furniture included
Off-Campus
- Potentially cheaper (varies by city)
- More privacy and independence
- Cook your own meals — save on food
- Need to budget for utilities and transport
Purdue University Campus & Location
Purdue University is located in West Lafayette, IN — classified as City: Small. The urban setting offers good access to restaurants, jobs, and cultural activities near campus.
Purdue University Programs & Graduate Salary
Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.
| Program | US Rank | Purdue University Salary | National Median | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | #18 | $78,750 | $75,000 | +5% |
| Engineering | #7 | $75,600 | $72,000 | +5% |
| Mathematics & Statistics | — | $65,100 | $62,000 | +5% |
| Business | #20 | $55,000 | $55,000 | +0% |
| Health Professions | — | $52,000 | $52,000 | +0% |
| Physical Sciences | — | $50,400 | $48,000 | +5% |
| Social Sciences | — | $45,000 | $45,000 | +0% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | — | $42,000 | $42,000 | +0% |
| Biological Sciences | — | $42,000 | $42,000 | +0% |
| Communication & Journalism | — | $40,000 | $40,000 | +0% |
| Natural Resources & Conservation | — | $40,000 | $40,000 | +0% |
| History | — | $40,000 | $40,000 | +0% |
| Education | — | $38,000 | $38,000 | +0% |
| Foreign Languages & Linguistics | — | $38,000 | $38,000 | +0% |
| Public Administration & Social Services | — | $38,000 | $38,000 | +0% |
| Philosophy & Religious Studies | — | $38,000 | $38,000 | +0% |
| Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies | — | $38,000 | $38,000 | +0% |
| English Language & Literature | — | $36,000 | $36,000 | +0% |
| Parks, Recreation & Fitness | — | $35,000 | $35,000 | +0% |
| Liberal Arts & General Studies | — | $35,000 | $35,000 | +0% |
| Visual & Performing Arts | — | $34,000 | $34,000 | +0% |
Popular Majors at Purdue University
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Student Demographics
How to Get Into Purdue University
Purdue is a Safety school for most students who meet the basic requirements. Don't let the higher acceptance rate fool you — Purdue still offers strong programs and outcomes.
What Purdue University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Important |
| Standardized Test Scores | Important |
| Application Essay | Important |
| Recommendation | Considered |
| Extracurricular Activities | Considered |
| Talent Ability | Considered |
| Character Personal Qualities | Considered |
| First Generation | Considered |
| Alumni Relation | Not Considered |
| Interview | Not Considered |
| Work Experience | Considered |
| Volunteer Work | Considered |
Purdue University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Purdue University EA admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Action | Nov 1 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 15 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Mar 1 |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About Purdue University
More About Purdue University
Other Colleges in IN
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Purdue University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.