About Purdue University-Main Campus
Purdue turns out more astronauts than any other university, including Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon. The 39,637 students on this West Lafayette campus know they're at an engineering powerhouse that also produced popcorn king Orville Redenbacher. With a 53% acceptance rate, Purdue isn't impossible to get into, but the average SAT score of 1335 shows you need solid grades. The small city setting means campus life revolves around the Boilermakers, and students take pride in being part of a school that literally helps people reach for the stars.
The financial picture looks strong for a public research university. In-state students pay about $10,000 in tuition while out-of-state students pay $28,794, but the average net price drops to $13,945 after aid. That investment pays off quickly with graduates earning a median of $72,424 ten years out and typical debt of just $19,500. The 96% employment rate means most students land jobs, and monthly loan payments average only $207.
Purdue's engineering reputation attracts more men than women, with 58% male enrollment. The 92% retention rate suggests students stick around once they arrive, and the 83% four-year graduation rate beats most large public universities. With 540 varsity athletes competing in Division I sports, school spirit runs high among the Boilermakers.
The financial picture looks strong for a public research university. In-state students pay about $10,000 in tuition while out-of-state students pay $28,794, but the average net price drops to $13,945 after aid. That investment pays off quickly with graduates earning a median of $72,424 ten years out and typical debt of just $19,500. The 96% employment rate means most students land jobs, and monthly loan payments average only $207.
Purdue's engineering reputation attracts more men than women, with 58% male enrollment. The 92% retention rate suggests students stick around once they arrive, and the 83% four-year graduation rate beats most large public universities. With 540 varsity athletes competing in Division I sports, school spirit runs high among the Boilermakers.
Academics & Faculty
Purdue is one of the nation's top engineering schools, producing more astronauts than any other university including Neil Armstrong and Eugene Cernan. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means you get solid access to professors even at this large research university with 39,637 students. Engineering, computer science, and business programs attract students nationwide, with the school's reputation in STEM fields making it a magnet for companies like Boeing and Intel during career fairs. The 83% graduation rate shows most students successfully navigate the rigorous coursework. While Purdue offers liberal arts programs, this is fundamentally a place where future engineers, data scientists, and business leaders come to build technical skills that translate directly into high-paying careers.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 96.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 83.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 83.1%
- Retention Rate
- 92.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $72,424
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $112,363 |
| Engineering, Other. | Master | $94,408 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $92,632 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $88,342 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $85,981 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $84,653 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | Master | $84,653 |
| Construction Engineering. | Bachelor | $78,343 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $78,343 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,448 |
Campus Life
West Lafayette sits about 65 miles northwest of Indianapolis, giving students access to a bigger city without the distractions. With housing capacity for 16,270 students on a campus of 39,637, about 41% of students live on campus, creating a tight college community. Indiana winters mean you'll need a good coat from November through March, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and occasional snow.
The engineering culture dominates campus life, with about 57% male students reflecting the strong STEM focus. Students gather at Harry's Chocolate Shop (a local bar, not actually about chocolate) and Memorial Union for socializing. Football Saturdays bring massive crowds to Ross-Ade Stadium, where the Boilermakers face Big Ten rivals. The 92% retention rate shows students stick around, partly because of traditions like the Purdue Grand Prix go-kart race each April. Many students join over 1,000 clubs or work on engineering projects that can lead to internships at nearby companies like Caterpillar and Subaru. Weekends often mean trips to Indianapolis or Chicago, both within driving distance.
The engineering culture dominates campus life, with about 57% male students reflecting the strong STEM focus. Students gather at Harry's Chocolate Shop (a local bar, not actually about chocolate) and Memorial Union for socializing. Football Saturdays bring massive crowds to Ross-Ade Stadium, where the Boilermakers face Big Ten rivals. The 92% retention rate shows students stick around, partly because of traditions like the Purdue Grand Prix go-kart race each April. Many students join over 1,000 clubs or work on engineering projects that can lead to internships at nearby companies like Caterpillar and Subaru. Weekends often mean trips to Indianapolis or Chicago, both within driving distance.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 16,270 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
150 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 72 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 12 | 10 | 5 | 0 |
| Fondling | 5 | 3 | 5 | 0 |
| Burglary | 8 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Arson | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Stalking | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–33°F
- July Avg
- 63°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 18.9"
Student Demographics
Purdue draws students who are serious about engineering and technology, which explains why 57% are men given these fields still skew male. About half come from Indiana while the other half travel from across the country, showing the university has both strong local ties and national respect for its programs. The student body is fairly diverse with 14% Asian students, many drawn to the strong STEM reputation. With only 13% receiving Pell Grants, most students come from middle-class families who see Purdue's engineering degree as worth the investment.
- Men
- 57.5%
- Women
- 42.5%
- White
- 59.1%
- Black
- 2.6%
- Hispanic
- 7.3%
- Asian
- 14.0%
- In-State Students
- 49.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 13.0%
Location
West Lafayette, Indiana sits about 65 miles northwest of Indianapolis and 125 miles southeast of Chicago. The town of 45,000 people revolves around Purdue's campus, creating a classic college town atmosphere where students make up a huge part of the local population. West Lafayette pairs with neighboring Lafayette across the Wabash River to form a metro area of about 230,000 residents. The flat Midwest landscape offers plenty of green space but lacks major geographic features like mountains or lakes. Local businesses cater heavily to students, and gameday transforms the entire area when 57% male student body and thousands of visitors flood in for Boilermaker football and basketball. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Purdue University-Main Campus with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2040
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $72,424
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $75,853
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $49,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 78.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $207/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Purdue University-Main Campus?
Purdue accepts 52.7% of applicants, making it moderately selective among public research universities. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1200-1470 on the SAT, reflecting the university's strong emphasis on STEM preparation.
How much does Purdue University-Main Campus cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $13,945 annually, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $4,927. Out-of-state students face a sticker price of $28,794, but Purdue's strong job placement helps justify the investment.
What is Purdue University-Main Campus known for academically?
Purdue is well-known for engineering and has produced 25 astronauts, more than any other university. The student-faculty ratio of 14:1 provides solid access to professors despite the large enrollment of 39,637 students.
How much do Purdue University-Main Campus graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median salary of $72,424 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of Purdue's engineering and technology programs. The employment rate of 96.4% shows strong industry demand for Boilermaker graduates.
Where do students live at Purdue University-Main Campus?
Campus housing accommodates 16,270 students at $11,650 per year for room and board. The 92% retention rate suggests students find the West Lafayette campus environment engaging enough to stay through their studies.
Does Purdue University-Main Campus have a strong space program connection?
Purdue has earned the nickname 'Cradle of Astronauts' with alumni including Neil Armstrong and Eugene Cernan. The university's aerospace engineering program continues this legacy, with 540 total athletes competing across 16 varsity sports as Boilermakers.
Similar Schools
Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, Virginia
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, Washington