Overview
Purdue University-Main Campus is a moderately selective public four-year institution in West Lafayette, Indiana. The school accepts 52.7% of applicants and enrolls 39,637 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 52.7%
- Average SAT
- 1,335
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,200–1,470
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 31
- Total Enrollment
- 39,637
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Purdue operates on rolling admissions, so apply early in the fall to maximize your chances and secure housing preferences. The engineering programs carry significant weight in admissions decisions, so if you're targeting one of these competitive majors, your math and science coursework needs to show consistent excellence through calculus and physics.
Your essays should connect directly to Purdue's hands-on learning approach. Mention specific research opportunities like the Undergraduate Research Program or co-op experiences that align with your intended major. The Honors College requires a separate application with additional essays, but admission opens doors to smaller classes and priority registration.
Purdue's campus culture centers around practical problem-solving and Boilermaker pride. You'll fit well if you prefer learning through building, testing, and iterating rather than purely theoretical discussions. The engineering culture dominates campus life, even affecting non-engineering students who adopt the same methodical, results-focused mindset.
Your application should emphasize tangible projects and outcomes. Instead of describing leadership abstractly, detail the robot you built, the app you coded, or the construction project you managed. Purdue admissions officers want to see evidence that you can turn ideas into working solutions.
West Lafayette winters are harsh and the social scene revolves heavily around basketball and football. Greek life plays a major role in campus social structure. If you need constant urban stimulation or warm weather, consider whether you can handle four years in a college town where entertainment options center on campus activities.
Submit your application by November 1st to be considered for merit scholarships. Out-of-state applicants face steeper competition, so your standardized test scores need to fall in the upper ranges. The computer science program has become extremely competitive, so have backup majors ready that still align with your career goals.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $13,945/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $9,992
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $28,794
- Students Receiving Aid
- 13%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 83.1%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $72,424/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 92.0%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Purdue University-Main Campus require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Purdue requires either SAT or ACT scores for most applicants. The university does not have a test-optional policy.
What is the application deadline for Purdue University-Main Campus?
Purdue has an early action deadline of November 1 and a regular decision deadline of February 1. Early action is non-binding and gives you an admissions decision by mid-December.
How hard is it to transfer into engineering programs at Purdue University-Main Campus?
Transfer admission to Purdue Engineering is highly competitive and requires strong math and science coursework. Students often need to complete prerequisite courses at their current institution before transferring.
Can you apply to multiple majors at Purdue University-Main Campus?
Purdue allows you to select a first-choice and second-choice major on your application. Some competitive programs like engineering and business have separate admission requirements.