Purdue University
A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who want a major research university experience. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $62,200 within 10 years; strong 83% graduation rate.
About This School
Purdue University is a public institution located in West Lafayette, Indiana with approximately 44,503 undergraduate students enrolled. Purdue University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 50%. The average net price after financial aid is $14,600 per year. The graduation rate is 83%, and the typical graduate earns $62,200 within 10 years of enrollment.
Purdue University is a public land-grant research university in West Lafayette, Indiana, United States, and the flagship campus of the Purdue University system, which also includes Purdue University in Indianapolis as an ongoing expansion of the West Lafayette campus. The university was founded in 1869 after Lafayette businessman John Purdue donated land and money to establish a college of science, technology, and agriculture; the first classes were held on September 16, 1874.
This is a strong option for students drawn to STEM, engineering, or agriculture, especially given the remarkably low average net price of around $14,000/year and a median debt at graduation of just $15,000 — well below the national average. The 83% graduation rate and 92% freshman retention signal that most students who start here finish, and median earnings of $62,200 a decade out suggest solid career traction. At a 50% acceptance rate, it's selective but accessible, making it a particularly smart value play for in-state students who are serious about technical fields.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 19% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (44,503 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Address
Purdue University
Hovde Hall of Administration
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2040
Official Links
Other Schools in Indiana
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Indianapolis, IN · Public
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN · Public
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN · Public
Ball State University
Muncie, IN · Public
Indiana University-Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN · Public
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN · Private nonprofit
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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