Student Body ↓

About

About Purdue University-Main Campus

engineering focusedboilermaker research universitypublic flagship indianastrong stem programsco-op programs

Purdue University-Main Campus is a public research university in West Lafayette, IN, known for its engineering focused, public flagship indiana, and strong stem programs. With an acceptance rate of 53%, Purdue is moderately selective, typically enrolling around 9,447 students each year. Admitted students typically score between 1200–1470 on the SAT and 27–34 on the ACT. Purdue offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $8,508 per year; the sticker price of $41,614 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Purdue University-Main Campus acceptance rate and admitted student profile

moderately selective

53%
Overall Accept Rate
3.50
Typical Admitted GPA
1335
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.00 – 3.75 unweighted

Build your free list to see where your GPA lands at Purdue University-Main Campus →

SATSubmitted score range: 1200 – 1470

Build your free list to see where your scores land →

ACTScore range: 27 – 34

Build your free list to see where your scores land →

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Purdue University-Main Campus

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Purdue weighs essays seriously and expects you to articulate a clear, specific reason for choosing your intended major, so write about concrete experiences that led you to that field rather than vague interests. If you are applying to the College of Engineering or Polytechnic Institute, connect your story to hands on projects, competitions, or coursework that demonstrates real technical curiosity.
Test Score Strategy
Purdue requires test scores, so make sure your official SAT or ACT scores are sent directly to West Lafayette before your application deadline. Order your score reports through College Board or ACT early to avoid processing delays.

Get a tailored strategy for Purdue University-Main Campus. Build your free list to unlock personalized advice on submitting test scores and discover your actual admission odds based on your student profile.

Build My Free List →

Financial Aid & Cost

What Purdue University-Main Campus actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$42k/yr$5.1k
30k-48k~$42k/yr$6.2k
48k-75k~$42k/yr$9.4k
75k-110k~$42k/yr$18.2k
110k+~$42k/yr$22.7k

Not sure what Purdue University-Main Campus would cost your family? Build your free SpearMatch list. We show estimated net cost for every college on your list based on your income bracket.

Unlock real pricing for Purdue University-Main Campus and matching colleges →

Personalize this page

Compare your profile to Purdue University-Main Campus's admitted class

SpearMatch builds a tiered college list from your actual grades, scores, and preferences — and shows where you stand at every college. Free, no account, 4 minutes.

Build My Free List →

✓ Free forever  ·  ✓ No account  ·  ✓ 1,300+ four-year US colleges

Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

83%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$61k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
37,891
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

54%White
15%Asian
10%International
8%Hispanic
6%Unknown / Unreported
5%Two or More Races
3%Black / African American
0%American Indian / AK Native
Gender59% Men · 41% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status90% Citizens and Immigrants · 10% International
Purdue, West Lafayette Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch