How does graduation work at Purdue Global?

Purdue Global graduation involves completing your degree plan, registering for a ceremony (virtual or in-person at Purdue's West Lafayette campus), and then participating in an event where you're recognized, with diplomas arriving later by mail; the virtual option offers an immersive 360° experience, while in-person events at the Elliott Hall of Music celebrate graduates with leadership and speakers, plus Latin honors for high GPAs.

Does Purdue Global have a graduation ceremony?

Purdue Global graduates can choose to attend an in-person or virtual ceremony. View eligibility. Diplomas are not given at the ceremony.

What is the Purdue Global Controversy?

Purdue Global's controversies stem from its 2018 acquisition of for-profit Kaplan University, raising questions about its "public" branding, inherited for-profit practices (like forced arbitration), and potential conflicts with its mission, leading to scrutiny from veterans' groups and critics who see it as prioritizing profit over public education, despite its accreditation and efforts to change legacy policies. Key issues include accusations of misleading military recruitment, inherited forced arbitration clauses, and the perception that it's a for-profit disguised as non-profit, though Purdue has dropped some controversial practices. 

How long do Purdue graduations last?

Please refer your guests to the box office with the Hall of Music for assistance. How long does the ceremony last? Ceremonies are approximately 90 minutes long.

Is a degree from Purdue Global the same as a degree from Purdue?

No, a Purdue University (West Lafayette) degree is not the same as a Purdue University Global (PUG) degree, though both are part of the larger Purdue University System and share the Purdue name and alumni association. Purdue University Global was formerly Kaplan University, is geared towards working adults, has separate admissions, accreditation, and issues a diploma that clearly states "Purdue University Global," making it distinct from a degree from the main campus. 

what to do after graduation... the reality of post-grad

Are Purdue online degrees respected?

Yes, Purdue's online degrees, particularly from the main campus (Purdue Online) and Purdue Global, are generally well-respected due to their strong accreditation (Higher Learning Commission), association with the prestigious Purdue brand, high rankings for specific online engineering master's, and focus on career advancement for working adults, though some online reviews highlight concerns about curriculum quality at Purdue Global. 

Does Purdue Global have a dean's list?

You may receive term honors if, in a given term, you complete at least 6 credit hours and earn a GPA of 3.0 to 3.29 (Dean's List) or 3.3 or higher (Distinguished Scholar).

What happens after the Purdue graduation ceremony?

Diplomas will be mailed 8-10 weeks following the end of the term. If you do not provide a diploma address in your Commencement Task List, which is valid after the semester ends, your diploma will be sent to your permanent address on file.

Do they announce your middle name at graduation?

For more formal announcement wording, include the graduate's first, last, and middle name. For an informal tone, you can leave off their middle name, and include a nickname if you wish. School name.

What GPA is a B+ at Purdue?

At Purdue University, a B+ grade is worth 3.3 grade points on a standard 4.0 scale, falling within the 87–89.99% range, while an A is 4.0, an A- is 3.7, a B is 3.0, and a B- is 2.7. Your overall GPA is calculated by multiplying the points for each grade by its credit hours, summing them up, and then dividing by total credit hours. 

Is Purdue Global losing money?

Purdue Global has lost $71 million since inception. Will recent improvement be enough? Phil Hill. By clicking Continue to join or sign in, you agree to LinkedIn's User Agreement, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy.

Did any Sacklers go to jail?

No members of the Sackler family, who owned Purdue Pharma, have been criminally convicted or served jail time for their role in the opioid crisis, though they faced intense scrutiny, civil lawsuits, and potential criminal investigations, with the Supreme Court recently overturning a major civil settlement that would have granted them immunity from future lawsuits. While some individuals were involved in plea deals for the company, the family as a whole avoided criminal punishment, focusing instead on multi-billion dollar civil settlements and forfeiting ownership of Purdue. 

Can I get a job with a Purdue Global Degree?

Many Purdue Global students are working adults, and this rate includes graduates who were employed while attending Purdue Global and graduates employed in jobs unrelated to their degree, which is not the same as an employment rate as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.

What is a 4.0 GPA at Purdue Global?

The academic honors statuses are as follows: Cumulative GPA of 3.70–3.79: Cum Laude. Cumulative GPA of 3.80–3.99: Magna Cum Laude. Cumulative GPA of 4.0: Summa Cum Laude.

Can you graduate without going to the ceremony?

Yes, you still graduate and get your degree if you don't attend the commencement ceremony, as the ceremony is a celebration, not a requirement; as long as you've met all academic requirements, your degree is officially conferred, and you'll typically receive your diploma by mail or pick it up later, though it's best to check your specific school's policy. 

Does Purdue Global have final exams?

We do have final exams. Open book, no Webcam.

What are top 3 graduates called?

The top graduates are typically called the Valedictorian (highest GPA) and Salutatorian (second-highest GPA) in high school, while colleges use Latin honors: Summa cum Laude (highest), Magna cum Laude (great praise), and Cum Laude (with praise) for tiered academic excellence. These titles, along with specific GPA cutoffs, vary by institution. 

Do they call out your grade at graduation?

Graduates attending a graduation ceremony

Your full name and award title (but not your classification) will be read out at the ceremony immediately prior to you walking across the stage.

Do students speak at college graduations?

A student speaker may deliver remarks either in lieu or in conjunction with a notable outside figure. Student commencement speakers are often valedictorians or may otherwise be elected by their peers to represent the student body.

How much money should a parent give their child for graduation?

Parents and grandparents tend to give most generously to graduates, with average cash gifts for college graduations ranging from $100 to $500. Other close relatives usually give between $50 and $250. Friends and siblings may give $25 to $50.

Do family members dress up for graduation?

Yes, families typically dress up for graduations, usually opting for business casual or semi-formal attire like dresses, slacks, blouses, or suits, to show respect for the milestone and look good in photos, though the level of formality varies and comfort (especially for outdoor events) is key. While there's no strict code, it's best to be presentable but not overshadow the graduate, with some families choosing coordinated outfits or school colors. 

Can I say I went to Purdue if I went to Purdue Global?

Yes, a Purdue Global degree says "Purdue University Global" on the diploma, clearly distinguishing it from the traditional Purdue University campus degree, though both are part of the larger Purdue University system and share the same regional accreditation. While graduates might walk the stage at the main campus, the diploma itself will state Purdue University Global and feature its specific logo. 

Is making the dean's list a big deal?

Yes, the Dean's List is a big deal because it's a prestigious recognition of high academic achievement, appearing on your permanent transcript, and serving as a valuable credential on resumes and applications for internships, graduate school, and jobs, demonstrating dedication and a strong work ethic to employers and admissions committees.
 

How much does a Purdue Global Professor make?

How much does a Purdue Global make in California? As of Jan 9, 2026, the average annual pay for a Purdue Global in California is $48,900 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $23.51 an hour. This is the equivalent of $940/week or $4,075/month.