Why would someone want to go to Purdue?

People go to Purdue for its strong, affordable, top-ranked STEM programs (especially Engineering), high job placement with major tech companies, innovative research opportunities, strong school spirit with big sports, and a supportive, diverse campus community with a great value due to frozen tuition. It offers a practical, well-regarded education that leads to strong career outcomes, particularly in technology, alongside a vibrant college experience.

Why do you want to go to Purdue?

Leader in STEM Education and Research

Purdue University is a top choice for international students seeking excellence in STEM education and research.

What is so special about Purdue University?

The faculty and more than 400 research laboratories put Purdue University among the leading research institutions. Purdue University is considered by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education to have "very high research activity".

What is so special about Purdue engineering?

Purdue's engineers stand at the forefront of industry, education and discovery, with a goal of impacting the world and those who live in it. Students receive a top-quality experience, at the best value, with some of the industry's most competitive starting salaries.

What major is Purdue best for?

The most popular majors at Purdue University--Main Campus include: Engineering; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Engineering / Engineering-Related Technologies / Technicians; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Health Professions and ...

WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE COMING TO PURDUE

Is Purdue a hidden ivy?

Purdue is one of 10 public universities nationally to be named a “New Ivy” by Forbes. Based on a national survey of business leaders, the “New Ivy” recognition highlights the institutions employers are turning to instead of traditional Ivy League universities.

What kind of students does Purdue look for?

With a GPA of 3.76, Purdue requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes.

What is the #1 engineering school in the US?

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is consistently ranked as the #1 engineering school in the U.S. by major publications like U.S. News & World Report, Niche, and University Business for both undergraduate and graduate programs, followed closely by schools like Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley, and Georgia Institute of Technology.
 

What is the vibe of Purdue University?

Students often highlight Purdue's vibrant campus life with numerous clubs, organizations, and activities catering to varied interests, from robotics to the arts. The community is described as friendly and welcoming, with many opportunities to meet like-minded peers and form meaningful connections.

What are the hardest majors to get into at Purdue?

Computer Science, Pro-Flight, Nursing, and some Engineering majors are the most competitive majors on campus, but they are not impossible to CODO into.

Is Purdue a coke school?

Yes, Purdue University is a "Coke school" due to its long-standing contract with Coca-Cola, giving Coca-Cola exclusive rights to sell cold beverages on campus, a deal reportedly worth millions annually and established since at least the late 1980s/early 1990s. The university has contractual obligations to offer Coke products, meaning Pepsi and other competing brands are largely absent from campus vending machines and stores.
 

What is the #1 college in the US?

There isn't one single "number 1" college, as rankings vary by publication, but Princeton University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) consistently rank at the very top, often trading the #1 spot in different major lists for 2026, alongside strong showings from Harvard, Stanford, Yale. U.S. News ranks Princeton #1 for National Universities, while Forbes and Niche often place MIT first, and Times Higher Education also highlights MIT and Princeton highly. 

What are Purdue fans called?

Purdue fans are called Boilermakers, shortened to "Boilers," a nickname derived from the university's strong engineering focus and its historical connection to railroad workers who built and maintained steam engines (boilers). They often use the rallying cry "Boiler Up!" and respond with "Hammer Down!". 

Why is Purdue so popular?

Purdue University is famous for its elite STEM programs, especially engineering, earning it the nickname "Cradle of Astronauts" for producing numerous space explorers like Neil Armstrong, alongside a strong reputation for research, affordability (frozen tuition for years), and producing highly sought-after graduates in tech and other fields. Its rigorous academics, innovation, and strong industry ties in engineering, agriculture, and health sciences contribute to its consistent high rankings as a top public research university.
 

Is Purdue as good as the Ivy League?

No, Purdue University is not an Ivy League school (which are private); however, it is recognized as a "New Ivy" or "Public Ivy" due to its high academic quality, strong employer reputation, and rigorous programs, often compared to traditional Ivies in value and outcomes.
 

Is Purdue tough to get into?

Yes, Purdue University is considered moderately to highly selective, especially for popular programs like Engineering, Nursing, and Computer Science, with a recent overall acceptance rate around 43-50%, meaning strong academics (high GPA/test scores) and a well-rounded application are crucial for admission, though it's more accessible with a strong profile. 

Which is better, Penn State or Purdue?

Penn State has a higher acceptance rate and a larger enrollment compared to Purdue. Tuition is higher at Penn State for out-of-state students, while Purdue offers a lower net price overall. Purdue graduates report slightly higher median earnings post-graduation, but both schools have strong employment rates.

Is Purdue an elite university?

Purdue University is a public research institution demonstrating excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities and with two colleges in the top four in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none.

What are the top 5 hardest engineering degrees?

While subjective, the hardest engineering majors consistently cited include Chemical, Aerospace, Electrical, Biomedical, and Nuclear Engineering, often due to complex concepts, heavy math, and demanding coursework in subjects like fluid dynamics, electromagnetism, biology, and advanced physics, though Computer Engineering and Materials Science are also contenders. 

Why is Purdue engineering ranked so high?

Purdue Engineering ranks highly due to its strong reputation, rigorous curriculum, extensive research, vast industry connections (leading to excellent job placement with high salaries), and large, diverse programs with many specialized majors, all while providing good value as a land-grant university. Key factors include high demand, faculty expertise, major research initiatives (like semiconductors and space), and a massive, high-quality talent pipeline for employers. 

Which is World No. 1 engineering college?

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) consistently ranks as the world's number one engineering college across major rankings like QS and Times Higher Education for 2025-2026, known for its innovation, research, and top-tier faculty, closely followed by institutions like Stanford University, University of Oxford, and University of Cambridge. MIT's strength lies in its diverse engineering departments and interdisciplinary approach, fostering cutting-edge advancements in fields from AI to nanotechnology.
 

Is Purdue or Notre Dame harder to get into?

Notre Dame is significantly harder to get into than Purdue University based on acceptance rates, with Notre Dame being very selective (around 11-12%) while Purdue (around 49-50%) is moderately selective, making Notre Dame the tougher admission in Indiana by far. 

Where are most Purdue students from?

Student Demographics

Of Purdue's total enrollment (52,211), approximately 42% are female. Students from the State of Indiana make up 40% of Purdue's student body. Seventy-five percent of Purdue's students are also undergraduates between the ages of 17-25. Approximately 12% are American students of color.

Does Purdue favor in state students?

Out of 89,539 applicants, the in-state admission rate held fairly steady at 71%, and out-of-state selectivity dropped down to 39%, a Purdue press release said, showing the university's emphasis on keeping in-state admission rates high.