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Purdue University

610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA

Purdue University award
Purdue University award
US ranking
position: 28
Tuition & fees per year: $9,992
Acceptance rate: 50.00%
Median alumni salary: $61,124
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1310 SAT, 30 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What does Purdue University offer in terms of athletics?

Purdue University features a robust athletics program that competes at the Division I level in the NCAA. The university is a member of the Big Ten Conference, which includes some of the nation's leading collegiate athletic programs. Students have opportunities to participate in a variety of sports, benefiting from extensive training facilities and experienced coaching staff.

Boilermakers, as Purdue's athletic teams are known, field teams in sports such as football, basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, track and field, swimming, and wrestling. The sports programs emphasize both competitive success and the development of student-athletes on and off the field, fostering teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills.

The university's athletic facilities include the Ross-Ade Stadium for football, Mackey Arena for basketball, and other venues equipped for training and competition across sports. In addition to varsity athletics, students can engage in club and intramural sports, allowing a wide range of involvement depending on their interests and skill levels.

Support services for student-athletes include academic advising, strength and conditioning programs, and access to medical and nutritional resources designed to promote overall well-being. This comprehensive approach aims to balance athletic pursuits with academic responsibilities, helping students succeed in both areas.

What student groups and Associations are available at Purdue University?

Purdue University offers a variety of student organizations that cater to diverse interests. Among these are the Purdue Dance Marathon, a charity-focused group; the Purdue Paint Crew, which engages in creative campus projects; the Purdue Student Union Board, responsible for organizing events and activities; the Purdue Grand Prix, a unique motor race event; and the HTM Society, which likely serves students interested in hospitality and tourism management.

According to available data, 15% of male students and 19% of female students participate in social organizations, indicating a notable level of student involvement. This percentage translates to approximately 24,700 men and 16,892 women actively engaged in such groups, reflecting the vibrant campus community and opportunities for involvement at Purdue University.

Who studies at Purdue University?

Purdue University hosts a large and diverse student body, with a total enrollment exceeding 10,000 new students annually. The incoming freshman class alone numbers 9,381, placing Purdue in the top 5% nationally for freshman enrollment size. Transfer students also make up a significant portion, with 1,084 transfers each year, ranking in the top 25% for transfer student intake.

The university's student population includes a mix of in-state and out-of-state students, with out-of-state enrollment notably high at 44%, placing Purdue in the top quarter of universities for attracting students from outside its home state. In contrast, in-state enrollment sits at 46%, which falls within the lower 25% compared to other institutions, indicating a strong appeal beyond local students. Domestic students comprise 90% of the population, an average level when compared to national figures, while about 8% of the student body comes from foreign countries, a percentage within the top 25% nationally, reflecting considerable international diversity.

Age demographics among Purdue's students show a majority concentrated in the traditional college age range, with most undergraduates falling between 18 and 21 years old. Specifically, 16,335 undergraduates are aged 18-19, and 17,431 are aged 20-21, supporting a campus environment typical of large research universities. Graduate students tend to be older, with a significant number aged 22-24 and 25-29 years, accounting for thousands of individuals in these brackets. The presence of older students, including those up to age 64 and beyond, indicates that Purdue also accommodates a range of non-traditional learners and adult students advancing their education.

Ethnic diversity at Purdue is notable across several groups. White students represent the largest group, with 23,726 individuals, ranking Purdue in the top 5% nationally for this demographic. The Asian student population is also very prominent at 6,737 students, similarly in the top 5%. Hispanic students number 3,300, a high representation placing the university within the top 20% of similar institutions. African American students total 1,216, ranking in the top 30%. Students identifying as two or more races or with an unknown ethnic background each number over 2,000, placing Purdue among the top 5% for these categories. Other groups, such as Native American and Pacific Islander students, are present at average levels compared to other universities.

How does student life look like at Purdue University?

Student life at Purdue University is supported by a broad array of cultural and recreational activities that cater to diverse interests. Students have access to a campus newspaper, drama productions, radio broadcasting, a band, a chorus, and a television station, providing various opportunities for involvement outside the classroom.

Additionally, the university offers a range of supportive services crucial for student well-being, including legal assistance, health clinic facilities, psychological counseling, a dedicated veterans affairs office, and a women's center. These resources aim to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

With a very high total student enrollment exceeding 58,000 and a student-faculty ratio of 14 to 1, the university manages a balance between extensive community engagement and accessible academic support. The diversity of the student body is notable, with representation from 113 countries, enhancing the multicultural atmosphere on campus.

What libraries are available to students at Purdue University?

Purdue University provides extensive library resources to its students through the Purdue University Libraries system, which includes a total of 10 libraries. This sizeable network places the university in the top 5% nationally for the number of libraries available. Among these, nine are additional specialized libraries supporting various academic disciplines.

The collections encompass a high number of physical books, with nearly 954,000 volumes, ranking Purdue in the top 30% of institutions. The university offers an impressive range of subscriptions as well, including over 44,700 periodical subscriptions, placing it in the top 20% for this measure. Furthermore, it boasts an extensive digital collection, with more than 3.3 million ebooks, ranking in the top 5%, and approximately 197,000 digital subscriptions, which aligns with the median level nationally.

Students benefit from comprehensive access both physically and digitally. The libraries are open with established hours totaling 168 service hours weekly, and facilities include study rooms designed to support collaborative and individual learning. Additionally, the university provides all-day access and trained staff to assist users. Access to shared collections broadens the range of available materials beyond those housed solely within Purdue's libraries.

Purdue University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

58009

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

11265

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

2769 full time, 393 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Purdue University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Purdue University Libraries

Number of libraries on campus

10

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

Yes

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Purdue University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Purdue University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Purdue University Location & Map

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