Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States • Founded 1869 • World Rank #107
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Established in 1869, the Purdue University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of West Lafayette (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Indiana.
Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Purdue University (PU) is a very large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Purdue University (PU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 154-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
PU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Planning a visit to Purdue University or following up with admissions? Location and contact details are listed below. Admissions email typically replies within 5–10 business days during peak season.
Academic Details
Academic statistics for Purdue University — including its student body and academic staff numbers. Read these alongside rankings; institution scale changes how rankings should be interpreted.
Academic Structures
Purdue University's internal academic units — faculties, schools, and institutes — are grouped below. The breakdown helps when navigating departmental websites and specific contact points.
Unit 11 items
- College of Agriculture
- College of Consumer and Family Sciences
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- College of Liberal Arts
- College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Sciences
- College of Science
- College of Technology
- Graduate School
- Krannert School of Management
- School of Veterinary Medicine
Programs Offered
The full set of programmes Purdue University offers is searchable and grouped by level below. Some programmes accept rolling applications; others run on annual cycles — check before applying.
152 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 33 programmes
Showing 10 of 33.
Master's Degree 24 programmes
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Doctorate 1 programme
Professional Doctorate 5 programmes
Associate's Degree 17 programmes
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Certificate 32 programmes
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Postgraduate Certificate 22 programmes
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Other Programs 18 programmes
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How to apply to Purdue University
A practical five-step guide to applying to Purdue University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
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1
Identify the right programme
Use the programme finder to browse Purdue University's 152 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Check entry requirements
Programme-level requirements at Purdue University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Submit via the institution
Purdue University processes applications through www.purdue.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (765) 494 4600. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Purdue University
Quick reference for Purdue University: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
When was Purdue University founded?
Purdue University was established in 1869 (approximately 157 years ago).
What city is Purdue University in?
Purdue University operates from West Lafayette, United States.
Is Purdue University a public or private institution?
Purdue University is a public institution.
How big is Purdue University's student body?
Purdue University serves approximately over-50,000 students.
Where does Purdue University stand in university rankings?
It ranks #107 globally and #30 in United States.
How many faculties does Purdue University have?
Purdue University has 11 academic units.
Who recognises Purdue University?
Purdue University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
What is Purdue University's official website?
You can find Purdue University online at www.purdue.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Top the United States universities often run international branch campuses. Purdue University's international footprint compared to this benchmark signals global engagement scale.
Members of Association of American Universities (AAU)
Member institutions of Association of American Universities (AAU) often have reciprocity arrangements on accreditation — degrees from one member institution typically face fewer credential-recognition issues at others.
Faculties at nearby universities
If you're weighing Purdue University against other institutions in the area, these neighbouring universities offer overlapping faculties and similar admissions cycles. They are useful for shortlisting based on travel distance or campus environment.
Where Else to Study Liberal Arts
Foreign-language teaching requirements for Liberal Arts programmes vary across the United States. Some run entirely in the national language; others offer English-medium delivery for international students.
Universities Compared with Purdue University
Students considering Purdue University frequently compare it against the universities listed below. The comparison set reflects revealed-preference data from how applicants actually build shortlists.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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