If you are an international student considering studying in the United States, Purdue University should be on your radar. Known for its academic excellence, especially in engineering and technology, Purdue offers world-class programs, a supportive student community, and affordable living costs.
Overview
Founded in 1869, Purdue University is a renowned public land-grant research institution located in West Lafayette, Indiana. It is the flagship campus of the Purdue University system and is internationally respected for its commitment to research and innovation.
As of Fall 2023, Purdue hosts over 52,000 students, with around 39,170 undergraduates and 13,041 postgraduate students. Its engineering, agriculture, computer science, and business programs are especially popular among international students.
Purdue University Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| University Type | Public Research University |
| Founded | 1869 |
| Location | West Lafayette, Indiana, USA |
| Global Ranking (QS 2024) | #99 |
| National Ranking (U.S. News 2024) | #43 |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 49.8% |
| Popular Courses | Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Agriculture, Health Sciences |
| English Language Requirements | TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo |
| Tuition (UG, Intl. Students) | ~$28,794/year |
Purdue University Acceptance Rate
Purdue is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 49.8%. For Fall 2024, the university received 78,526 applications and admitted 39,096 students.
Admissions Data
| Metric | Value |
| Applications Received | 78,526 |
| Students Admitted | 39,096 |
| Acceptance Rate | 49.8% |
| SAT Range (Middle 50%) | 1210 – 1470 |
| ACT Range (Middle 50%) | 27 – 34 |
| High School GPA (Middle 50%) | 3.62 – 4.00 |
Purdue University Rankings
Purdue consistently ranks among the top public universities both in the U.S. and globally. It is especially known for its engineering, computer science, and agricultural programs. The university’s commitment to innovation, research excellence, and student success continues to earn it high rankings across multiple platforms.
Latest Rankings (2024–2025)
| Ranking Source | Ranking | Category |
| QS World University Rankings | #99 | Global |
| Times Higher Education | #86 | World |
| U.S. News & World Report | #43 | National (USA) |
| U.S. News Best Global Universities | #114 | Global |
| ARWU (Academic Ranking) | Top 100–150 | Global (Research) |
Subject-Specific Rankings (U.S. News 2024)
| Program | Rank in the U.S. |
| Engineering (Overall) | #9 |
| Mechanical Engineering | #7 |
| Civil Engineering | #6 |
| Computer Engineering | #10 |
| Aerospace Engineering | #6 |
| Agricultural Sciences | #4 |
| Business Programs | #25 |
Purdue University Tuition Fees
Understanding your financial commitment is crucial. Below are estimated costs for international students.
Undergraduate Tuition (2024–2025)
| Expense Category | Per Semester | Per Year |
| Tuition | $14,397.00 | $28,794.00 |
| Intl. Student Fee | $1,155.00 | $2,310.00 |
| Total | $15,552.00 | $31,104.00 |
Note: Some programs like Engineering include additional differential fees (e.g., $2,050/year).
Graduate Tuition (Sample Programs)
- MS in Mechanical Engineering: $29,918/year
- Master of Public Health: $28,794/year
Purdue University Admissions
Purdue welcomes students from over 130 countries and offers a smooth admissions process. The admissions process is designed to assess your academic readiness and potential to thrive at Purdue.
Undergraduate Admissions
- Application Platform: Common App
- Fee: $60
- Deadlines:
- Early Action: November 1
- Regular Decision: January 15
Documents Required
- Transcripts
- Proof of English Proficiency
- SAT/ACT (optional)
- Recommendation letters (if needed)
English Proficiency
| Test | Minimum Score |
| TOEFL iBT | 80 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| Duolingo | 110 |
Graduate Admissions
- Platform: Purdue Grad School Application
- Fee: $75
- Requirements: SOP, LORs, transcripts, GRE/GMAT (if needed)
Purdue University Courses
Purdue University offers a diverse array of academic programs across various disciplines, catering to students’ varied interests and career aspirations. With over 200 undergraduate majors and more than 160 graduate programs, Purdue provides ample opportunities for academic and professional growth.
Undergraduate Programs
Purdue’s undergraduate programs span multiple colleges, including Engineering, Science, Agriculture, Liberal Arts, and the Daniels School of Business. Students can choose from a wide range of majors that combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
Sample Undergraduate Majors
| College | Popular Majors |
| Engineering | Aerospace, Civil, Computer, Mechanical |
| Science | Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Math |
| Agriculture | Agribusiness, Food Science, Horticulture |
| Business | Accounting, Marketing, Finance |
| Liberal Arts | Political Science, Psychology, Communication |
Graduate Programs
Purdue’s graduate programs are designed to foster advanced knowledge and research skills, preparing students for leadership roles in academia, industry, and government. The university offers master’s and doctoral degrees across various fields.
Sample Graduate Programs
| College | Graduate Programs |
| Engineering | MS/Ph.D. in Mechanical, Civil, Chemical |
| Business | MBA, MS in Marketing, PhD in Management |
| Science | MS/Ph.D. in Chemistry, CS, Physics |
| Education | M.Ed., Ed.D., Special Education |
Purdue University Scholarships
Purdue offers limited but valuable scholarships to international students.
Merit-Based Scholarships
- Automatically considered if you apply by November 1.
- Departmental scholarships also available (apply by February 2).
External Scholarships
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Schwarzman Scholars Program
- Rhodes Scholarship
Study Abroad Grants
- Giant Leaps Semester Scholarships
- SAIL (Semester Abroad in Intercultural Learning)
- Giant Leaps Short-Term Scholarships
Tips for International Students
- Start early
- Connect with advisors and NISO
- Use external scholarship search portals
Purdue University Living Cost
For international students at Purdue University, understanding living costs is essential to budgeting your study journey in the USA. Fortunately, Purdue is known for offering a quality education with a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major U.S. universities.
Annual Living Expenses (2024–2025)
| Expense | Cost (USD/year) |
| Housing | $5,205 – $6,500 |
| Food | $4,052 – $5,500 |
| Personal | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,000 |
| Health Insurance | $2,000 – $2,200 |
| Transportation | $500 – $800 |
| Total | $14,257 – $18,000 |
Housing Options
- On-campus: Dorms and apartments
- Off-campus: $500–$800/month
Food
- Meal plans: Campus dining services
- Groceries: $200–$300/month
Transportation
- Free access to CityBus
- Biking and walking are common
Conclusion
Purdue University stands as a top choice for international students seeking quality education, strong global rankings, and a supportive campus life. With competitive tuition, numerous course options, and a balanced cost of living, Purdue helps students achieve academic and personal success without overwhelming financial strain.
Whether you aim to become a leading engineer, innovative researcher, or global business leader, Purdue gives you the tools to take your first step confidently.
Ready to apply or need help with scholarships? Reach out—we’re here to guide your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Purdue University good for international students?
Yes, Purdue is highly welcoming to international students, offering strong academic programs, global student support services, and a large international student population.
What is Purdue University famous for?
Purdue is known for its engineering, technology, business, and aviation programs, and is a top producer of STEM graduates in the U.S.
Is Purdue a public or private university?
Purdue University is a public research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana.
How hard is it to get into Purdue University?
Purdue has a moderately selective acceptance rate of around 50-53%. Competitive programs like Engineering and Computer Science have lower acceptance rates.
What GPA do you need to get into Purdue?
A high school GPA of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) is typically recommended for international students applying to Purdue.
Does Purdue require SAT or ACT for international students?
Purdue is test-flexible. SAT or ACT scores are optional but can strengthen your application if submitted.
Does Purdue University offer scholarships for international students?
Yes, Purdue offers merit-based scholarships for international students and limited departmental awards.
How much is Purdue University tuition for international students?
Tuition for undergraduate international students is approximately $32,684 annually, excluding living and personal expenses.
What is the cost of living for Purdue international students?
Estimated living costs range from $12,000 to $15,000 annually, covering housing, meals, transportation, and other personal expenses.
How can international students apply to Purdue University?
International students can apply via the Common App or Coalition App, submit academic transcripts, English proficiency scores, and a statement of purpose.
Is Purdue University affordable for Indian students?
Compared to other U.S. universities, Purdue offers a strong return on investment with relatively lower tuition and cost of living for a top-ranked institution.
Is Purdue good for Computer Science?
Yes, Purdue’s Computer Science program is among the best in the U.S., ranked within the top 20 nationally.
Does Purdue have job placements for international students?
Yes, Purdue has strong career support services and a high job placement rate for graduates, especially in STEM fields.
Is Purdue University a Tier 1 university?
Yes, Purdue is considered a Tier 1 research university due to its strong research output, funding, and academic prestige.
Can I work while studying at Purdue as an international student?
Yes, F-1 visa holders can work on-campus up to 20 hours per week and are eligible for CPT/OPT opportunities.
Does Purdue provide on-campus housing for international students?
Yes, Purdue offers a variety of residence halls and housing options for international students.
Is IELTS required for Purdue University?
Yes, Purdue accepts IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo as proof of English proficiency for non-native English speakers.
Does Purdue accept Duolingo for admission?
Yes, Duolingo English Test is accepted as an alternative to IELTS or TOEFL for undergraduate and graduate admissions.
How many international students are at Purdue University?
Purdue hosts over 9,000 international students from more than 130 countries.
Is West Lafayette a safe place for international students?
Yes, West Lafayette is a student-friendly and relatively safe city with a strong community atmosphere.