Purdue University-Main Campus campus
Purdue University-Main Campus logo

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN · Public · 44,503 students

The Purdue Memorial Union serves as a central hub for food, retail, and lodging at the Union Club Hotel.

Acceptance rate

49.9%

SAT (mid 50%)

1200–1480

Avg net price

$14,600

after aid

Next deadline

Nov 1

EA

Testing

Required

2026 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and the Purdue University-Main Campus admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Purdue University-Main Campus admitted 49.9% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That’s selective. Fewer than half of the students who apply get in.

Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1200–1480 on the SAT and 27–34 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.

The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what Purdue University-Main Campus actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

What they value

Pioneering, Hands-on, Career-Ready Education

Whether you’re a dreamer or a doer, an instigator or an innovator, there are so many ways to be a Boilermaker, preparing for the jobs of tomorrow through hands-on learning opportunities, internships and co-ops.

Purdue University offers more than 150 majors, housed in 11 colleges and schools, providing diverse paths for exploration.

  • College of AgricultureAgribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Animal Sciences
  • College of EngineeringAeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering
  • College of ScienceActuarial Science, Artificial Intelligence (Science)

Verified from purdue.edu and admissions.purdue.edu and admissions.purdue.edu and admissions.purdue.edu and admissions.purdue.edu and admissions.purdue.edu and admissions.purdue.edu and purdue.edu.

Applying

Here’s what to send, and when.

  • Next deadlineNovember 1, 2026 (EA)
  • Regular decisionJanuary 15, 2027
  • TestingRequired (2026 cycle)
  • Recommendations0 letters
  • Personal essayRequired
  • ApplicationCommon App

Verified from https://www.purdue.edu.

The essays

Here are the supplemental essay prompts.

The current prompts, straight from the application. They change year to year. Most guides you’ll find are a cycle behind.

  • How will opportunities at Purdue support your interests, both in and out of the classroom?

    Up to 250 words

  • Briefly discuss your reasons for choosing your major and your interest in studying at this campus location

    Up to 250 words

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from https://www.purdue.edu.

Cost and aid

What will you actually pay?

The sticker price is about $24,591. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $14,600.

Purdue provides financial assistance through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, dedicated to affordability and accessibility while pioneering innovative education.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $72,424.

Verified from https://www.purdue.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Academics

These are the most popular majors.

  • Computer Science6% of degrees
  • Mechanical Engineering6% of degrees
  • Computer Engineering4% of degrees
  • Research and Experimental Psychology4% of degrees
  • Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering4% of degrees
  • Biology, General3% of degrees

Campus life

Here’s the feel of the place.

“Grab coffee at the Union, then scale a 55-foot climbing wall before cheering on the Boilermakers at Mackey Arena, a Tuesday at Purdue.”

Boilermakers gather at the Purdue Memorial Union for studying on sunlit patios, cheer on NCAA Division I teams at Mackey Arena, and engage in group fitness or scale a 55-foot climbing wall at the Fran

ActiveCommunity-focusedInnovativeHands-on

Quick answers

What do people ask about Purdue University-Main Campus?

Is Purdue University-Main Campus test-optional?
No. For the 2026 application cycle, Purdue University-Main Campus requires SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants.
How hard is it to get into Purdue University-Main Campus?
Very hard. Purdue University-Main Campus admits 49.9% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200 to 1480 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
When is the Purdue University-Main Campus application deadline?
The next deadline is November 1, 2026 (EA). Regular Decision closes January 15, 2027.
How much does Purdue University-Main Campus cost?
The list price is about $24,591. After aid, families pay $14,600 on average.
Is Purdue University-Main Campus worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $72,424 ten years after enrolling. 83% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.

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Ask Spike anything about Purdue University-Main Campus.

Spike answers from Purdue University-Main Campus’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.