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Colleges / IN / West Lafayette
Purdue University-Main Campus logo

Purdue University-Main Campus

Public West Lafayette, IN · Urban · Great Lakes · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
83%
Graduation Rate
$72,424
Earnings (10yr)
$14,600
Net Price
50%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an enrollment of over 44,500 students, Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a solid choice for those who thrive in a large, dynamic environment. It’s particularly appealing for students interested in engineering, business, computer science, biology, and social sciences. The 50% acceptance rate suggests a competitive atmosphere, and the 83% graduation rate indicates that many students are successfully completing their degrees.

After graduation, students can expect a median earning of $72,424 after ten years. That’s a significant number, especially for graduates entering fields like engineering and technology. While the cost of attendance is reasonable, the long-term financial outlook is promising, making it clear that a degree from Purdue can lead to solid career opportunities.

When it comes to affordability, the net price after aid averages around $14,600, which is manageable for many families. With a median debt of $19,500, students leave with a debt load that is relatively low compared to potential earnings. Those who tend to thrive here are often self-motivated, ambitious, and ready to take advantage of the university's strong programs and supportive resources.

Rankings

How Purdue Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation83%Earnings 10yr$72KNet Price$15KRetention93%Median Debt$20KPell Grant Rate13%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$5K$0-30K$6K$30-48K$9K$48-75K$23K$110K+

Cost & Financial Aid

$9,992
In-State Tuition
$28,794
Out-of-State
$14,600
Avg Net Price
$19,500
Median Debt
13%
Pell Grant Rate
22%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$5,098
Family Income $0–$30K
$6,241
Family Income $30K–$48K
$9,438
Family Income $48K–$75K
$22,742
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$60,838
6 Years After Entry
$66,951
8 Years
$72,424
10 Years
0.27x
Debt-to-Earnings
80%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$60,838 6yr $66,951 8yr $72,424 10yr

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.67
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.00
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
6.9%
Volunteering Rate
0.99
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 50%
Retention Rate 93%
SAT Average 1364
ACT Midpoint 30
SAT Range 1200–1480
ACT Range 27–34
Full-Time Faculty 96%
Faculty Salary (mo) $14,473
Diversity Index 0.67
First-Gen Students 19%

Top Programs

Engineering 23%
Business & Marketing 16%
Computer Science & IT 11%
Biology & Biomedical 6%
Social Sciences 5%
Health Professions 5%
Psychology 4%
Education 3%