Purdue University-Main Campus
Purdue-West Lafayette
West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2040
Campus Vibe
Strong graduate outcomes — known for engineering
Purdue University-Main Campus is a public institution in West Lafayette with particular strength in engineering and business. With an average SAT of 1342, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 39.6K undergraduates with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
83% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $72,424 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $13,945.
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Purdue University-Main Campus Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1342
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
76.8%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,000
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
300
Peer Average
240
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (343)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
92%
- •92% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Pride
History & Fun Facts
- •History Purdue Northwest was established in 2016 when two Purdue system universities — Purdue University Calumet and Purdue University North Central — merged.
- •The campuses remained open when the war ended in 1945, offering for-credit college courses.
- •Both campuses became degree-offering institutions in 1946.
- •In April 2023, the school initially announced that Keon would serve out the rest of his term until June 2024, despite calls for his resignation.
- •Keon was ultimately replaced when, in December 2023, the Purdue Board of Trustees accepted university president Mung Chiang's recommendation to appoint Dr.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
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