PublicUrbanPurdue University-Main Campus
Purdue-West Lafayette
West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2040
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
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.
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
Schools Like This
Northeast Ohio Medical University
Rootstown, OH · Suburban · Public
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences
Tulsa, OK · Urban · Public
University of California-San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Urban · Public
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, TX · Urban · Public
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1342
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
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
77.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
0.0%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,000
Programs (343)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
92%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
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).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from IN state average + city premium