Purdue University is a leading public research university in West Lafayette, Indiana, with a long-standing reputation as the top program in the country for aerospace engineering. As the alma mater of Neil Armstrong and numerous astronauts, Purdue has deep ties to space exploration and maintains strong programs across all engineering disciplines.
Mascot: Boilermaker
Notable Alumni
Neil Armstrong (first person on the Moon)•Drew Brees (NFL quarterback legend)•David Letterman (iconic late-night TV host)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Purdue is an engineering powerhouse where the academic grind is the defining campus experience — STEM workloads are genuinely punishing, and the 'Boilermaker' identity is built on toughness and perseverance. Greek life is sizable (~18% of undergrads) but the university has been cracking down hard, with many chapters on social probation. West Lafayette itself is small, so your social life depends heavily on what communities you build through orgs, co-ops, or Greek houses.
A functional Midwestern campus with a mix of limestone, brick, and modern buildings. The Engineering Mall and Memorial Mall provide attractive corridors, but the overall look is practical rather than picturesque.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Purdue has been ranked among the safest large campuses nationally, with nearly 300 emergency call boxes, 24/7 police patrols, a Safe Walk program, and free CityBus rides for students.
West Lafayette has a crime rate roughly half the national average, with particularly low violent crime rates. One of the safest college town settings in the Midwest.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Daily visits available during the academic year; group visits also offered
Duration: About 75 minutes (daily visits); about 2 hours for group visits (30-min presentation + 90-min tour)
Daily visits include admissions presentation and walking tour. PurdueGuide app available for audio touring. Admitted Daily Visits include info session on next steps + student-led campus tour. Summer Visit Days: June 12 and June 26, 2026. 'Purdue's for Me' is the main admitted student event.
Book a TourPurdueGuide app provides an audio tour, or print a self-guided walking tour map from the admissions website. Available for both West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses.
Tour ResourcesVisit late September through October for great weather and football Saturdays at Ross-Ade Stadium — Boilermaker game days have a friendly, welcoming energy. April through May is also ideal when the Horticulture Gardens bloom. Avoid December through February when West Lafayette gets very cold and campus is quieter over winter break.
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is 65 miles south (~1.5 hrs drive). Lafayette Limo shuttle runs from IND every 2 hours (6:30am-8:30pm). On campus, visitor parking at Grant Street Parking Garage or Northwestern Avenue Parking Garage (closest to the Visitor Center). Uber/Lyft available in the West Lafayette area.
Location
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