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
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.
Location
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