Purdue University is an engineering school in the heartland where students build things that matter. With a massive engineering program, world-leading research, and connections to industry everywhere, you're preparing for a career in a serious way. The academics are rigorous—first-year calculus and physics will challenge you—but students are collaborative rather than cutthroat. You'll study in groups, help each other understand the material, and celebrate when you solve difficult problems. This is a school where people care about learning and building, not about competing for a narrow set of spots.
The co-op program is outstanding. You'll get real industry experience, work alongside professionals, and graduate with actual job offers. Purdue graduates are everywhere—the alumni network is powerful and active. West Lafayette isn't a major city, but campus has everything you need and the focus stays on academics and development. You'll encounter the spirit of experimentation and problem-solving. Professors are accessible and interested in your success. The resources are substantial—labs, equipment, opportunities—and you're pushed to use them.
The reality: Indiana weather is unpredictable and winters are rough. The campus is massive—over 40,000 students—and it can feel impersonal, particularly first year. You're in a small town, not a major city, so weekends require planning. Some departments are stronger than others. But if you're serious about engineering, if you want an excellent education at a fraction of the cost of elite private schools, if you want real industry connections and actual job prospects, Purdue is an exceptional choice. You'll graduate ready to work and to keep learning.
Purdue University-Main Campus, which is located in West Lafayette, IN is a public university. Purdue University-Main Campus occupies a total area of about 2,602 acres. Purdue University-Main Campus was founded in 1869 by John Purdue. Notably, the official colors of the university are old gold and black. Out of total 43,411 (Fall 2018) students enrolled at PUMC, 34,596 belong to undergraduate courses while 10,904 are postgraduate students. To teach various courses to the students, the school has employed a total of 3,055 (Fall 2014) faculty. Around 97% of the students are 24 and under at Purdue University-Main Campus. At PUMC around 64% are white, 13% are Non-resident alien, and 9% are Asian. And, when it comes to gender distribution at the varsity, around 43% of the students are females and 57% are males. The college has produced several achievers in its 151 years of existence and some of the notable alumni are Herman Cain (Businessperson, Politician), Drew Brees (Athlete, American football player), Jim Gaffigan (Comedian, Television producer), and David Crosthwait (Inventor, Engineer). Purdue University-Main Campus's sporting teams are affiliated to NCAA Division I – Big Ten. Taking into account all the undergraduate and graduate degrees, including both residential and online, PUMC offers around 684 programs. The university also has a long list of accreditations. It has been accredited by AABI (Aviation Accreditation Board International), AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), AAMFT (American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy), and ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.). Purdue University-Main Campus has around $2 billion (2019) in endowment.