It's time to rethink college tours
Traditional campus tours feel impersonal and can leave you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a random guide. Is this really the best way to make one of the biggest decisions of your life?
SchoolScoops is the smarter, more personal way to tour colleges
Private and personalized tours
With traditional tours you’re just a number in a big group, making it hard to ask the questions that matter most. With SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats you can ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own guide
On a typical college tour, the school assigns you a guide. SchoolScoops lets you pick a guide who matches your academic interests, hobbies, and personality. You'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just genuine advice to determine if the school is a good fit.
Find the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats go beyond the basics to help you make a well-informed college decision.
Can't make it to campus?
Connect with a student of your choice for personalized advice and insider insights during a 1-on-1 video chat
Book a video chat
What customers are saying
Get to know Purdue University
Purdue University is a leading public research institution known for academic excellence in engineering, science, technology, and business, with a strong focus on innovation, hands-on learning, and global impact.
Overview
Purdue University, founded in 1869, is a public research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across 13 colleges and schools.
Size
Purdue University has a total enrollment of approximately 52,000 students, including around 38,000 undergraduates and 14,000 graduate and professional students.
Acceptance rate
Purdue University has an acceptance rate of around 50%. Among admitted students who submitted test scores, half have an SAT score between 1190–1410 or an ACT score between 26–33.
Cost
For the 2024 academic year, undergraduate tuition at Purdue University is approximately $10,000 for in-state students and $28,800 for out-of-state students, with graduate program tuition varying by college. Around 50% of undergraduates receive financial aid, with the average need-based scholarship or grant award totaling about $13,000.
Ranking
According to U.S. News, Purdue University is ranked #43 out of 436 National Universities, based on its performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of academic excellence.
Academics
Purdue University offers over 200 undergraduate majors and more than 160 graduate and professional programs across its 13 colleges and schools. It maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, supporting strong academic engagement and collaboration.
Traditions
Purdue University’s most cherished traditions include the “All-American” Marching Band performances, the lighting of the Boilermaker Special, Boiler Gold Rush orientation, the Purdue Grand Prix go-kart race, and Fountain Runs, all of which reflect the school’s spirited campus culture and pride.
Campus landmarks
Purdue University’s most iconic landmarks include the Purdue Bell Tower, Hovde Hall, the Engineering Fountain, the Loeb Fountain, the Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering, and Memorial Mall—each showcasing the university’s rich history, engineering legacy, and vibrant campus atmosphere.
Student body
Over 40% of Purdue University students come from out-of-state, with strong representation from Illinois, Ohio, California, Texas, and New York, contributing to a diverse and nationally representative student body.
Become a SchoolScoops guide
In college? Earn $40/hour hosting 1-on-1 campus tours and video chats with future students.
Become a guideYour Purdue University questions, answered
What GPA and test scores are competitive for Purdue applicants?
While Purdue considers many factors, admitted students typically have strong academic records, often with unweighted GPAs between 3.7 and 4.0. Competitive SAT scores usually fall between 1210-1440, and ACT scores between 27-33.
What is the social life at Purdue like?
Student life at Purdue is vibrant and engaging, characterized by a strong sense of community and pride in its "Boilermaker" identity. Students participate in numerous organizations, a lively Greek scene, and enthusiastic support for its Big Ten athletics.
How can I schedule an admissions tour of Purdue?
You can arrange an admissions tour of Purdue University by registering on their official admissions website. Campus visits typically include an information session and a student-guided walking tour, offering insights into academics and campus life.
Which academic programs are most popular at Purdue University?
Popular majors at Purdue University include various Engineering disciplines (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Computer), Computer Science, Business, and Agricultural Sciences. The university's STEM-focused curriculum attracts a large number of students.
Where exactly is Purdue University located?
Purdue University's main campus is located in West Lafayette, Indiana. It's situated in a classic college town environment, offering a strong community feel with easy access to campus amenities.
What are the residential options and dorm life like at Purdue?
Purdue offers a wide array of on-campus housing, including traditional residence halls, suite-style options, and living-learning communities tailored to specific academic interests. Most first-year students live on campus, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
How do students typically navigate Purdue's large campus?
Purdue's campus is designed to be highly walkable and bike-friendly, with many students using bicycles to get around. The university also operates a comprehensive bus system (CityBus) that serves the campus and surrounding West Lafayette area, making travel convenient.
What are the career prospects for graduates from Purdue University?
Purdue graduates have excellent career prospects, benefiting from the university's strong reputation, robust career services, and a vast global alumni network. They are highly sought after by employers in engineering, technology, agriculture, and various other industries.
Does Purdue offer private campus tours?
Yes, through SchoolScoops, you can book a private campus tour led by a student guide of your choice.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
Search schools