Purdue University admits approximately 50.3% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 2 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places Purdue in the moderately selective category, making it more accessible than highly competitive research universities while maintaining academic standards above typical public institutions. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% highlights that Purdue is significantly more selective than similar large public universities, with an acceptance rate 27.8 percentage points lower than peer institutions. This level of selectivity means that students with strong academic credentials have reasonable admission prospects, though preparation and a well-rounded application remain important. The moderately selective nature allows Purdue to maintain academic quality while serving a broader range of students than highly elite institutions. Students should treat Purdue as a target school if their academic credentials align with admitted student profiles, while also including schools with higher acceptance rates in their college lists. The combination of moderate selectivity and strong outcomes makes Purdue attractive to students seeking quality technical education with realistic admission chances.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Purdue typically demonstrate strong academic preparation, particularly in mathematics and science. SAT scores for enrolled students range from 1190 at the 25th percentile to 1460 at the 75th percentile, with a median of 1342. SAT Math scores range from 600 to 750, while SAT Verbal scores span 590 to 710, reflecting the institution's emphasis on quantitative skills. ACT scores range from 27 to 34 with a median of 30. These ranges indicate that most admitted students score well above national averages, with Purdue's test score profile ranking among the highest we track. Compared to peer institutions, Purdue's median SAT score of 1342 exceeds the peer median by 144 points, demonstrating significantly stronger academic preparation than typical large public universities. Students scoring within the 1190-1460 SAT range or 27-34 ACT range are academically competitive for admission, though other application components also matter. Students scoring below the 25th percentile should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded, particularly if they demonstrate strength in other areas. The strong test score profile reflects Purdue's reputation in engineering and technical fields, where quantitative preparation proves essential for academic success.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Purdue enrolls students from diverse backgrounds, though with lower representation of certain populations compared to typical public universities. The institution serves 13.0% Pell-eligible students and 18.5% first-generation students, indicating enrollment of students from various economic backgrounds alongside those from more privileged families. The 11.2% transfer share reflects limited but meaningful pathways for students beginning their college careers elsewhere. These enrollment patterns suggest that while Purdue admits students from various backgrounds, the combination of moderate selectivity and strong academic requirements may limit access for some student populations. First-generation students should note that 18.5% of enrolled students share their background, providing a meaningful community on campus. Students from lower-income families should consider the 13.0% Pell share when assessing institutional fit and support systems. The demographic composition reflects Purdue's position as a selective public research university that serves a more academically prepared student body than typical state institutions while maintaining broader access than highly elite private universities.
Given Purdue's 50.3% acceptance rate and strong academic profile, students should consider backup options that provide similar technical education with different admission profiles or costs.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
Students who enroll at Purdue demonstrate strong persistence and completion rates across demographic groups. 92.0% of freshmen return for sophomore year, exceeding the peer median of 83.7% by 8.3 percentage points, indicating effective first-year support and student satisfaction. The six-year graduation rate reaches 83.1%, significantly above the peer median of 65.9%. Pell-eligible students graduate at 74.3%, creating an 8.8 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This gap, while present, remains within the range typical for selective public institutions and suggests reasonably effective support for lower-income students. The strong retention and completion rates indicate that students who gain admission can expect institutional support for degree completion. Lower-income students should weigh the 8.8 percentage point Pell completion gap when considering this institution, though the 74.3% Pell graduation rate still represents solid outcomes. Prospective students should view these completion rates as indicators of an academic environment that supports student success, particularly given the institution's moderately selective admissions and strong academic standards.
Similar quality tier in Midwest (#4188 ranked)
Higher acceptance rates with similar career outcomes.
Similar quality tier (#4190 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#4186 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#4180 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#4210 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#4211 ranked)
Build a balanced list with schools at different selectivity and price points.
Explore More Schools