Solid graduate outcomes with earnings above the peer average.
What graduates earn 10 years after enrollment.
Annual salary at 10 years
Lower quartile earnings
Upper quartile earnings
How graduate earnings grow in the decade after enrollment.
Purdue graduates experience steady earnings growth throughout their early careers, with median income rising from $60,838 six years after enrollment to $66,951 at eight years and reaching $72,424 at ten years. This represents 19.0% growth from the six-year to ten-year mark, indicating consistent career advancement as graduates gain experience and assume more senior roles.
How outcomes compare to similar institutions.
Graduate earnings exceed the peer average, indicating above-typical outcomes for this institution type.
Financial justification for the investment.
Excellent affordability. Median debt of $19,500 is well under annual earnings, enabling comfortable repayment.
Purdue graduates accumulate median debt of $19,500, positioning slightly below the peer median of $20,000 by $500. Debt levels vary considerably, ranging from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $26,623 at the 75th percentile, reflecting different borrowing patterns and financial circumstances.
Purdue University demonstrates well above average return on educational investment, ranking at the 88.6th percentile nationally in comprehensive return analysis. Graduates earn a median of $72,424 ten years after enrollment, placing them in the 88th percentile nationally and $11,881 above the peer median of $60,543.
Approximately 26.8% of Purdue graduates continue to graduate or professional study, reflecting balanced preparation for both immediate workforce entry...
Program mix explains much of the earnings story.
Program-level earnings demonstrate the significant impact of field selection on career outcomes. Computer Science graduates lead with median earnings of $116,601, followed by Computer Engineering at $103,645, reflecting strong market demand for computing skills.
Traditional engineering disciplines show robust outcomes, with Industrial Engineering producing $92,621 earnings and Aerospace Engineering generating $91,645. Mathematical Statistics and Probability graduates earn $90,328, highlighting the value of quantitative skills in data-driven careers.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
Return outcomes at Purdue show meaningful variation across the graduate population. Earnings span from $47,140 at the 25th percentile to $103,038 at the 75th percentile, creating a 2.2:1 ratio between high and low earners.
