Purdue University admitted 43.4% of its 86,953 applicants for Fall 2025, its most selective incoming class on record. For international applicants, including Indian students, the acceptance rate is considerably lower at 22.5%. This gap reflects both the high volume of international applications and the absence of merit-based financial aid for international undergraduates at Purdue University.
Despite competitive odds, there is a large Indian student community of over 2,700, a 14-year tuition freeze, and strong career outcomes. The acceptance rate varies significantly by college; Engineering admits 34.7%, while Education admits 70.5%. Understanding the data by college before applying saves time and improves decision-making.
- Acceptance Rate at a Glance
- How the Acceptance Rate Has Changed (2019–2025)
- Acceptance Rates by College
3.1 Most Competitive
3.3 Less Competitive (Accessible Entry Points)
- Academic Requirements for Indian Students
- Why Indian Students Choose Purdue
- Strengthening Your Application
- Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Cost of Attendance (International Students)
- FAQs
Acceptance Rate at a Glance
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Overall acceptance rate (Fall 2025) | 43.4% |
| International student acceptance rate | 22.5% |
| Total applications received | 86,953 |
| Total admitted | 37,680 |
| Total enrolled undergraduates | 43,067 |
Learn about the universities with a high acceptance rate in the US
How the Acceptance Rate Has Changed (2019–2025)
Purdue's acceptance rate has declined steadily over six years, driven by a surge in applications. The university has not significantly expanded enrolment capacity.
| Year | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 69% |
| 2020 | 59.8% |
| 2021 | 57% |
| 2022 | 57% |
| 2023 | 50% |
| 2024 | 49.8% |
| 2025 | 43.4% |
Acceptance Rates by College
The overall 43.4% rate masks large differences across programs. Applicants should assess their target college specifically.
Most Competitive
These programs have the lowest acceptance rates at Purdue and attract a high volume of top-tier applicants each year. Admission is highly selective, and strong academics, test scores, and extracurriculars are essential.
| College / Programme | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| College of Engineering (overall) | 34.7% |
| Professional Flight (within Engg.) | 7.7% |
| Nursing (within Engg.) | 28.9% |
| Computer Science (within Engg.) | 42.9% |
| College of Veterinary Medicine | 30.2% |
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Moderately Competitive
These colleges offer a more balanced level of selectivity, with solid competition but comparatively higher acceptance rates. A well-rounded profile with good academic performance can provide a strong chance of admission.
| College | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| College of Science | 46% |
| Daniels School of Business | 45.9% |
| College of Health and Human Sciences | 48.7% |
| Polytechnic Institute | 47.1% |
Learn about the popular courses and their fees at Purdue University
Less Competitive (Accessible Entry Points)
These colleges have higher acceptance rates, making them more accessible for applicants. They can also serve as strategic entry points for students considering internal transfers or exploring majors after enrollment.
| College | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| College of Liberal Arts | 53.9% |
| College of Agriculture | 55.8% |
| Exploratory Studies (undecided major) | 68.4% |
| College of Education | 70.5% |
| College of Pharmacy | 73.9% |
Academic Requirements for Indian Students
- GPA: 3.70–4.00 (approx. 85–92% or 8.5–9.2 CGPA)
- SAT: 1,220–1,480 | ACT: 28–34
- SAT/ACT: Not required for international students on non-US curriculum, but strong scores strengthen borderline applications
- Required subjects: 4 years of secondary mathematics; 3 years of laboratory science
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT ≥ 80 | IELTS ≥ 6.5 | Duolingo ≥ 115
- TOEFL exemption: Not required if SAT EBRW ≥ 580 or ACT ≥ 20
- Transcripts: Attested copies of Standard X and XII certificates (CBSE, ICSE, or State Board); non-English transcripts need certified English translation
Why Indian Students Choose Purdue
- Over 2,700 Indian students enrolled; 265 faculty members of Indian origin.
- #1 public university for graduating Fortune 500 CEOs (Strategas, 2024).
- #3 public university for internships and co-ops (U.S. News, 2025); over 82% of students complete internships before graduation.
- QS World University Rankings 2026: #9 among US public universities, #88 globally.
- Tuition frozen for 14 consecutive years: non-resident tuition $28,794/yr.
- First Destination Survey: 89.9% of graduates achieve career outcomes within six months; 83% employed full-time.
Strengthening Your Application
Purdue uses holistic admissions. Grades and test scores are the primary factors, but the following also carry weight:
- Essays: Two required — Common App personal essay (250–650 words) and a 'Why Purdue?' essay (250 words max). Essays are especially important for applicants below the GPA middle 50%
- Extracurriculars and leadership: Meaningful activities differentiate similar academic profiles
- Letters of recommendation (UG): Optional, but can support borderline applications
- Statement of Purpose (PG): Should address professional background, reasons for the programme, why Purdue, and career goals
- LORs (PG): Requirements vary by department; Computer Science requires a minimum of 3
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Planning your finances is a key part of applying to Purdue University, especially for Indian students. While need-based aid is limited, there are merit-based scholarships and department-level opportunities available. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main funding options you should know:
| Aid Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Indian Emerging Scholar Fund |
Renewable 4-year scholarship for Indian citizens who graduated from high school in India. GPA ≥ 3.5 (approx. 80%+ or 8.0+ CGPA) required. Awards are notified January–March each year. |
| Application Fee Waiver |
Fee waivers were offered for Spring and Fall 2026. Verify current status at admissions.purdue.edu. |
| Need-Based Aid (UG International) |
Not available. International undergraduates are not eligible for federal, state, or Purdue need-based financial aid. |
| Graduate Assistantships |
Some departments offer teaching or research assistantships. Competitive; check with individual departments. |
Check out the popular scholarships for indian students to study in the US
Cost of Attendance (International Students)
- UG total cost: ~$42,184/yr (approx. ₹39.56 Lakhs) including tuition, fees, room, and board
- PG tuition: $14,552–$15,214 per semester (approx. ₹13.65–₹14.27 Lakhs); housing and living costs are additional
- Tuition: Frozen for 14 consecutive years
- Financial aid: International students are not eligible for need-based aid; full cost must be self-funded
Read about the cost of living at Purdue University
Purdue University’s acceptance trends clearly show a shift toward higher selectivity and global competitiveness. With an overall acceptance rate of 43.4% and only 22.5% for international students, Purdue’s Fall 2025 intake was its most selective ever.
For Indian applicants, this means that academic excellence, strong essays, and early applications are crucial. Despite the competitive odds, Purdue remains one of the most attractive U.S. public universities for Indian students.
FAQs
Ques. Is Purdue test‑optional for Indian students?
Ans. Yes. SAT or ACT scores are not mandatory for applicants from non‑U.S. curricula, but submitting strong scores can enhance borderline profiles.
Ques. Does Purdue offer scholarships to Indian students?
Ans. Yes, limited merit‑based awards like the Indian Emerging Scholar Fund are available. However, need‑based financial aid is not offered to international undergraduates.
Ques. Which programs are the hardest to get into?
Ans. Engineering, Professional Flight, and Nursing are among the most competitive, with acceptance rates below 35%. Education and Pharmacy are the most accessible, exceeding 70%.
Ques. How long does Purdue take to release admission decisions?
Ans. Typically 6–8 weeks after the application deadline. Early applicants receive priority consideration.
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