Purdue University is one of the most recognized public universities in the United States, particularly among students interested in science, technology, engineering, and innovation. In fact, it was named the most recognized public university in the US in 2025 by American Caldwell.
Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue combines academic excellence with a strong sense of community and tradition. If you’re wondering what Purdue University is known for, what students study there, and what life on campus is like, this guide breaks it all down.
What Is Purdue University Known For?
When people ask what Purdue is known for, the answer most often starts with STEM. Purdue University is internationally respected for its engineering, technology, and science programs, consistently ranking among the top public universities in these fields.
Purdue is also known for:
- Strong research focus as a major land-grant university. Purdue houses 400+ research labs on campus, is the #1 research university in Indiana, and ranks 4th nationally for the number of patents among all US universities.
- Major contributions to aerospace and space exploration. Purdue has graduated 27 astronauts, earning it the nickname “The Cradle of Astronauts.”
- A culture of innovation. Purdue has ranked in the top 10 most innovative public universities for 8 consecutive years.
Overall, Purdue University is known for combining rigorous academics with real-world application.
What Are the Most Popular Majors at Purdue?
Purdue offers more than 200 majors, but several stand out for their popularity and reputation.
Engineering
The Purdue College of Engineering is ranked #8 in the country for public university programs with 9 graduate and 7 undergraduate academic units ranked in top 10 for their disciplines by US News & World Report. Their industrial engineering program is ranked #2 and both Aeronautical & Astronautical and Civil Engineering are ranked #3 nationally. This is due to the curriculum’s depth in specialized areas and breadth across many engineering disciplines. Purdue Engineering is known for high-quality, practical education that feeds directly into high-demand industries, backed by a powerful brand and history.
Computer Science
Purdue’s Computer Science program ranks among the top 10% of programs across the nation with Cybersecurity ranking #7; Software Engineering ranking #10; and Data Analytics, AI, and Systems ranking #13. Purdue stays ahead of the curve in changes to computer science as AI grows and takes over roles previously done by humans, leading their students to continue to be hired by top companies, like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon with starting salaries over $100K. Purdue CS is a large, competitive (<30% of applicants admitted), and highly respected program that provides excellent career opportunities and high earning potential for its graduates, supported by strong rankings and demand.
Business
The Mitch Daniels School of Business at Purdue is known for blending business with STEM, analytics, and integrated business/engineering programs. It was ranked #27 by US News for 2025 with Production/Operations Management, Quantitative Analysis, and Supply Chain/Logistics all ranking in the top 10 in the country. Graduates report enhanced leadership skills, increased responsibility, and ability to implement changes. Roughly 93% of undergraduates are placed in jobs or graduate school within six months of graduation and 89% of business students earn industry internships. Top companies, like Deloitte, KPMG, PepsiCo, and JP Morgan Chase, all hire Purdue graduates.
Agriculture Sciences
Purdue’s College of Agriculture is a global leader in the AG industry, ranking top 3 in the US and top 5 in the world. It is particularly known as a leader in AgStats, focusing on areas like regression, distributions, and data-driven decision-making for resource allocation and food security. Purdue offers a robust environment where cutting-edge statistical methods are applied to solve real-world agricultural challenges, from understanding climate impacts on forests to improving crop production through data analysis. Purdue Agricultural Sciences majors are hired by major agribusinesses (like BASF, Syngenta), government agencies (USDA, US Park Service, CDC), food and biomaterials companies, financial institutions (for ag finance), and technology firms (AgTech).
These programs reflect what Purdue is best known for: strong technical education supported by cutting-edge research and industry partnerships.
What Is Campus Life Like at Purdue?
Campus life at Purdue is active, diverse, and deeply rooted in tradition. The large campus provides a classic college-town feel, while still offering modern facilities and resources.
Key aspects of campus life include:
- Over 1,000 student organizations, clubs, and academic groups
- Big Ten athletics and passionate school spirit, with traditions like Boiler Up and Grand Prix
- Greek life, cultural organizations, and service opportunities
- Ranking #1 in Campus Safety by Academic Influence
- 5/5 Star Ranking in LGBTQ-Friendly Campus Pride Index by Campus Pride
- West Lafayette offers a student-friendly environment with restaurants, entertainment, and easy access to Indianapolis and Chicago.
Why Do Students Choose Purdue for College?
Students choose Purdue for a combination of academic quality, affordability, and outcomes. Some of the biggest reasons include:
- Strong return on investment and career placement – Purdue ranks as a Top 10 Public University That Employers Love.
- Strong alumni network – Purdue ranks 10th in the country for best alumni networks, and that network includes 600,000+ alumni worldwide.
- Competitive tuition and affordability – Tuition has been frozen since 2013, saving students and families more than $1 billion in costs, with the majority of students benefiting financially. Roughly 65% of Purdue students graduate debt-free (compared to the national average of ~36%).
- Excellent internship, co-op, and research opportunities.
- Supportive academic resources and advising.
- Diverse student body with a global presence.
What Does Purdue Look for in Applicants?
Purdue admissions is selective, especially for competitive majors like engineering and computer science. The university looks for students who demonstrate:
- Strong academic performance in rigorous coursework—bring on the AP classes!
- Readiness for math, science, and analytical thinking.
- Commitment to their intended major—build up that resume with relevant experience.
- Leadership, involvement, and initiative.
- Thoughtful essays that show curiosity and problem-solving skills.
- Strong academic performace—For the class of 2025, the average admitted student had between 27-34 ACT or 1210-1470 SAT and a GPA of 3.5-4.0 unweighted (with competitive programs like Engineering and CS being higher).
Purdue values students who are motivated, innovative, and eager to make an impact.
Fun Facts About Purdue University
- Purdue has produced more astronauts than any other university in the US.
- The school mascot, Purdue Pete, is one of the most recognizable in college sports.
- The Boilermaker nickname dates back to the late 1800s and is a tribute to the school’s engineering focus, hands-on mechanical training, and its purchase of a real locomotive for labs.
- Purdue helped launch the first university-based airport in the US and is available to fly in and out of via United Airlines.
- Notable alumni include astronaut Neil Armstrong, popcorn tycoon Orville Redenbacher, football player Drew Brees, comedian Jim Gaffigan, and Virginia’s first female governor, Abigail Spanberger.
Final Thoughts: Is Purdue the Right Choice for You?
So, what is Purdue University known for overall? Purdue stands out for its STEM excellence, career-focused education, affordability, and strong campus culture. It’s an ideal choice for students who are curious, driven, and interested in solving real-world problems.
If you’re looking for a university that blends tradition, innovation, and opportunity, Purdue University is well worth considering.
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