Family of Future Purdue Students
Admission Requirements
Most students who are admitted to Purdue exceed Purdue's high school course expectations. Therefore, all students who plan to apply to Purdue are encouraged to exceed these expectations as well.
Courses that qualify for the subject categories include the following:
- Math - algebra, geometry, advanced algebra, trigonometry, and calculus, but not computer, general, or business math.
- Laboratory Science* - biology, chemistry, physics, earth/space science, physiology/anatomy, etc.
- English - grammar, composition, literature, speech, and vocabulary, but not journalism, newspaper, yearbook, or theatre arts.
View freshman admission requirements.
Indiana Residents Only
Purdue strongly encourages Indiana students to pursue the Academic Honors Diploma.
Financial Information
Division of Financial Aid
The Purdue Division of Financial Aid manages allocation and distribution of federal, state, and institutional aid for students. They offer assistance with questions about aid and the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, DFA oversees student employment services.Financial Aid Estimator
Purdue University offers an online financial aid estimator to help families plan for educational costs at Purdue University-West Lafayette.
Why Purdue?
- High Expectations with Strong Support
Academic expectations at Purdue are high, but Purdue people are vested in your student's success. Climbing retention and graduation rates attest to the fact that current student support services, as well those that are enhanced and developed each year, ensure that Purdue students have resources that will help them succeed. The Academic Advisor's website lists many of the departments and programs that contribute to student success. -
Return on Investment
In recent years, multiple organizations have listed Purdue among the country's best values in higher education (SmartMoney magazine, Kiplinger's Personal Finance, and the Princeton Review). In addition, in a Wall Street Journal survey of corporate recruiters, Purdue ranked 4th in the country in preparing students for the workforce. -
Academic Programs
Purdue offers nearly 200 majors. Additional specializations and concentrations, undergraduate research opportunities, and possibilities for interdisciplinary collaboration enhance the educational experiences available to students across campus. -
Rankings
Purdue University is a top-25 public university any many individual academic programs are highly ranked as well. View a summary of Purdue Rankings. -
Professional Practice
The Professional Practice Program coordinates cooperative education programs that currently serve about 800 students and 650 employers across the country. Co-ops provide students with valuable work experience, an income, and more than two-thirds lead to job offers. View the parent information booklet for the professional practice program. -
Center for Career Opportunities (CCO)
The CCO is a life-long resource for Purdue students and graduates. It provides career development and job search services and maintains strong relationships with employers across the country. Visit the CCO website for parents and families. - Overall Student Experience
At Purdue, students gain more than the experience that will help them get them into grad school or land their first job. They develop the personal qualities and life skills necessary for sustained personal and professional success. To name just a few:- Communication and critical-thinking skills
- adaptability
- self-esteem and self-confidence
- maturity and professional conduct
- global awareness and understanding
Housing & Student Life
University Residences
On-campus housing is provided by University Residences. Although students are not required to live on campus, most new freshmen do. Students who accept their offer of admission are able to access the online housing contract through their myPurdue online student portal. (On-campus housing is made available to transfer students after the freshman contract period is complete.)Learning Communities
Learning Communities are first-year programs that allow students to study, and possibly live, with peers who have similar academic interests. Students who take part in a learning community earn higher grades, make friends faster, and graduate at higher or faster rates.Student Activities and Organizations (SAO)
With more than 900 student organizations to choose from, any Purdue student can find something to do in their free time. From multicultural groups and honor societies to intramural and club sports students gain skills that not only enhance their student experience but also have the ability to make them leaders in their careers.Horizons
HORIZONS is a success program for income-eligible, first-generation college students. With the goal of retaining and graduating participants, it provides academic, social and career support. Visit the Horizons website for more information.Disability Resource Center (DRC)
The DRC facilitates equal access and equal opportunity for students with disabilities in all facets of university life. Students with documented learning and physical disabilities can take advantage of a host of services, including testing accommodations, interpreters, and document conversion.- Student Access Transition and Success Programs (SATS) -
SATS oversees transition and success programs for new Purdue students, including Boiler Gold Rush, STAR, Learning Communities, Purdue Promise, family programs and others. SATS also publishes a family calendar.
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Purdue University Student Health Center (PUSH) -
PUSH and its staff of doctors and nurses offer quality healthcare for Purdue students. From immunizations and X-rays to physical therapy and urgent care services, PUSH’s convenient campus location makes it very accessible. Students also have access to Counseling and Psychological Services and the Student Wellness Office. -
Twenty-first Century Scholars
Twenty-first Century Scholars (TfCS) at Purdue can find assistance through the TfCS Support Program, which provides services such as mentoring, tutoring, and coordination of social programs. Cultural Centers
Purdue is home to three cultural centers. Open to students of all backgrounds, the cultural centers host many activities and offer opportunities for mentoring, volunteering, as well as educational programming and off-campus experiences.
Our Community & Campus Safety
West Lafayette, Indiana
Forbes magazine ranks West Lafayette among the smartest small cities in the country. A combination of close-knit neighborhoods, beautiful green spaces and high-tech research centers, West Lafayette and its sister city, Lafayette, combine small-town security with many big city amenities for the more than 150,000 people who call the area home.Police/Fire
The University Police Department and Fire Department help provide a safe and secure educational environment for the Purdue community. The Police Department maintains a website for Purdue parents.Student Security Patrol
Staff and students who feel uncomfortable walking alone while on campus may be escorted by students from the Purdue Student Security Patrol - specially selected and trained students who offer evening safe walks and provide extra observation in parking garages and other areas of the Purdue campus.
Parent Chats
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Each year, Purdue hosts multiple online chats through which parents and family members can communicate directly with staff from Admissions and Financial Aid. The chat schedule is available online.
