Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, is one of the leading research institutions in the United States. Established in 1869, Purdue is renowned for its engineering programs and is often referred to as the "Cradle of Astronauts," with 25 astronauts among its alumni. The university's motto, "Education, Research, Service," reflects its commitment to creating global leaders. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including the Purdue Research Park, which fosters innovative collaborations between academic researchers and industry partners. Students benefit from a vibrant school spirit demonstrated through various traditions, including the Big Ten athletic competitions, where Purdue fields a competitive range of sports teams.

Purdue University has a diverse student body with approximately 45,000 students enrolled across a wide array of programs, including highly-ranked programs in engineering, technology, agriculture, and business. The university promotes a rich campus culture that embraces diversity and encourages student involvement through over 1,600 student organizations, supporting leadership development and community service. Furthermore, the university's focus on innovation, evidenced by recent investments in research and partnerships, positions its graduates favorably in the job market, often leading to promising career opportunities in various sectors. Overall, Purdue University offers a comprehensive educational experience that combines academic excellence with a strong sense of community and tradition.

Commentary on Key Metrics at Purdue University

Purdue University has shown significant stability in its tuition fees over the years, particularly for in-state undergraduate students, which has consistently remained at $9,992 from 2020 to 2024. This stability is notable given the rising concerns regarding college affordability nationwide. Meanwhile, the tuition for out-of-state undergraduates has also been stable at $28,794. This consistency may encourage prospective students and families to consider Purdue University as a viable option amidst fluctuating tuition rates elsewhere.

Another important metric is the enrollment growth, which has depicted an upward trend, with undergraduate enrollment increasing from approximately 30,446 in 2014 to 39,864 projected in 2024. This growth reflects the university's expanding appeal and possibly its increasing reputation in the higher education landscape, which is critical in today’s competitive educational environment.

Additionally, the graduation rates show impressive improvement over the years. The on-time graduation rate rose from 37.58% in 2014 to an estimated 60.23% in 2024. This upward trend is a positive indicator of academic support and institutional effectiveness at Purdue, as higher graduation rates are often linked to student satisfaction and institutional quality.

Finally, the retention rate remains robust, illustrating that a significant majority of students choose to continue their education at Purdue, with retention rates fluctuating between about 90.59% and 93.17% from 2014 to 2023. This is essential as a high retention rate is indicative of a supportive learning environment and student engagement.

Overall, Purdue's stable tuition, growing enrollment, higher graduation rates, and strong retention metrics suggest that the institution is effectively meeting the needs of its students, establishing a solid foundation for future success.

Analysis of Graduates Data at Purdue University in 2023

The 2023 graduate data from Purdue University reveals several interesting trends, particularly in the engineering and management fields. Notably, the major in Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods produced a significant number of master's graduates—356 in total, with 300 of these being international students, indicating a strong appeal of the program to global talent. This aligns with the increasing demand for data-driven decision-making in various sectors, as businesses are increasingly relying on data analytics for strategic planning and operational efficiency.

In contrast, Computer Engineering graduates presented a different picture. With 319 bachelor's degrees awarded, 95 of which went to international students, this major reflects the high regard for engineering programs and the vital importance of technology-driven education. However, the absence of master's or doctoral graduates signals a potential gap in advanced study pathways within this discipline, which could be an area of focus for the university moving forward.

Interestingly, the Pharmacy program highlighted a significant output at the doctoral level, with 144 graduates, including three international students. This points to the growing recognition of the pharmaceutical field's importance, especially in the wake of global health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall, this data illustrates a healthy diversity in educational outcomes across various fields while underlining the importance of creating attractive pathways for advanced studies in technology and engineering to ensure the continued development of expertise in these high-demand sectors.

Analysis of Purdue University Admission Trends

Purdue University has experienced a dynamic progression in its admissions metrics and ranking over the years. Looking at the ranking data, there seems to be an upward trend starting from 2021, with a notable rise from 51st in 2023 to 43rd in 2024, before slightly declining to 46th in 2025. This positioning reflects increasing competitiveness among universities, revealing that Purdue is effectively maintaining its reputation despite the fluctuating landscape. In parallel, the admission rates for both male and female applicants indicate a more stringent selection process. For instance, the overall male admission rate has decreased dramatically from approximately 72% in 2010 to around 45% in 2024. Similarly, the female admission rate, though higher, has also followed a downward trajectory from about 74% in 2010 to nearly 59% in 2024. This suggests a tightening of admissions standards, which aligns with the university’s improving rank over recent years, particularly with the increase in the enrollment numbers peaking at over 10,000 in more recent years. This juxtaposition of rising admission selectivity against the backdrop of growing university rankings may not only enhance the institution's academic profile but also attract prospective students seeking a high-quality education. While the number of denied applications has increased, the university is making strides in building a more competitive and qualified class. Overall, Purdue University’s metrics reflect a robust and evolving academic environment, responding adeptly to the challenges of higher education admissions.

Analysis of Purdue University's Admission Scores and Submission Rates

Over the years, the admission scores and the percentage of applicants submitting standardized test scores at Purdue University have shown notable trends. Starting from 2007 through to 2024, the statistics indicate a gradual increase in the required reading and math scores on the SAT, alongside a fluctuating percentage of students submitting these scores as part of their application.

For instance, in 2007, the SAT Reading score required for the middle 50% of admitted students started at 490 and reached 600 by the end, showing a consistent demand for higher scores. This trend continues to build, peaking with the 2023 cohort, where the midpoint scores are noted between 600 and 710. Such a shift corresponds with a national trend where institutions are increasingly elevating their admission standards amidst growing competition.

Conversely, the percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores has seen a decline, particularly noticeable in the years leading towards 2022. For example, the percentage dropped from 82% in 2021 to just 62% in 2022. This decline could reflect a broader trend where applicants might seek alternative ways to showcase their capabilities beyond standardized testing.

Moreover, the number of students submitting scores has appeared to modulate, with peaks and valleys reflected in enrollment and admission strategies post-pandemic. The adjustment in policies around standardized testing could be reflecting ongoing debates around the fairness and accessibility of standardized assessments—a conversation that has intensified among higher education institutions across the U.S.

Overall, Purdue University’s data encapsulates a snapshot of the evolving landscape of college admissions, where both score requirements are on the rise, and the relevancy of standardized tests is being reassessed by prospective students.

Analysis of Student Demographics at Purdue University (2024)

The demographic composition of Purdue University for the academic year 2024 reveals important insights into the student body's diversity and gender distribution. There are a total of 38,204 undergraduates and graduate students, with a notable presence of freshmen and continuing undergraduate students, accounting for over 70% of the total enrollment.

Among the undergraduate newcomers, 57.4% are male students, while their female counterparts make up 42.6%. This trend continues with upperclassmen, where 57.8% are male. Interestingly, the male representation among transfer students slightly decreases to 52.1%, indicating a more balanced gender ratio among this group. Graduate students show a higher inclination towards male representation at 59.2%.

In reviewing the ethnic breakdown, although not all data for the subcategories are available, the information on white students is notable. For instance, the largest representation in the incoming freshman category comes from white students, comprising a significant majority. This pattern persists among upperclassmen and graduate students as well, suggesting that while diversity is a goal for many institutions, it might still require concerted efforts to enhance the representation of minority groups within the university's overall landscape.

Moreover, shifts in social dynamics and educational policies highlight the importance of inclusive practices within academic institutions. As universities strive to create equitable environments, it becomes essential to address and adapt to these demographic trends to foster both an inclusive and vibrant campus life for students from all backgrounds.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Purdue University 2024

The age distribution among students at Purdue University for the year 2024 showcases a predominantly youthful population, reflecting a typical trend seen in many universities across the United States. The largest cohort is in the 18-19 age range, with nearly 9,090 male undergraduates and 7,246 female undergraduates, accounting for approximately 64% of the total student body. This distribution highlights the traditional university demographic, where fresh high school graduates transition directly into higher education.

As we progress into older demographics, the representation starts to dwindle significantly. For instance, students aged 22-24 represent another notable segment, comprising roughly 17% of the total enrollment. Interestingly, this age group shows a notable increase in graduate students, particularly males, suggesting that many students continue their education immediately to further their academic qualifications.

Moreover, the data reveals a sharp decline in the number of students over the age of 30, with only a few in the 30-34 and 35-39 categories, indicating that Purdue University primarily caters to younger students. The 25-29 age group shows a slight uptick in female graduate students, which could reflect a growing trend of older students returning to complete their degrees, possibly influenced by flexible learning options.

Additionally, the small percentage of students aged 50 and above signifies a potential area for universities to explore in increasing accessibility and support for non-traditional students. Overall, Purdue University’s demographic profile aligns with national trends in higher education, emphasizing the need for programs that cater to the diverse age range of prospective students, especially as lifelong learning becomes more prevalent.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Purdue University

Purdue University has experienced a notable trend in international student enrollment over the years, with a clear distinction between undergraduate and graduate populations. The proportion of international undergraduate students fluctuated from 6.05% in 2005 to a peak of 17.47% in 2015, before gradually decreasing to 10.09% in 2024. This decline could be linked to several factors, including changing immigration regulations, global economic conditions, and shifts in perceptions regarding studying in the United States.

In contrast, the percentage of international graduate students has remained relatively stable, hovering around the 39% to 42% range over the years. This consistency reflects the university's strong appeal to graduate-level international students, who may be less affected by the same external factors that influence undergraduate enrollment. Purdue's reputation for research and its extensive programs in engineering and technology likely contribute to attracting a diverse pool of graduate students from around the world.

The impact of global events cannot be overstated. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted many prospective students to reconsider their study abroad plans, which may have disproportionately affected undergraduate enrollment. However, as Purdue continues to adapt its programs and outreach, there may be opportunities for rejuvenating international student interest, particularly at the undergraduate level.

Overall, while the undergraduate population sees a decrease in international representation, the graduate sector remains robust, suggesting the need for targeted strategies to enhance the attractiveness of undergraduate programs for international students moving forward.

Here are some notable schools near Purdue University-Main Campus:

• Wabash College: Ranked 55th in the 2025 US News rankings, Wabash College is a liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on the humanities and sciences.

• DePauw University: With a rank of 50, DePauw University is another esteemed liberal arts college that fosters a close-knit community and offers a robust liberal arts curriculum.

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Ranked 33rd, this major public research university is renowned for its research programs and diverse academic offerings.

• University of Notre Dame: A top-ranked institution at 18th place, Notre Dame is famed for its prestigious academic programs and vibrant campus life.

• University of Chicago: Ranking 11th, the University of Chicago is highly regarded for its rigorous academics and influential research output.

These institutions represent a variety of educational paths and specialties, providing rich opportunities for students in the surrounding area.

Analysis of Crime Rates at Purdue University

The crime statistics at Purdue University from 2013 to 2023 reveal a fluctuating trend in campus safety regarding various offenses. The overall crime rate, denoted as incidents per 1000 students, has shown some noteworthy variations across the years. For instance, in 2014, the rate peaked at 12.16, after which there was a decline to a low of 8.23 in 2021. This decline could suggest a period of improved campus safety or effective crime prevention measures instituted by the university.

Particularly concerning are incidents related to gun-related arrests and drug-related arrests. The data indicates some years with significant occurrences, especially in 2018, when there were increases in arrests related to alcohol and drug offenses. The uptick in drug-related arrests in recent years is indicative of a broader trend on many university campuses, where the substance abuse problem remains pressing. Moreover, the rise in violent crime categories, such as domestic violence and rape, should not be overlooked, as these remain critical areas of concern for student safety.

It is essential for universities to implement continuous support and preventive strategies to combat these issues effectively. This means not only enforcing rules and regulations but also providing education and resources for students. Ultimately, maintaining a safe campus environment is a collaborative effort that requires active participation from both the university administration and the student body.

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