Purdue University, Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
See what Students are Posting about Purdue University, Main Campus
Pulse Summary
purdue.eduProspective students discussing Purdue online frequently highlight its strong reputation for engineering, STEM fields, and return on investment. Conversations often compare Purdue to peer schools like UIUC, Northeastern, and Ohio State, with students weighing Purdue's academic rigor, affordability, and career outcomes.
While some prospective students express concerns about the size of the university and the competitiveness of certain majors, most frame Purdue as a smart, practical choice for students seeking strong academics, solid job prospects, and an active, large-campus environment.
This limited analysis includes a glimpse of publicly shared online discussions during April 2025.
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Class of 2029 on Instagram
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Pulse Insights
Affordability and Value
Purdue's tuition rates are noted as a major advantage, with several posts mentioning that even for out-of-state students, Purdue can be more affordable than many private universities or public flagships outside Indiana. Students appreciate the balance between strong academics and relatively lower debt burden.
Comparisons to Peers
Purdue is frequently compared to schools like UIUC, Northeastern, and Ohio State, with students weighing factors like program rankings, co-op opportunities, financial aid, and campus environment. For many, Purdue stands out when balancing academic strength with cost and long-term career value.
Strength in Engineering and STEM
Purdue is widely praised for its engineering, technology, and computer science programs, with students emphasizing the rigor of coursework and the strength of the university's technical reputation. Some posts specifically call out that Purdue's brand name carries weight among employers, especially in engineering-heavy industries.
Campus Size and Environment
Students describe Purdue as a large, bustling campus with endless clubs, organizations, and campus activities. Some mention that while the size can feel overwhelming at first, it ultimately provides many ways to find your niche socially and academically.
Weather and Location
Some prospective students flag West Lafayette's cold winters and smaller town setting as factors to consider, especially compared to more urban schools. However, many note that the active campus culture helps balance out the quieter local environment.
Social Life and Community Fit
While Purdue isn't typically considered a traditional 'party school,' students describe a lively Greek life scene and a strong sense of overall campus community. Social life is often framed as what you make of it, with plenty of opportunities available for students willing to get involved.
Competitiveness Within Majors
Posts mention that while Purdue offers strong overall academics, majors like computer science, engineering, and data science are especially competitive. Some students warn that certain programs can be oversubscribed, leading to impacted class sizes and more pressure to secure spots in key courses.
Career Outcomes and ROI
Students frequently point to Purdue's high job placement rates and strong industry ties, particularly for engineering, business, and technology fields. Many view Purdue as offering a high return on investment, citing strong starting salaries and a broad alumni network that helps with internships and job searches after graduation.
