---
title: Purdue University-Main Campus — PickACampus
description: Explore Purdue University-Main Campus: 50% acceptance rate, $60,838 median starting salary, and ranked #46 overall on PickACampus.
url: https://pickacampus.com/college/39
last_updated: 2026-06-03
---

# Purdue University-Main Campus

Purdue University-Main Campus is a public institution in West Lafayette, Indiana, with an urban setting and a total enrollment of 44,503 students. The university maintains a 50% acceptance rate and an 83% graduation rate, with a student-faculty ratio of 14:1. Graduates earn a median starting salary of $60,838, while in-state tuition is set at $9,992.

## Overview
- Location: West Lafayette, IN
- Type: Public
- Setting: urban
- Total enrollment: 44,503

## Admissions
- Acceptance rate: 50%
- Average SAT: 1,364
- Average ACT: 30
- Average GPA: 3.30

## Cost
- In-state tuition: $9,992
- Out-of-state tuition: $28,794
- Room and board: $12,820
- Average financial aid: $13,000
- Average student debt at graduation: $19,500

## Outcomes
- 6-year graduation rate: 83%
- 4-year graduation rate: 65%
- Freshman retention: 92%
- Employment rate: 91%
- Average starting salary: $60,838

## Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 14:1
- Average class size: 25
- Classes under 20 students: 35%

## Notable
["Purdue University has graduated more astronauts than any other non-military university.","The university's mascot, the Boilermaker Special, is the world's largest working replica of a locomotive.","Purdue is known as the 'Cradle of Astronauts' due to its significant contributions to space exploration.","The Purdue 'All-American' Marching Band is renowned for its innovative performances and formations."]

## Traditions
[{"name":"Boilermaker Special","description":"Purdue's official mascot, a custom-built, steam-powered locomotive."},{"name":"Breakfast Club","description":"Students dress in costumes and party downtown before home football games."},{"name":"Grand Prix","description":"An annual go-kart race organized and run by students."},{"name":"Purdue Bell Tower","description":"A campus landmark where students gather and celebrate."}]

## Notable alumni
[{"name":"Neil Armstrong","description":"First person to walk on the Moon."},{"name":"Eugene Cernan","description":"Last person to walk on the Moon."},{"name":"Drew Brees","description":"Super Bowl-winning NFL quarterback."},{"name":"Orville Redenbacher","description":"Founder of a famous popcorn brand."},{"name":"Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger","description":"Pilot who landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River."}]

## Common questions

Q: What is Purdue University-Main Campus's acceptance rate?
A: Purdue University-Main Campus's acceptance rate is 50%.

Q: How much does Purdue University-Main Campus cost?
A: Purdue University-Main Campus charges $9,992 for in-state tuition and $28,794 for out-of-state. Room and board and fees are additional.

Q: Where is Purdue University-Main Campus located?
A: Purdue University-Main Campus is located in West Lafayette, IN.

Q: What SAT score do you need for Purdue University-Main Campus?
A: The average SAT score at Purdue University-Main Campus is 1,364.

Q: What is the graduation rate at Purdue University-Main Campus?
A: Purdue University-Main Campus has a 6-year graduation rate of 83%.

Compare Purdue University-Main Campus with other schools free at https://pickacampus.com/college/39