Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a highly regarded public research institution known for its competitive admissions process. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), Purdue reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 52.7%, reflecting a selective yet accessible admissions landscape. This rate is influenced by a growing applicant pool, with over 68,000 applications received in recent years, driven by the university’s strong reputation in engineering, technology, and agriculture. Purdue maintains transparency in its admissions data, often publishing detailed statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, allowing prospective students to understand their chances of admission.
Over the past few years, Purdue’s acceptance rate has shown a slight decline, indicating increasing competitiveness as more students apply, particularly for high-demand programs like engineering. The university’s lack of an Early Decision option means Early Action does not significantly boost admission chances, unlike at some peer institutions. Compared to other Big Ten schools like the University of Michigan (acceptance rate around 18%), Purdue remains more accessible, though it is still selective compared to national averages. International student admissions have also grown more competitive due to Purdue’s global reputation. For the most accurate and updated statistics, prospective students are encouraged to visit the official Purdue admissions website at purdue.edu/admissions or review the Common Data Set for historical trends.