Purdue University Acceptance Rate for International Students

Article Summary

• Purdue University’s Fall 2025 acceptance rate stood at 43.4% from 86,953 undergraduate applications, marking the most selective class in its history after 14 consecutive years of record demand, especially in engineering, computer science, and STEM-focused programs.
• International students apply within the out-of-state pool (39% admit rate), making admission more competitive; Fall 2025 enrolled 525 international freshmen (about 5% of the class), while Fall 2024 baseline data shows an estimated 27.6% international acceptance rate.
• Competitive applicants typically present a 3.70–4.00 GPA, SAT 1220–1480, or ACT 28–34, with 97% of admitted students submitting test scores; engineering programs are more selective, admitting students closer to 1380–1520 SAT or 32–35 ACT ranges.

The Purdue University acceptance rate for international students helps applicants understand how competitive admission has become at one of the leading public universities in the United States. Purdue University, located in West Lafayette with an expanding presence in Indianapolis, attracts students from 121 countries for engineering, STEM, and innovation-focused programs.

For the Fall 2025 intake, Purdue received 86,953 undergraduate applications, marking the 14th consecutive year of record demand and resulting in its most selective incoming class. This blog explains acceptance rate trends, key admission factors, and what international students should know to assess competitiveness and plan stronger applications.

Purdue University Acceptance Rate 2025

Purdue University’s Fall 2025 admission cycle marked one of the most competitive years in its history. The university received 86,953 undergraduate applications, continuing a 14-year trend of record demand. This surge resulted in a more selective admissions process, particularly for out-of-state and international students who compete in a tighter applicant pool.

Official data from Purdue undergraduate admissions confirms that the overall acceptance rate for Fall 2025 was 43.4%. Academic strength remained a key factor in selection. Nearly 97% of admitted students submitted standardised test scores, indicating that Purdue continues to value test performance. Admitted students typically ranked at the top of their graduating classes, with strong preparation in math, science, and advanced coursework.

Residency status played a major role in admission outcomes. Purdue maintained broad access for Indiana residents, while reducing offers to non-resident applicants due to capacity limits and higher yield rates from previous years. International students fall under the out-of-state category, where competition is significantly higher.

Purdue University Admission Statistics for Fall 2025

A closer look at Purdue’s Fall 2025 admission data highlights how residency status and academic benchmarks shape selectivity. These figures offer a quick but meaningful snapshot of what it takes to be competitive.

Categories	Data
Total Applications	86,953
Overall Acceptance Rate	43.4%
In-State Acceptance Rate	71%
Out-of-State Acceptance Rate	39%
Test Score Submission Rate	97%
Middle 50% GPA	3.70 – 4.00
Middle 50% SAT	1220 – 1480
Middle 50% ACT	28 – 34
International Admit Rate	Not published separately

Also Read: University of Manchester Acceptance Rate for Indian Students

Purdue University Acceptance Rate Trends 

Over the past several years, Purdue’s acceptance rate has steadily declined not because the university is shrinking access, but because interest has grown at an unprecedented pace. Demand for Purdue’s engineering, computer science, and applied research programs has surged globally.

Applications have climbed from the mid-50,000 range just a few years ago to nearly 87,000 today. As a result, Purdue’s acceptance rate has dropped from the high-60% range to the low-40s, reflecting a more selective but still accessible public university.

The table below shows how Purdue’s undergraduate acceptance rate has evolved, allowing students to compare trends across recent academic years.

Academic Year	UG Applications Received	Students Accepted by the University	Acceptance Rate
2025–26	78,162	TBA	43.4%
2024–25	78,745	39,272	49.87%
2023–24	72,800	36,602	50.28%
2022–23	68,309	35,995	52.7%
2021–22	59,173	40,759	68.9%
2020–21	57,279	38,457	67.1%
2019–20	54,912	32,834	59.8%

Purdue University Acceptance Rate for International Students

The Purdue University acceptance rate for international students helps applicants understand how competitive admission has become at one of the leading public universities in the United States. Purdue is headquartered in West Lafayette and has expanded academic offerings in Indianapolis. It ranks among the top public universities nationally and attracts students from 121 countries for engineering, STEM, and research-focused programs.

For the Fall 2025 intake (Class of 2029), Purdue recorded its fourteenth consecutive year of record demand, receiving 86,953 undergraduate applications. The overall acceptance rate stood at 43.4%, reflecting tighter selectivity. Of the approximately 9,580 first-year students, 525 were international freshmen, representing about 5% of the incoming class. Total international undergraduate enrollment reached 3,974 students.

Purdue University Admission Snapshot (Fall 2025)

Purdue University Admission Metrics	Purdue University Acceptance Rate for International Students
Total Undergraduate Applications	86,953
Overall Acceptance Rate	43.4%
In-State Acceptance Rate	71%
Out-of-State Acceptance Rate (includes international)	39%
International Freshmen Enrolled	525
Share of International Students in Incoming Class	~5%
Total International Undergraduates	3,974
Countries Represented	121

Purdue does not publish a separate international acceptance rate for Fall 2025. International applicants compete within the out-of-state pool, where selectivity is higher due to limited seats, global demand, and visa-related timing factors.

To estimate international competitiveness, students can refer to Purdue’s Common Data Set for Fall 2024, which provides a reliable baseline.

International Undergraduate Admission Data (Fall 2024 – Baseline)

Purdue releases detailed citizenship-based data through its Common Data Set. Fall 2024 provides a reliable reference point for understanding international admission competitiveness.

Admission Data	Headcount
International Student Applications	15,404
International Students Admitted	4,246
International Students Enrolled	1,032
Estimated Acceptance Rate	~27.6%

The above baseline indicates that international admission is more selective than the overall undergraduate rate, reflecting stronger competition within the out-of-state applicant pool.

Current International Enrollment at Purdue

The following enrollment figures provide additional insight into Purdue’s international student presence across academic levels.

List of International Enrollments	Current Enrollment in Numbers
Total International Students (All Levels)	9,270
International Undergraduate Students	~4,000
Share of International Students (Undergraduate)	~9%
Share of International Students (Graduate & Professional)	~40%

Purdue University Admission Requirements for International Students

If you are an international applicant planning to apply to Purdue University as a first-year undergraduate, understanding the requirements early helps you avoid delays and strengthen your application. Purdue follows a holistic admissions process for both West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses. International applicants meet the same academic standards as domestic students, along with a few additional requirements related to English proficiency, curriculum evaluation, and immigration.

Below is a structured, tabular breakdown of the requirements, based only on official Purdue admissions and international student services sources.

Core Admission Requirements (All First-Year Applicants)

List of Admission Requirement	Details of Core Requirements
Application Platform	Common App or Purdue Application Portal
Application Fee	Required and non-refundable
High School Grades	Self-reported transcripts; official transcripts required after enrollment
Graduation Proof	High school diploma or equivalent before enrollment
SAT / ACT Scores	Test-expected; Middle 50%: SAT 1220–1480, ACT 28–34
Essays / Short Answers	Purdue-specific questions required
Evaluation Method	Holistic review focusing on rigor, grades, test scores, and major fit

English Language Proficiency Requirements: 

The following is the required eligibility for students who aspire to take admission in Purdue university but do not have English is not your first/native language)

List of Required English Language Proficiency Test	Required Minimum Score	Important Note
TOEFL iBT	88 overall (≥20 per section)	ETS code: 1631; scores valid for 2 years
IELTS Academic	6.5 overall (≥6.0 per section)	IELTS Online/Indicator accepted
Duolingo English Test (DET)	115 overall (110+ subscores)	Widely accepted by Purdue
Score Validity	Last 2 years	Official scores must be sent directly

International High School Curriculum & Documents

Required Admission Documents in Purdue University	Details of the Requirements
Academic Records	Transcripts for at least 3 consecutive years
Graduation Proof	Certificate or final diploma before enrollment
Curriculum Standards	Country-specific requirements (IB, A-Levels, national boards, etc.)
Language of Records	Certified English translations required if not in English
Subject Expectations	Typically English, math, science, social science, and electives

Financial Documentation & Immigration (After Admission)

Required Financial Documents	Purpose of the Requirements
Financial Proof	Bank statements and sponsor letters via MyISS NOI
Immigration Forms	I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1)
Passport	Valid passport required for visa processing
SEVIS Fee	Paid before U.S. visa interview
Visa Application	Apply at U.S. embassy or consulate

Application Deadlines for International Students

Type of Application	Deadline of the Applications
Early Action	November 1 (non-binding, priority review)
Regular Decision	January 15

Additional Important Notes for International Applicants

Points of Consideration	Related Information
International Quota	No fixed quota; applicants compete in out-of-state pool
Out-of-State Admit Rate (Fall 2025)	~39%
Financial Aid	Limited merit-based aid; need-based aid is generally unavailable
Student Support	Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) assists with visas and orientation

Purdue Acceptance Rate by Campus and Program

Choosing the right campus and program at Purdue University can directly affect your chances of admission. Purdue follows a single undergraduate application process for both West Lafayette (flagship campus) and Indianapolis (urban extension), but admissions decisions depend heavily on the campus location, selected major, and available seats. Purdue does not publish separate acceptance rates for Indianapolis, as applicants receive offers based on their chosen campus–program combination within the same pool.

Most detailed admission data reflects West Lafayette, where the majority of students and high-demand programs are based. The figures below come directly from Purdue’s official admissions class profile for Fall 2025 (Class of 2029).

Overall Purdue University Acceptance Rate (Fall 2025)

Admission Metric	Rate of Acceptance
Total Undergraduate Applications	86,953
Overall Acceptance Rate	43.4%
Application Review	Holistic, major- and campus-specific
Primary Data Coverage	West Lafayette (flagship campus)

Purdue Acceptance Rate by College / School (Primarily West Lafayette)

College / School	Acceptance Rate	Middle 50% SAT	Middle 50% ACT	GPA Range	Share of Enrollment
College of Engineering	34.7%	1380–1520	32–35	3.89–4.00	33.2%
First-Year Engineering (FYE)	~34%	Similar to Engineering	Similar to Engineering	High	Entry pathway to engineering majors
College of Liberal Arts	53.9%	1110–1313	27.8–31	3.50–4.00	—
College of Agriculture	55.8%	1120–1310	24.8–31	3.71–4.00	6.2%
College of Education	70.5%	1010–1210	Lower range	Varies	—
College of Pharmacy	73.9%	1210–1380	28–31	Strong STEM focus	—
College of Health & Human Sciences	Not published separately	—	—	—	Follows overall trends

Purdue’s acceptance rate varies significantly by program rather than campus name alone. Students targeting Engineering or STEM programs at West Lafayette face the highest competition and benefit from strong math, science, and test score preparation. Applicants who align their academic profile closely with program expectations and select campuses strategically can improve their chances in Purdue’s holistic admissions process.

Also Read: University Acceptance Rates Dashboard

Purdue University Transfer Acceptance Rate for International Students

Students considering a transfer to Purdue University often seek a clear, data-backed view of how selective the process is. Purdue’s official admissions data shows that transfer admission is moderately competitive, with approximately one out of every two applicants receiving an offer.

The most accurate understanding of transfer selectivity comes from Purdue’s Office of Admissions publications and its Common Data Set reports. The university does not release separate transfer acceptance rates for international students. All transfer statistics are reported as a single combined pool that includes international students, domestic out-of-state applicants, and Indiana residents.

Latest Official Transfer Admissions Statistics (Fall 2024)

Transfer Admission Metric	Numbers of Students
Total transfer applicants	3,311
Transfer students admitted	1,721
Transfer students enrolled	1,054
Overall transfer acceptance rate	~52%

(Source: Acceptance rate is calculated directly from official figures published in the Purdue University Common Data Set 2024–2025.)

What Does Purdue University Look for in Applicants?

If you plan to apply to Purdue University, knowing how admissions decisions work helps you prepare with focus and clarity. Purdue University uses a strong review process for both West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses, but academics remain the foundation of every decision. Admissions officers primarily assess whether you can succeed in your chosen major and how competitive your profile is within a limited number of seats.

Purdue places the greatest emphasis on academic thoroughness and performance. Strong grades in challenging coursework matter more than class rank alone. For example, engineering applicants benefit from advanced math, physics, and calculus preparation, while liberal arts applicants strengthen their chances through rigorous humanities and writing-focused courses.

What Purdue Evaluates in Your Application

Area of Evaluation	What Admissions Looks For
Course Rigor	Advanced and college-preparatory courses, especially in math, science, and core subjects
Academic Grades	Consistently high performance in academic coursework
SAT / ACT Scores	Strongly considered; Purdue remains test-expected
Major Readiness	Clear preparation aligned with the intended program
Application Responses	Purdue-specific essays showing interest and academic direction
Additional Context	Activities, leadership, background, and first-generation status (secondary to academics)

Purdue University Average GPA, SAT & ACT Scores (Fall 2025)

The following data reflects the middle 50% of admitted students for the Class of 2029 and provides a realistic benchmark for competitiveness.

Academic Metrics	Middle 50% Range
High School GPA	3.70 – 4.00
SAT Score (1600 scale)	1220 – 1480
ACT Composite Score	28 – 34
Students Submitting Test Scores	97%
Overall Acceptance Rate	43.4%

Purdue reports GPA on a standard 4.00 scale for comparison, but admissions decisions focus more on course difficulty and subject performance than GPA alone.

Academic Benchmarks for Competitive Programs

List of Programs	GPA Range	SAT Range	ACT Range
College of Engineering	3.89 – 4.00	1380 – 1520	32 – 35
First-Year Engineering (FYE)	Comparable to Engineering	Comparable	Comparable

Students targeting engineering and STEM programs usually fall near the upper end of these ranges, reflecting higher selectivity.

How Does Purdue’s Acceptance Rate Compare to Similar Universities?

If you are shortlisting strong public research universities for engineering, STEM, or applied sciences, comparing acceptance rates helps you set realistic expectations. Purdue University sits in a middle-selective range among top public institutions. It is more accessible than ultra-selective STEM schools like Georgia Institute of Technology or University of Michigan, but more competitive than several land-grant peers due to record demand.

For Fall 2025 (Class of 2029), Purdue reported an overall acceptance rate of 43.4% from 86,953 applications. The in-state rate remained high at 71%, supporting Indiana residents, while the out-of-state rate dropped to 39%, reflecting increased national and international competition. This balance makes Purdue a strong option for students seeking a top-tier STEM education without the extreme selectivity seen at a few elite publics.

Acceptance Rate Comparison: Purdue vs Similar Public Universities (Fall 2025)

List of Universities	Overall Admit Rate	In-State / Resident Rate	Out-of-State / Non-Resident Rate	Important Context
Purdue University (West Lafayette)	43.4%	71%	39%	Record 86,953 applications; most selective Purdue class to date
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	36.6%	Not published	Not published	First-choice major rate ~30%; CS much lower
Virginia Tech	54.6%	Not published	Not published	Larger admit pool; broader program capacity
Georgia Institute of Technology	~12.7%	~30%	~9%	Extremely selective, especially for non-residents
University of Michigan	Not officially published	Not published	Not published	Estimated ~14–18%; over 115,000 applications

Explore: US Universities with High Acceptance Rate

How International Students Can Improve Their Chances of Admission at Purdue University?

If you plan to apply to Purdue University, you need more than a strong interest. Purdue’s admissions team reviews every application holistically but focuses heavily on academic readiness for your chosen major and competitiveness within a limited seat pool. With a 43.4% overall admit rate for Fall 2025 and much lower rates in programs like engineering (~34.7%), preparation and strategy matter.

Below are practical, Purdue-backed steps that help students strengthen their applications.

1. Build a Strong Academic Foundation with Rigorous Coursework

Purdue values course rigor more than raw GPA. Take the most challenging classes your school offers and align them with your intended major.

• Math: 8 semesters strongly recommended, especially for STEM.
• English: 8 semesters required.
• Science & Social Studies: Based on major expectations.

Aim for grades close to or above the middle 50% GPA range of 3.70–4.00. Advanced AP, IB, or honors courses show readiness for Purdue’s academic pace.

2. Submit Competitive SAT or ACT Scores

Purdue remains test-expected, and 97% of admitted students submitted scores for Fall 2025.

• SAT middle 50%: 1220–1480
• ACT middle 50%: 28–34

Engineering applicants often sit higher, around 1380–1520 SAT or 32–35 ACT. Retake tests if needed. Strong scores can significantly improve your chances.

3. Write Clear and Purposeful Purdue-Specific Responses

Purdue’s short-answer questions matter. Use them to explain why your chosen major fits your academic goals and why Purdue is the right place.

• Answer prompts directly.
• Show clarity of purpose, not generic interest.
• Proofread carefully. Errors weaken otherwise strong applications.

4. Focus on Relevant Activities, Not Long Lists

Purdue values depth over quantity. Highlight activities that connect with your academic interests.

Examples include:

• Research projects, internships, or competitions.
• Leadership roles in STEM clubs or academic organisations.
• Work experience or community service showing responsibility and initiative.

Extracurriculars support your application, but they do not replace academic strength.

5. Apply Early and Submit a Complete Application

Meeting deadlines improves consideration, especially for competitive majors.

• Early Action: November 1 (non-binding, decisions by mid-January).
• Regular Decision: January 15.

Submit all materials accurately, including self-reported grades and test scores. Incomplete applications reduce competitiveness.

6. Choose Your Major Strategically

Purdue admits students by major, not just to the university.

• Select a primary major that matches your preparation.
• Use an alternate major wisely, especially if applying to highly selective programs like engineering or computer science.

Demonstrated readiness in required subjects strengthens major-based evaluation.

7. Extra Guidance for International Applicants

International students compete in the out-of-state pool, which is more selective.

• Meet country-specific academic requirements.
• Submit TOEFL or IELTS if English is not your first language.
• Prepare financial documents early for I-20 processing.

Explore: What is the Acceptance Rate of University of Connecticut

The Purdue University admission process for international students is rigorous but clearly structured. Applicants who understand the academic expectations, English proficiency standards, and documentation requirements can plan their applications with confidence. Purdue looks for strong preparation in core subjects, competitive test scores, and clear alignment with the chosen major rather than relying on any single factor.

By applying early, submitting accurate documents, and preparing financial and visa materials on time, international students can navigate the process smoothly.

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