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Purdue University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Purdue University accepts 50% of applicants. It is a public university in West Lafayette, Indiana, with about 44,503 undergraduates. The sticker price is $23,712 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $14,851.

50%Acceptance rate
1200–1480Middle 50% SAT
27–34Middle 50% ACT
$14,851Average cost after aid / year
84%Graduation rate
$68,067Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for Purdue University?

Admitly estimates a typical Indiana resident needs about a 3.6 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 78%.

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into Purdue University by GPA

Assumes an SAT of 1310, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPAIndiana residentOut-of-state
3.014% Reach5% Reach
3.329% Reach11% Reach
3.543% Target18% Reach
3.758% Target29% Reach
3.972% Target43% Target
4.078% Target51% Target

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at Purdue University

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $23,712 a year for state residents including room and board.

Family incomeIn-stateOut-of-state
Under $50k$6,100$22,100
$50k – $100k$9,100$25,000
$100k – $150k$15,300$31,200
$150k – $250k$23,700$41,400
Over $250k$23,700$42,500

Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.

Outcomes

84%Finish their degree
93%Return for second year
$68,067Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about Purdue University

What is the acceptance rate at Purdue University?

Purdue University admits 50% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into Purdue University?

Admitly estimates a typical Indiana resident needs about a 3.6 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 78%. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for Purdue University?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1200–1480 on the SAT and 27–34 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does Purdue University cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $23,712 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $14,851 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $6,100 in-state.

What is the graduation rate at Purdue University?

84% of students finish their degree, and 93% return for a second year.

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