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Public UniversityEst. 1869STEM OPT Eligible

Study in Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN

53%
Acceptance Rate
18%
Intl Students
87%
OPT Job Rate
Last verified: March 2026 - cross-referenced with official university and USCIS sources. Visa rules change - always confirm with your DSO.

Overview for International Students

Purdue is America's most cost-effective top-tier engineering university, with tuition under $30,000 for international students and top-10 engineering rankings. With nearly 18% international students and a strong aerospace, mechanical, and electrical engineering reputation, Purdue is a practical powerhouse.

  • Top-10 engineering school at under $30,000 non-resident tuition
  • #8 engineering school nationally (US News)
  • 18% international students - one of the largest international communities in the Midwest
  • Strong industry ties to aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing
  • Low cost of living in West Lafayette compared to major metros
  • STEM OPT eligible across all engineering programs

Who Thrives at Purdue?

Purdue is engineering without pretension. There are no celebrity academics or startup celebrity culture - just very good engineering education at a price that is genuinely accessible. International students make up nearly 18% of the student body, and a large portion are from India, China, and South Korea pursuing graduate degrees. The campus is in West Lafayette, Indiana, which is quiet and affordable - a very different proposition from NYC or LA. Students who thrive here are focused on their work, not their social scene. The graduate engineering programs, particularly in aerospace, mechanical, and electrical, have strong industry ties to Boeing, Caterpillar, and defense contractors that are hard to replicate at coastal schools.

Rankings

#109
QS World
#8
US News Engineering
#20
US News CS

Admissions Requirements

Acceptance Rate53%
Total Enrollment50,539
TOEFL Minimum77 (iBT)
IELTS Minimum6.5

Application Deadlines

Regular DecisionFebruary 1

Popular Majors for International Students

EngineeringComputer ScienceAgricultureBusinessAviation

Scholarships for International Students

Purdue Promise (limited international)
Meets need for eligible students
Graduate Teaching/Research Assistantships
Full tuition + $18,000–$26,000 stipend
Note: Scholarship availability and amounts change annually. Always verify directly with the university financial aid office before applying.

Jobs & OPT for International Students

STEM OPT Eligible
Yes - 3 years total
OPT Employment Rate
87% within 6 months

Top Employers Who Hire from Purdue

BoeingCaterpillarJohn DeereEli LillySalesforceGoogleAmazon

Cost Summary (Annual)

Tuition & Fees$28,794
Est. Living Costs$14,000
Total Est. Cost$42,794

Estimates for 2025–26 academic year. Actual costs vary. Check university website for current figures.

International Student Profile

Total Enrollment50,539
Intl Students9,200
Intl Student %18%

International Student Office

DSO Contact:
issadvising@purdue.edu
Official Intl Office

Monthly Visa Update

Visa rule changes, scholarship deadlines, and OPT updates - once a month.