Purdue University: An NM Squad Review

Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a public research and land-grant institution. In 2023, it received 72,800 applications, admitted 36,602, and enrolled 9,285 students. Engineering applicants at the West Lafayette campus select "first-year engineering" as their primary choice, while Indianapolis campus applicants must apply directly to their major. Purdue's newest major is Artificial Intelligence, available in both the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Science. The university is known for its organized academic structure and diverse, intellectually driven community, fostering significant cultural exchange among its large student body.

1. Unique Travel Logistics

Traveling to Purdue can be lengthy. The nearest major airport is Chicago O'Hare International Airport and flights through Chicago are more affordable. A former student noted that travel time includes 1-2 hours at the airport and about 3 hours on the bus, totaling 8-9 hours. Purdue plans to introduce a direct flight from Chicago, but trips from India usually involve a one-stop flight and a shuttle to Purdue.

2. Dual Campus Experience

Purdue offers distinct experiences at its West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses. The campus is a college town. West Lafayette is not developed much and is not a very safe area overall, so individuals don't prefer to go across the river at night. There is not much to do except for a few hangout spots around. Campus culture and student experiences vary between the two locations. Indianapolis provides an urban setting integrated with a larger city, offering students diverse internships and job prospects. This urban environment, especially advantageous for fields like biomedical engineering, benefits from proximity to medical institutions.

3. High Indian Enrollment

Every year, around 150 Indians enroll at Purdue. It currently hosts 2,782 Indian students, including 876 undergraduates. Indian students make up 21.9% of the international student body. They play an active role in campus activities, with dozens of student organizations available for them to join.

4. Minimal Financial Aid for Internationals

Because of citizenship requirements, international students frequently do not qualify for many scholarships or grants. They are mostly reserved for US citizens. Even if scholarships are awarded to international students, they cover a minimal amount. Purdue has offered merit-based scholarships to students from India, through the Indian Emerging Scholar fund. It has a no-aid policy for need-based aid.

5. Top-Ranked Agricultural Program

Purdue's Agricultural and Biological Engineering program holds the prestigious rank of number one globally, underscoring its exceptional quality and the opportunities it presents for students. Additionally, the university emphasizes natural resources and environmental sciences across its College of Agriculture and the College of Science, fostering interdisciplinary learning experiences for students interested in these vital areas.

6. STEM-Focused Business School

Purdue's Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business requires rigorous math prerequisites, such as Calculus 1 and 2. Notably, its STEM-focused programs, including business analytics and information management, economics, integrated business and engineering, and supply chain and operations management, are gaining popularity, particularly for its integration of data science into business decision-making.

7. World's Largest Drum

Purdue is home to what they refer to as the "World's Largest Drum." The Purdue Big Bass Drum is a percussion instrument played by the All-American Marching Band of Purdue University. The drum itself weighs 315 pounds, while its carriage weighs 250 pounds, making the total weight 565 pounds.

8. Breakfast Club Tradition

On game days, especially for big morning football games, students participate in the "Breakfast Club" tradition. They dress in Purdue merchandise and celebrate early in the morning, creating a festive and spirited atmosphere on campus.

9. Purdue's SafeWalk Program

Purdue offers a SafeWalk Program, providing 24/7 escorts for students, faculty, and staff needing assistance to and from campus buildings. This service ensures safety, especially after dark, through the Purdue Student Security Patrol, highlighting the university's commitment to campus safety.

10. Diverse Top Employers

Purdue students are recruited by a wide range of top employers, including companies like ALDI, American Structurepoint, Arconic, Belden, and Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. The strong alumni network also plays a crucial role in providing career guidance and connections.