Founded in 1869, Purdue University reached a 15-year high in the QS World University Rankings 2027, placing 88th globally and 9th among U.S. public universities. Nicknamed the ‘Cradle of Astronauts’ for training more astronauts than any university except the U.S. service academies, Purdue is a Big Ten powerhouse in engineering and agriculture.

Purdue uses the Common Application or its own application portal, evaluating GPA, coursework rigor (especially in math and science for engineering applicants), and standardized test scores where submitted. Admission to the College of Engineering is notably more selective than the university average.

Engineering admission at Purdue is highly merit-based, weighing performance in calculus and physics coursework heavily. Purdue has also held tuition flat for over a decade, making merit-based scholarships especially impactful for reducing already-moderate costs.

Purdue offers the Trustees Scholarship, the university’s top merit award covering a substantial portion of tuition for incoming international students with outstanding academic records, alongside numerous college-specific engineering scholarships.

Purdue’s West Lafayette campus spans a large, self-contained college town setting along the Wabash River, featuring extensive engineering labs, an on-campus airport for its renowned aviation program, and one of the largest international student populations among U.S. public universities.