Purdue University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Purdue’s admit rate looks approachable, but its test-required policy means your score still deserves serious attention. With 79% of applicants submitting SAT scores, use the SAT range as your main benchmark: aim for the upper half of 1210 to 1470, with a 34 ACT as a comparable high-end target.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Purdue University facts and stats
Purdue University enrolls 44,170 undergraduates on a suburban campus. Purdue has a 93% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and an 84% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14.7:1. Purdue is test-required for admissions.
West Lafayette, IN
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Key Purdue University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
April 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and early fall for retakes if you want a stronger score or superscore. Because Purdue’s Early Action deadline is November 1, the October SAT or ACT is typically the last fall retake that can arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
Purdue’s in-state tuition is $9,208, while out-of-state tuition is $28,010, making it a Big Ten public option with a clear residency price difference. About 25% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is April 15.
At Purdue, out-of-state tuition is $28,010, compared with $9,208 in-state, and room and board adds about $12,820. About 25% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $14,089. Merit awards average $5,821 for students who receive them. Graduates leave with an average debt of $30,612.
Student life at Purdue University
42% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Priority
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 13% of men join fraternities, and 17% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Anderson University
Anderson, INAcceptance rate: 79.3%
SAT: 940–1160
ACT: 17–24
Ball State University
Muncie, INAcceptance rate: 85.5%
SAT: 1080–1240
ACT: 20–24
Bethel University
Mishawaka, INAcceptance rate: 97.7%
SAT: 800–920
ACT: 16–24
Butler University
Indianapolis, INAcceptance rate: 85.1%
SAT: 1170–1330
ACT: 26–31
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