Purdue University—West Lafayette (PU)

Purdue University-West Lafayette is a public research university that has a "big campus atmosphere" while maintaining a "small school feel within [the] individual colleges." Though students say to expect a "difficult and rigorous curriculum," it's all in the service of obtaining "a world-class education" from a globally recognized university. With over 400 research labs throughout the system, Purdue is noted for its strong reputation in the STEM fields. In particular, it is "known for being a great engineering school," with about 30 percent of students majoring in engineering. Additionally, the university offers a range of other excellent majors and programs, including "a great pharmacy program," "a great nursing program," and a "speech pathology program [that] is one of the best." Classes across the more than 200 programs offered are described as "excellent and stimulating," with professors who "expect the most out of you." They come to class "very excited about...teaching" and encourage students to share a similar enthusiasm for learning. Many instructors are seasoned educators, often having "at least ten years under their belts with PhDs." Students who commit to working hard, collaborating with their peers, and fully immersing themselves in university life will find that Purdue provides "everything a college kid could want: sports, academics, clubs, and delicious food."

While it can seem like most of the students at Purdue are "white and from the Midwest" (almost half of all first-year students are Indiana residents), the student body includes individuals from more than 100 countries and represents a wide array of personalities, backgrounds, and ethnicities. Many students socialize and make friends "within their majors," which "helps create a small-school feel within a huge university." People say it's not hard to make friends in a place where "most students are really down to earth." Even those who are initially more reserved can "find their niche here and get along well," as the welcoming "atmosphere on campus coaxes most out of their shell sooner or later." And once you become a Boilermaker, you are one for life, with the benefit and support of a strong alumni network of over 600,000 individuals spanning the globe.

There are numerous opportunities to get involved on campus, along with plenty of ways to "unwind and have fun by joining a club or organization." With over 1,000 options, there is something for everyone, everything from The Art of the Bonsai Club to Act Natural, Purdue's own sketch comedy group. Students can also kick back at the Union Rack and Roll, which features bowling lanes, billiard tables, and arcade games. As a Big Ten school with "great school spirit," Purdue boasts more than 30 varsity teams to root for. Cheering for these teams can feel like a sport in itself: "We have Ross-Ade Brigade and Paint Crew, student clubs for cheering on the athletic teams, and they're fairly large." For those who want to participate at a more casual level, there are three dozen intramural sports; students can obtain an Intramural Sports Pass to play as many as they like. There are also plenty of school-sponsored events for students, including the Grand Prix during Gala Week, a 160-lap go-kart race known as "The Greatest Spectacle in College Racing," and Spring Fest, which offers ton of activities and attractions. While "there is always something fun to do on campus," students can also explore nearby Indianapolis or Chicago for a taste of city life. With so many clubs, sports, and activities available, a "typical student has a hard time completing all three S's (sleep, study, socialize) but has fun trying."

“The programs to help people out with career development are countless. That’s definitely a strength at Purdue,” raves one student, and the school leaves them well prepared to navigate life after graduation; indeed, 96.4 percent of the Class of 2021 reported a successful career outcome. The Center for Career Opportunities & Pre-Professional Advising offers guidance on academic majors and career paths, networking and recruiting opportunities, resources for job and internship searches, and coaching on résumés, cover letters, and interviews. These services can all be scheduled through Purdue’s BoilerConnect portal. Overall, “Purdue has an outstanding reputation for developing difference makers, role models, and individuals who can think outside the box.” Employers clearly agree, and top companies including GM, Charles Schwab, and PepsiCo partner with the university for direct recruitment. Out of Purdue alumni visiting PayScale.com, the median starting salary was $72,900, and 51 percent report feeling as though they derive a high level of meaning from their careers.