Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global has annual tuition of $10,101, and average net price of $7,770, with a 50.0% six-year graduation rate, about 30,828 undergraduates, and median earnings of $32,973 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Purdue University Global is a public university in West Lafayette, IN. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Day to day, students benefit from a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, and 57.1% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 117.7%, roughly 67.8 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Purdue University Global Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Purdue University Global's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $10,101 |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $15,660 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 47.3% of Purdue University Global students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $9,806 to $1,665 depending on family income. Use Purdue University Global's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $32,973
- 10-Year Median Earnings $36,596
- Average Years to Graduate 4.7 years
- Average Student Debt $11,648
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 25.6%
- Employment Rate Not reported
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Purdue University Global graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Purdue University Global vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Purdue University Global's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Purdue University Global's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Purdue University Global graduates report median earnings of $36,596 six years after enrollment, -16% above the national median. The 117.7% ROI indicates solid long-term value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 30,828
- Full-Time Students 18.3%
- Part-Time Students 81.7%
- Retention Rate 57.1%
- Graduation Rate 50.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 25:1
How to Get Into Purdue University Global
1. Meet Program Requirements: Purdue University Global focuses on practical skills and career readiness. Review the specific program requirements, which may include a high school diploma or equivalent, and any prerequisite coursework.
2. Prepare for Your Program: Focus on demonstrating your interest in the field and readiness for hands-on training. Some programs may require interviews or portfolio submissions.
3. Understand Admissions: Trade and certificate programs typically have open or moderately selective admissions focused on program fit rather than academic competition.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Purdue University Global undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen, and Health and Medical Administrative Services draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 23.2%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 11.0%
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 8.4%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 7.6%
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Serv 6.7%
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and 5.6%
See more majors
- Accounting and Related Services 4.8%
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services 4.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Certificate Programs
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $109,202
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $97,094
- 3. Fire Protection $87,490
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Fire Protection $80,826
- 5. Computer and Information Sciences, General $73,684
- 6. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $66,863
- 7. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $66,234
- 8. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $61,344
- 9. Business Administration, Management and Operations $57,541
- 10. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other $57,005
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $136,530
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $120,353
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $119,666
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Bioethics/Medical Ethics (Master's Degree) $96,335
- 5. Legal Professions and Studies, Other (First Professional Degree) $93,725
- 6. Law (First Professional Degree) $93,162
- 7. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $93,087
- 8. Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $89,364
- 9. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $86,063
- 10. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degree) $85,186
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $109,202—92% more than Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other ($57,005). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $136,530 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Purdue University Global. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degree, 142 graduates)
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 30,828
- Full-Time Students 18.3%
- Part-Time Students 81.7%
- Male Students 43.0%
- Female Students 57.0%
- Caucasian 51.6%
- Asian 3.0%
- Hispanic 16.8%
- Black 19.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 47.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Purdue University Global's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Purdue University Global's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Purdue University Global support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Purdue University Global, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Purdue University Global support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Purdue University Global, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Purdue University Global serves as a highly accessible trade school for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Unranked with a 117.7% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $7,770 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $32,973 median earnings. The 50.0% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a trade school. While 57.1% retention suggests adequate student support.
Trade School Value: Purdue University Global's Strengths
Unranked with a Unranked grade, Purdue University Global prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Trade Schools like Purdue University Global excel at providing affordable education ($7,770 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Purdue University Global's 57.1% retention and 50.0% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical trade school performance. Career outcomes ($32,973 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Purdue University Global's 117.7% ROI and $7,770 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 50.0% six-year graduation rate sits 12.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 57.1% first-year retention is 19.7 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 117.7% return on investment is 67.8 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $32,973 run about 25% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $7,770 is roughly $9,656 lower than the national median of $17,426.
Helpfulness for Students
- 25:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 57.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 117.7% ROI outruns the national average by 67.8 points, rewarding diligent borrowers.
- 45.5% of students borrow federal loans, outpacing typical campuses and raising repayment stakes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Purdue University Global—a public university in West Lafayette, IN—at Unranked overall. Category results include Completion (Unranked), Support (Unranked), Career Outcomes (Unranked), and Affordability (Unranked).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
57.1% of learners come back after year one while 50.0% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures 117.7% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $7,770 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $15,660.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $7,890 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $11,648 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 47.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $32,973 at the median. That sits about 25% below the national median.
Employment figures are not reported, so explore departmental job placement stories.
Plan around an ROI of about 117.7% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Purdue University Global admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Similar schools data is not available. Use our search to find comparable institutions.
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Note: EDsmart’s national college rankings compare four-year, bachelor’s-granting institutions. Certificate- and trade-focused schools are not included in that ranking pool. The schools below are four-year references in the same state only, not peer comparisons.
Other Indiana campuses you might consider
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Purdue University Global cost?
At Purdue University Global, listed tuition and fees are $10,101 per year, and the average net price after aid is $7,770. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Purdue University Global's graduation rate?
At Purdue University Global, the six-year graduation rate is 50.0%, and first-year retention is 57.1%.
What are Purdue University Global's job outcomes?
Graduates of Purdue University Global report median earnings of $32,973 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Purdue University Global's student population?
Purdue University Global enrolls about 30,828 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 2550 Northwestern Avenue, Suite 1100, West Lafayette, IN 47906
- Website www.purdueglobal.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$127,688
- Transfer Enrollment Rate30.0%