Purdue University GPA Requirements: What You Need to Get Into Purdue
Purdue University is a world-renowned public research institution and a member of the Big Ten Conference. Known especially for its outstanding engineering programs, Purdue also excels in business, technology, agriculture, and aerospace. As Indiana's flagship technological university, Purdue attracts high-achieving students from around the globe.
Quick Answer: Purdue University typically admits students with an unweighted GPA of 3.7+ and a weighted GPA of 4.0+. The middle 50% have GPAs between 3.6-4.0 (unweighted).
Purdue University GPA Requirements
Official GPA Statistics
Average Unweighted GPA
3.87
4.0 scale
Average Weighted GPA
4.18
Weighted scale
Middle 50% Range
3.6 - 4.0
Unweighted GPA
Acceptance Rate
50.4%
Moderately selective
GPA Requirements by School/College
| School/College | Average GPA | Minimum Competitive |
|---|---|---|
| College of Engineering | 4.35 | 4.1 |
| Krannert School of Management | 4.28 | 4.0 |
| College of Science | 4.22 | 3.9 |
| College of Agriculture | 4.12 | 3.7 |
| College of Liberal Arts | 4.08 | 3.6 |
| Polytechnic Institute | 4.05 | 3.5 |
Core Academic Requirements
Indiana Core 40 Requirements:
- English: 4 units (including composition & literature)
- Mathematics: 4 units (Algebra I, II, Geometry, and advanced math)
- Science: 3 units (including biology, chemistry or physics)
- Social Studies: 3 units (including U.S. history)
- World Languages & Fine Arts: 6 combined units
- Additional Core Academic Courses: 2 units
Purdue University Admission Statistics
Fall 2024 Admission Data
- Applications Received: 78,425
- Students Admitted: 39,526
- Acceptance Rate: 50.4%
- Enrolled Students: 9,050
- Yield Rate: 22.9%
Academic Profile
- Average SAT: 1420
- Average ACT: 32
- Top 10% of Class: 52%
- Top 25% of Class: 80%
- Indiana Residents: 38%
Admission Rates by Residency
GPA Analysis for Purdue University
What GPA Do You Need?
Indiana Residents: Weighted GPA of 3.8+ competitive, 4.1+ target
Out-of-State: Weighted GPA of 4.0+ competitive, 4.2+ target
Engineering/Business: Weighted GPA of 4.2+ highly recommended
GPA Distribution of Admitted Students
Purdue Strengths & Opportunities
Top Programs:
- Engineering (especially Aerospace, Mechanical)
- Business Administration
- Computer Science & Information Technology
- Agriculture & Life Sciences
- Aviation Technology
- Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
Research Opportunities:
- Undergraduate Research Programs
- NASA Partnership & Aerospace Research
- Birck Nanotechnology Center
- Discovery Park Research Complex
- Center for High Performance Buildings
- Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering
Application Strategies for Purdue University
Honors College and Special Programs
Competitive Programs at Purdue:
- Honors College: Top 10% of applicants, enhanced research opportunities
- Learning Communities: Themed residential and academic communities
- Purdue Polytechnic Institute: Technology-focused hands-on education
- Presidential Scholars Program: Full tuition merit scholarship
- Emerging Leaders Program: Leadership development for underrepresented students
Essay and Application Strategy
Purdue Values:
Purdue University looks for students who demonstrate:
- Strong preparation in STEM subjects
- Problem-solving skills and innovation
- Leadership potential in academic or community settings
- Commitment to excellence and continuous learning
- Interest in making a positive impact through technology
- Collaborative spirit and teamwork abilities
If Your GPA is Below 3.8
- Exceptional Test Scores: SAT 1500+ or ACT 34+
- Strong STEM Performance: Excellence in math and science courses
- Upward Academic Trend: Show improvement in junior/senior years
- Engineering/Tech Experience: Internships, projects, competitions
- Leadership Roles: Student organizations, community leadership
- Indiana Connection: Strong ties to Indiana or understanding of Purdue
Purdue-Specific Application Tips
- STEM Excellence: Highlight achievements in mathematics and science
- Innovation Focus: Show interest in engineering, technology, or entrepreneurship
- Boilermaker Pride: Demonstrate understanding of Purdue culture and traditions
- Research Interest: Mention specific faculty or research areas of interest
- Real-World Application: Connect academic interests to solving practical problems
- Global Perspective: Show awareness of technology's impact on society
Big Ten Conference Comparison
| University | Average GPA | Acceptance Rate | Average SAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern | 4.55 | 7.0% | 1560 |
| University of Michigan | 4.32 | 18.0% | 1520 |
| University of Maryland | 4.32 | 44.2% | 1470 |
| Purdue University | 4.18 | 50.4% | 1420 |
| University of Wisconsin | 4.15 | 49.0% | 1450 |
GPA Calculator Tools
Use these calculators to calculate your GPA and assess your Purdue chances:
Conclusion
Purdue University offers an outstanding combination of academic excellence, research opportunities, and industry connections, particularly in STEM fields. With a 50% acceptance rate, students with weighted GPAs above 4.0 have competitive chances of admission, especially those with strong preparation in mathematics and sciences.
Purdue's reputation for engineering excellence, innovation, and producing industry leaders makes it an excellent choice for students passionate about technology and problem-solving. Focus on excelling in STEM coursework, demonstrating leadership, and showcasing your interest in using technology to make a positive impact. The Boilermaker network and Purdue's strong industry partnerships provide excellent opportunities for career success.