Purdue University West Lafayette: Student Population Insights

Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, has seen a surge in student enrollment in recent years, with record-breaking numbers that reflect the university's growing appeal and academic excellence. In the fall of 2022, the university welcomed over 50,000 students, marking a significant milestone and an eighth consecutive year of enrollment growth. This trend continued into the fall of 2024, with total enrollment figures surpassing 58,000 students across both the West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses.

The university's commitment to affordability, academic expansion, and enhanced national profile have been instrumental in attracting a large student body.

Undergraduate enrollment in Fall 2023 was 39,170

Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a public institution that was founded in 1869. The university's main campus in West Lafayette has a total undergraduate enrollment of 39,170 students for the fall 2023 semester. This makes it the largest undergraduate student body in the university's history.

The gender distribution of the 39,170 undergraduate students enrolled at Purdue University's main campus in West Lafayette for the fall 2023 semester is 57.1% male students and 42.9% female students. In terms of housing, 41% of the undergraduate students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while 94% of the students live off campus.

Purdue University's main campus in West Lafayette spans 2,468 acres and follows a semester-based academic calendar. The in-state tuition and fees for the fall 2023 semester are $9,992, while the out-of-state tuition and fees are $28,794. The university is ranked #46 in National Universities and #18 in Top Public Schools for the 2025 edition of Best Colleges.

In Fall 2022, there were 50,884 students enrolled

Purdue University in West Lafayette saw a record-breaking number of students enrolled in Fall 2022, with a total of 50,884 students. This was the largest student body in the university's history, surpassing the previous year's record of 49,639 students. The incoming freshman class of 9,354 students was also one of the largest in Purdue's history, although it was slightly smaller than the previous year's record of 10,191.

The high enrollment numbers can be attributed to several factors, including the university's commitment to affordability, with 11 years of frozen tuition fees, and its growing national profile. The university's dedication to academic quality and expansion in strategic areas have also played a significant role in attracting more students.

To accommodate the growing student population, Purdue has made significant investments in infrastructure and faculty recruitment. In Fall 2022, the university hired 213 new faculty members, the largest group of hires in its history. This ensures that students continue to receive a high-quality education, even as enrollment numbers increase.

The enrollment numbers also reflect Purdue's commitment to diversity and accessibility. The university has actively worked to increase the number of underrepresented minority students, with 4,326 undergraduates representing 12.8% of domestic enrollment. Additionally, nearly every Indiana resident who applied received an enrollment offer, demonstrating Purdue's dedication to serving its local community.

The Fall 2022 enrollment figures at Purdue University West Lafayette are a testament to the university's reputation and appeal to students from diverse backgrounds. With a combination of academic excellence, affordability, and inclusivity, Purdue has established itself as a top choice for higher education, as evidenced by the record-breaking number of students enrolled during this period.

Purdue University has a diverse student population

Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, has a diverse student population. The university's total undergraduate enrollment is around 39,000, while its total student population is over 50,000. Purdue's student body is diverse in terms of ethnicity, gender, and geographic location.

In terms of ethnic diversity, Purdue University has medium racial diversity, with 35% of students identifying as minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The ethnic breakdown includes American Indian or Alaskan Native, Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Black or African American, Asian, Hispanic or Latino, and students with two or more races. The university has seen an increase in minority enrollment in recent years, with the number of underrepresented minorities increasing by 614 students in 2024 and representing 12.5% of the undergraduate population.

Regarding gender diversity, Purdue University has a higher percentage of male students than female students, with a gender ratio of 58% men to 42% women. This ratio is comparable to other US colleges and indicates that the university is inclusive of both genders.

Geographically, Purdue University serves a diverse range of students, with 46% of the student body residing in Indiana and the remaining students coming from other states and countries. In total, Purdue's student population represents all 50 states and over 100 countries, showcasing a wide geographic diversity.

The university's diverse student population contributes to a rich and inclusive campus environment, providing students with a global perspective and exposure to different cultures and backgrounds. Purdue's commitment to diversity is reflected in its admissions and recruitment processes, as well as its efforts to increase access to underrepresented students.

The student body is 57.1% male and 42.9% female

Purdue University in West Lafayette has a large student body, with a total enrollment of 50,884 students, as of Fall 2022. This includes 37,949 undergraduate students and 9,354 incoming freshmen. The gender distribution of the student population is 57.1% male and 42.9% female. This equates to 29,250 male students and 21,634 female students enrolled at the university.

The male-to-female ratio at Purdue University is not evenly balanced, with a higher proportion of male students. This ratio is consistent with the trend observed in the total enrollment, where male students constitute the majority. The gender distribution data provides insight into the composition of the student body, indicating that Purdue University has a higher number of male students pursuing their academic programs.

The gender distribution at Purdue University West Lafayette is an important aspect of the university's demographic profile. It offers insights into the representation and participation of male and female students within the institution. Such information is valuable for understanding the dynamics of the student population and can inform decisions related to admissions, student services, and campus life.

The gender distribution at Purdue University West Lafayette may also have implications for various aspects of campus life and student experiences. It can influence the social dynamics, extracurricular activities, and the overall cultural environment on campus. Additionally, the gender distribution can be a factor in shaping the perspectives and interactions within the student community, impacting the educational and social experiences of both male and female students during their time at the university.

Understanding the gender distribution at Purdue University West Lafayette is valuable for prospective students, current students, faculty, and administrators. It provides a snapshot of the gender makeup of the student body and can be a starting point for further analysis and discussions related to diversity, inclusion, and creating an equitable environment that supports the success of all students, regardless of their gender.

The university has a commitment to affordability

Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, has a strong commitment to affordability, which is reflected in its frozen tuition fees for 13 consecutive years as of 2025. The in-state tuition and fees are $9,992 per year, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $28,794 per year. This commitment to keeping costs low has played a central role in the university's record-breaking enrolment numbers, attracting students from across the United States and the world.

The university's dedication to affordability is also evident in the financial aid packages offered to students. Federal, state, and local governments provide grant and scholarship aid, which helps to offset the cost of attendance. Additionally, Purdue provides a range of student loans with low interest rates, ensuring that students can access the funds they need to pursue their educational goals.

Purdue's commitment to accessibility and affordability is further demonstrated by its expansion of enrolment over the years. The university has actively worked to increase the number of Indiana residents offered admission, with nearly every Indiana resident applicant receiving an enrolment offer within the Purdue system. This expansion ensures that more students have access to a high-quality, affordable education.

The university's focus on affordability has not come at the expense of academic excellence. Purdue University is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States, recognised for its outstanding teaching, experiential education, and nationally ranked programs. This combination of affordability and academic excellence makes Purdue University a top choice for students seeking a high-value education.

Purdue University's commitment to affordability extends beyond tuition fees and financial aid. The university offers a range of services and amenities that provide value to students, such as housing, dining options, and extracurricular activities. The dining halls, for example, are known for their variety and quality, enhancing the overall student experience without breaking the bank.

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