Purdue's International Student Attraction: Why So Many?

why are there so many international students at purdue

Purdue University is a world-renowned institution that offers a unique combination of advanced-degree programs, notable research opportunities, strong athletics, and affordable tuition. It is consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the United States and has a reputation for excellence in agriculture and engineering education. With a diverse range of academic interests, including business, education, global studies, and liberal arts, Purdue has become an attractive choice for international students, ranking among the top 10 universities in the US for international student enrollment. In this paragraph, we will explore why Purdue has become such a popular destination for students from around the world.

Characteristics Values
Number of international students 12,181
International student ranking among 4,500-plus public and private universities 9
International student ranking among all US universities 24
Number of countries represented 130
Top 5 countries of origin China, India, South Korea, Taiwan, Colombia
Top discipline for international students College of Science
Percentage of international students in College of Science 24.4%
Number of international students in College of Engineering 22.4%
Number of international students in Mitch Daniels School of Business 17.6%
Number of international students at Purdue Polytechnic Institute 10.2% 15%
Number of international students at College of Agriculture 4.5% 12.7%
International students as a percentage of total student population 18.6%
International students as a percentage of undergraduate population 11.2%
International students as a percentage of graduate and professional students 42.9%
Number of international faculty and staff members 1,100+
Economic value generated by international students and their families $340 million

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Purdue's global reputation

Purdue University is a world-renowned institution, distinguished by its advanced degree programs, notable research opportunities, strong athletics, and affordable tuition. Purdue has consistently ranked among the Top 20 Public Universities in the United States and boasts the 4th Best Graduate Engineering School in the country. The university is best known for its cutting-edge research in high-demand fields such as AgTech, microelectronics, and biomedical engineering.

Purdue has a strong global reputation, with a diverse array of academic interests, including business, education, global studies, and liberal arts, and STEM disciplines. The university has a significant international student population, with over 9,000 international students from more than 120 countries, contributing to its vibrant and multicultural community. The international student body comprises 18.6% of the total enrolled students at Purdue, with international students making up 11.2% of undergraduates and 42.9% of graduate and professional students.

The university's global partnerships and collaborations further strengthen its reputation. Purdue has strong country-level partnerships with India and Colombia and agreements with more than 100 institutions, government bodies, and organizations worldwide. These strategic investments in international partnerships foster joint research and create valuable opportunities for students to develop global competencies, making them more competitive in a globalized job market.

Purdue's international students and their families also positively impact the economy, contributing an estimated $340 million to the state of Indiana annually and supporting thousands of jobs. This economic impact further underscores Purdue's global reputation and attractiveness to international students.

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The number of international students

Purdue University is a world-renowned public research institution that offers an exceptional global education. It has consistently ranked among the top 10 public universities in the United States and is distinguished by its advanced-degree programs, notable research opportunities, strong athletics, and affordable tuition. Purdue has been recognised as one of the leading institutions for agriculture and engineering education since 1869, with a diverse array of academic interests spanning business, education, global studies, liberal arts, and more.

Purdue University is among the top 10 institutions in the U.S. for attracting international students. According to the 2023 Open Doors Report, Purdue ranked 8th among 4,500-plus public and private universities in attracting international students. The university climbed one position higher than the previous year, with a total of 11,872 students from abroad, representing around 130 countries. The 2024 Open Doors Report showed that Purdue's international student population had increased by 6.2% to 12,181 students.

The College of Science at Purdue has the highest number of international students, accounting for 24.4% of total international enrollment, followed by the College of Engineering at 22.4%, and the Mitch Daniels School of Business at 17.6%. The Purdue Polytechnic Institute and the College of Agriculture also have significant international student populations, with 15% and 12.7% respectively.

International students make up a considerable portion of the total student body at Purdue University. As of 2023, international students comprise 18.6% of all enrolled students, with 11.2% of the total undergraduate population and a substantial 42.9% representation among graduate and professional students.

Purdue's international student population brings a positive impact, not only to the university but also to the state of Indiana and the U.S. economy. The presence of international students helps Purdue's community gain global competencies, and their contributions are estimated to bring millions of dollars into the economy.

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International student life

Purdue University is consistently ranked among the top 10 institutions in the US for attracting international students. In the 2023 Open Doors Report, it was ranked 8th among over 4,500 public and private universities, and 24th among all US doctoral institutions for the number of study abroad students. The university's international student body comprises a significant percentage of the total enrolled students, with international students making up 11.2% of undergraduates and a substantial 42.9% of graduate and professional students.

The university offers a wide range of resources and support services specifically for international students. The Office of International Students and Scholars assists foreign students in navigating their new home, helping them transition into the local community and providing vital support during their time at Purdue. The Center for Intercultural Learning, Mentorship, Assessment, and Research (CILMAR) is another valuable resource, offering professional development programs that broaden worldviews and provide tools for successful interactions across cultural differences.

Purdue also has numerous student organizations and clubs catering to international students, allowing them to connect with others from similar cultural backgrounds. There are Asian student organizations, including country-specific groups such as the Korean American Student Association, Singaporean Student Association, and more. These groups provide a sense of community and belonging for international students, while also offering opportunities to engage with American students and expand their social networks.

The academic life for international students at Purdue is rigorous and stimulating, with the university offering a diverse array of degree programs. The College of Science and the College of Engineering have particularly high numbers of international students, followed by the Mitch Daniels School of Business, Purdue Polytechnic Institute, and the College of Agriculture. Purdue also provides over 400 study abroad programs in 50 countries, allowing students to gain intercultural knowledge and competencies while making progress toward their degrees.

Overall, international student life at Purdue University is characterized by academic excellence, cultural diversity, and a supportive community that fosters both personal and professional growth.

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The economic impact

Purdue University is among the top 10 institutions in the US for attracting international students. The university's international student enrollment rankings, based on the 2023 Open Doors Report, are No. 8 among 4,500-plus public and private institutions and No. 3 among all U.S. public universities. The international student population at Purdue brings about a significant economic impact, both for the state of Indiana and the university itself.

The College of Science accounts for 24.4% of Purdue's total international enrollment, while the College of Engineering has 22.4%. The Mitch Daniels School of Business has 17.6% of international students, followed by the Purdue Polytechnic Institute with 15% and the College of Agriculture with 12.7%.

According to NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Purdue's international student population and their families contributed an estimated $340 million to Indiana's economy annually, supporting 3,399 jobs. Statewide, international students account for $890.2 million and support 8,297 jobs. This influx of economic activity has a ripple effect, benefiting various sectors such as housing, transportation, dining, and other industries that cater to the needs and demands of the student population.

The presence of international students at Purdue brings the world to the university, enriching the campus community and enhancing its global reputation. Additionally, the university's commitment to affordability and accessibility, with 12 years of frozen tuition, makes it an attractive choice for students worldwide. Purdue's diverse academic programs, including renowned engineering and agriculture schools, cutting-edge research opportunities, and strong athletics, further contribute to its appeal for international students.

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The support for international students

Purdue University is a world-renowned institution for providing a high-quality global education. It has consistently ranked among the top 10 public universities in the United States for attracting international students. In 2023, it was ranked 8th among 4,500-plus public and private institutions and 3rd among all U.S. public universities. In 2024, it was ranked 9th. The university is committed to affordability and accessibility, freezing tuition fees for 12 consecutive years.

Purdue University offers a unique combination of advanced-degree programs, notable research opportunities, strong athletics, and affordable tuition. The university is also distinguished by its diverse array of academic interests, including business, education, global studies, liberal arts, and STEM disciplines. The College of Science and the College of Engineering are particularly popular among international students.

The university has a strong support system in place for international students, with The Office of International Students and Scholars playing a crucial role in fostering international connections and helping foreign students navigate their new home. The Office provides vital services such as new student orientations, community host programs, and immigration assistance. Additionally, Purdue maintains The Center for Intercultural Learning, Mentorship, Assessment and Research (CILMAR) to facilitate successful interactions across cultural differences. CILMAR offers professional development programs that internationalize curricula and broaden students' worldviews, providing valuable resources through its online Intercultural Learning Hub.

Purdue also offers over 400 study abroad programs in more than 50 countries, allowing students to gain intercultural knowledge and competencies. The university has strong international partnerships, including long-standing country-level collaborations with India and Colombia, and agreements with numerous institutions, government bodies, and organizations worldwide. These strategic investments in international partnerships create valuable opportunities for students to develop global competencies and enhance their employability in a globalized job market.

The university's commitment to providing a transformative, world-class education for all its students, both domestic and international, is evident in the variety of support services and resources it offers. This commitment, combined with its affordable tuition and diverse academic offerings, makes Purdue University an attractive choice for international students seeking a high-quality global education.

Frequently asked questions

Purdue University is world-renowned for providing an exceptional global education. It has consistently ranked among the top 10 public universities in the US for international student enrollment. In 2023, it was ranked 8th among 4,500-plus public and private institutions.

Purdue University has more than 9,000 international students from over 120 different countries. In 2023, the number of international students was reported to be 11,872. In 2025, the number rose to 13,033 international students on the Lafayette campus alone.

International students and their families bring significant economic value to the state of Indiana and Purdue. Purdue's international students contributed an estimated $340 million to the state's economy annually, supporting 3,399 jobs.

Purdue offers a range of services to support international students, including new student orientations, community host programs, and immigration assistance. The university also has The Center for Intercultural Learning, Mentorship, Assessment and Research (CILMAR), which provides resources and programs to help international students navigate cultural differences and adjust to their new home.

International students at Purdue have reported varying experiences. Some have noted that making American friends can be challenging due to cultural differences, but being outgoing and initiating conversations can help overcome this. Many international students join cultural groups and organizations, and some actively seek to make American friends and join social clubs. Overall, international students at Purdue benefit from a strong network of multicultural peers, mentors, and resources.

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