Explore 160+ graduate programs on our West Lafayette campus, including top ranked master's, doctoral, and professional degrees — both residential and online options. Certificate, non-degree, and licensure options are also available at the West Lafayette campus, along with nearly 80 programs on our three Regional Campuses. A list of programs may be found on the Degree and Academic Programs Web page.

Financial Information and Funding

Is financial support available?

Yes. Approximately 70% of Purdue's graduate students receive funding by or through the University. Most financial support is in the form of graduate teaching or graduate research assistantships and fellowships.

What is an assistantship?

Graduate assistantships typically involve approximately 20 hours of work per week for a professor. In return, you receive remission of most fees and a monthly stipend (i.e., salary). If you work all year on a 12 month appointment, you also receive paid time off. Medical insurance is also offered, if you hold an assistantship of at least half-time (i.e., 20 hours per week).

Assistantships are generally awarded by your program of interest or a specific professor. However, you may also be able to secure an assistantship outside of your academic department.

What is a fellowship?

Fellowships are different than undergraduate scholarships because provide a living stipend that is intended to support the graduate student. Competitions for fellowships are conducted by the University, national foundations, and companies to provide support for either new or graduating masters and PhD students. Most fellowships require that the awardee conducts research under the mentorship of a faculty member and fulfils their program requirements. Fellowship award amounts and coverage of tuition, fees, insurance, and stipend vary depending on the award stipulations.

Prospective graduate students should check with their academic department or program and the Graduate School’s list of outside fellowships (https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/funding/types-of-funding/fellowships/Outside-Fellowships.html) for a list of current fellowship opportunities. Purdue offers internal fellowships to prospective graduate students with consideration given based off of the student’s application to their graduate program. For more information, visit the Graduate School's Funding Web page and your program of interest's Web page.

Is tuition covered by an assistantship or fellowship?

Assistantship benefits generally include fee remission, although there is a small graduate staff fee. Fellowships may or may not include tuition scholarships. Awardees should check with the Fellowship Office (https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/funding/contact.html) if they have questions regarding the tuition coverage of their fellowship.

How do I apply for an assistantship or fellowship?

Teaching and research assistantships are generally offered by your program of interest. Some programs may require a separate application, while others consider you when you complete the application for admission. To be considered for assistantships offered by the academic program to which you are applying for admission, visit that program's Web page or contact the program to determine the appropriate application process.

Typically, when you apply for admission, a program will consider you for available fellowships; however, some fellowships may require the completion of an application in addition to the application for admission. To be considered for fellowships offered by the Graduate School, you must be admitted to Purdue. The Funding Web page provides information regarding specific Graduate School fellowships.

I am an out-of-state student. How much is out-of-state tuition?

Because the majority of Purdue's graduate students receive funding, such as a fellowship scholarship or an assistantship waiver, most students do not have to pay out-of-state tuition. Estimate your tuition using the Bursar's Office Tuition Calculator.

How do I qualify for in-state tuition?

Please consult the Office of the Registrar's Web site for information on qualifying for in-state tuition.

Testing Requirements

What is the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) required for admission?

Each academic department sets its own admission requirements; therefore, some departments have a minimum GPA requirement and others do not. The Graduate School requires all students to possess a minimum of a 3.0/4.0 GPA (A=4.0) in order to be admitted without conditions. To determine if your program of interest has a GPA requirement above the Graduate School's minimum requirement, visit the Graduate Program Requirements Web page.

Is the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), GRE Subject Matter Test, or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) required?

Some departments require testing. A complete list of admission requirements for your program of interest is on the Graduate Program Requirements Web page.

What is the minimum GRE or GMAT score that is required for admission?

The Graduate School does not have a minimum requirement for the GRE or GMAT. The selection process considers all components of the application package, including application information, letters of recommendation, academic statement of purpose, personal history statement, academic record (i.e., transcripts, diploma), test scores, resume/curriculum vitae (CV), and other information a graduate program requires.

Is an English proficiency examination required?

International applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English test scores for Purdue University Graduate School admission. For minimum score requirements, please visit the Graduate Program Requirements Web page.

Are English Proficiency scores that are more than two years old accepted by Purdue for Graduate Admission?

TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo Englsh test scores are valid for only two years (at the time the recommendation for admission is received at the Graduate School).

Will you accept photocopies of English Proficiency scores?

We do not accept photocopies TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English test score reports.

I am an international student currently studying in the United States. Do I still have to take an English proficiency examination?

The Graduate School routinely waives the English proficiency examination for applicants who have received a baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree from a U.S. institution within the past 36 months (at the time the recommendation for admission is received at the Graduate School). Applicants who qualify for a waiver of the English proficiency examination should bring this to the attention of the program to which they are applying. Some programs may still require you to submit proof of English proficiency.

If I received a degree within the past 36 months from a school where English is the primary language of instruction, do I need to submit proof of English proficiency?

If the instruction is in one of the recognized countries, then the Graduate School will routinely waive the English proficiency. Note: If you have not done so already, request that ETS send your scores electronically to the Graduate School using the appropriate code for the campus to which you are applying.

Are students from Puerto Rico and other US territories required to take English Proficiency testing?

No. Citizens of Puerto Rico or other US territories are U.S. Citizens and do not need to provide proof of English proficiency.

When should I expect to see my test scores appear as received on my application?

Your application must be submitted and paid for ETS computer-based official scores to match to your application. Score reports are sent to Purdue University electronically, approximately 10 to 15 days after your test date. Once ETS has sent your score report, it may take an additional 2 to 3 weeks or longer for your application checklist to update and show received.

Admission

What is the application deadline?

Each graduate program determines its application deadline, so deadlines vary. Please refer to the Graduate Program Requirements Web page to determine the deadline for your program of interest.

In general, it is suggested that you apply early in your senior year of college. Applying early has its advantages: more funding opportunities are typically available and more spaces may be available for admission, particularly in competitive programs.

Do you accept applications for spring or summer admission?

Some programs accept applications for spring or summer admission. Please refer to the Graduate Program Requirements Web page to determine if your program of interest accepts applications for the spring or summer term.

Are three-year degrees acceptable?

The Graduate School welcomes applications from Bologna bachelor's degree recipients. Bologna bachelor's degrees are conferred in European countries listed on the following website.

Applicants with three-year baccalaureate degrees from countries that are not part of the Bologna Process may also be considered for admission, on a case-by-case basis, using holistic review. Departments may recommend applicants from these countries with three-year baccalaureate degrees with or without conditions, depending upon the outcome of the holistic review of the candidate. Conditions for admission should be clearly communicated to students at the time of their admission.

What is the selectivity (i.e., the percentage of applicants that are admitted) for a certain program, college, or school?

This figure varies from year to year and by program. Typically, the selectivity across all programs is approximately 30%.

How competitive am I for admission?

It is difficult to predict how likely you are to be admitted to Purdue's West Lafayette campus. Many factors impact admission decisions, such as the qualifications of other applicants, the number of new students that can be accommodated, and the number of professors that share your research and scholarly interests. All components of the application package, including the application, letters of recommendation, academic statement of purpose, personal history statement, academic record (i.e., transcripts), test scores, resume/curriculum vitae (CV), and other items required by the graduate program are considered.

How to Apply

How do I apply?

All applicants must complete the Graduate School's online application Graduate School's online application and pay the non-refundable application fee of $60 (U.S. dollars) for domestic applicants and $75 (U.S. dollars) for international applicants. Detailed instructions and requirements are available on the application and on the Graduate Program Requirements Web page.

What application type should I choose when beginning a new application?

It is important to select the correct entry term when applying to Graduate School. Choose the graduate application year you wish to begin enrollment in a graduate program. The 2023 Graduate Application, contains entry term choices of Spring 2023 (January start), Summer 2023 (June start), and Fall 2023 (August start). The 2024 Graduate Application, contains entry term choices of Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024. For questions regarding your desired entry session, please contact the graduate program directly. A complete list of graduate contacts can be found at https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/prospective/contact/west-lafayette-contact.html.

Can I apply to two different calendar years (i.e. 2023 and 2024) in a single application?

No, you can only apply to the spring, summer, or fall session of a single calendar year, per graduate application. If you are applying for Fall 2023, you will need to create a 2023 graduate application. If you are applying to Spring 2024, you will need to create a 2024 graduate application.

Can I apply to two or more graduate programs?

Yes, the Purdue graduate school offers a variety of graduate majors on three different campuses. You can apply for up to three* different combinations of graduate major, degree objective, campus and course delivery with one application, for one application fee. Selections can be ranked in order of preference. If you are applying to a degree seeking program, only one academic statement of purpose and personal history statement and set of recommendations letters are required. Additional supporting documents may be required for each graduate major selected. See the graduate program requirements pages for details.

*Note: Not all graduate programs offer a third-choice option. (List of available third choice graduate majors.)

I am a non degree applicant. Am I required to upload an Acadmemic Statement of Purpose and Personal History Statement and list recommendation providers during the application process??

No. If you are a non degree applicant, you are not required to upload an Academic Statement of Purpose or Personal History Statement or provide names of recommendation providers. Some programs do like to read your academic statement of purpose and personal history statement, so this is an optional part of the application. You will not be assessed an application fee if you are applying as a non degree student. (Graduate Certificate applicants are assessed an application fee.)

How do I pay my application fee?

After submitting your application, you will be directed to an application payment portal. Either click the link for payment by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express) or follow the link for payment through Convera.

Your application will not be processed until your nonrefundable application fee has been paid. Our application fee is $60 (U.S. dollars) for domestic applicants and $75 (U.S. dollars) for international applicants.

Why must I authorize the Graduate School, at the end of the electronic application, to share my educational records with World Education Services?

In rare instances, the Graduate School consults with World Education Services to understand or verify your transcripts, diplomas, or other application materials. The Graduate School pays for this evaluation. To learn more about World Education Services, see http://www.wes.org/.

Do I need to send documents supporting my application?

If you are a degree-seeking applicant, the Graduate School's online application will require you to upload an academic statement of purpose, personal history statement, resume/CV (if required by the graduate program), and the names of your recommendation providers. You will also need to upload a transcript from every institution of higher education which you have attended. Official transcripts will need to be provided if you are admitted and choose to enroll at Purdue. Please read more about transcripts. An unofficial transcript printed from your current/previous institution(s) student system is not an acceptable document.

Can my official transcripts be returned?

If you are admitted and choose to enroll at Purdue University, you will need to submit official transcripts before you can register for your third session. Once you submit official transcripts to Purdue University, they become property of the University and will not be returned. We recognize, in very rare instances, that students may have access to only one transcript (or an extremely limited number of transcripts) or other academic credentials. In this instance, you may submit a written request (at the time you submit your transcripts) to preserve your original documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Can I update my Academic Statement of Purpose or Personal History Statement after application submission?

Once you have submitted your application, you do not have the ability to return to your application to upload a new academic statement of purpose or personal history statement. If you are applying to more than one graduate program, we encourage you to write an all-inclusive statements that supports your suitability for all graduate programs listed on your application. If you are interested in submitting new documents, please contact the graduate program to which you are applying.

Can I update my online application after it is submitted?

You may submit your application only once. You will not be able to make changes to your application information using the online application system after submission. However, you will be able to upload additional transcripts or documents requested from your graduate program through your application status portal under Upload Materials as a Miscellaneous Supporting Document.

I have already applied for admission. Now what do I do?

If a completed application has been submitted (i.e., you have completed and submitted the Graduate School's application, uploaded transcripts, paid the application fee, and submitted letters of recommendation, test scores, and any other items required by the program), no additional action is required. Your application status is available through the Graduate School's online application system.

How do I check the status of my submitted application?

You may check the status of your submitted application by visiting the Graduate School's online application system. The graduate program to which you applied updates your application status. If you have additional questions regarding your application status, please contact your program of interest. If you are applying to more than one campus and/or graduate major, your application status for each graduate program will be listed in your graduate student application portal.

Has the graduate program to which I applied received documents supporting my application?

The graduate program to which you applied should receive all of your supporting documentation for your Graduate School application. If you have questions, please contact the graduate program for information about your supporting documents. For a detailed list of graduate program requirements and contact information, please visit the Graduate Program Requirements Web pages.

Has the graduate program to which I applied received my GRE or TOEFL scores?

You may be able to check receipt of supporting materials, such as test scores, through the Graduate School's online application system. Otherwise, the graduate program to which you applied can verify the receipt of test scores. Please contact the graduate program to verify the receipt of your test scores. For a detailed list of graduate program requirements and contact information, please visit the Graduate Program Requirements Web pages.

How do I accept or decline my offer of admission?

Please refer to instructions found on the Accepting Admission website.

Can I apply and delay my enrollment, if I decide to begin my studies later?

International students may ask to defer their admission for up to one year. To defer later than one year, you will be required to submit a new application and application fee.

Domestic students would only need to ask for a deferral of admission if they wish to start one year from their original admission date.

You may request up to two deferrals from your original admission date.

Who should I contact for information about the application process?

For detailed application instructions and graduate program requirements please visit the Graduate Program Requirements Web page. If you have questions regarding your specific graduate program, please contact your program of interest.

Letters of Recommendation

Can I add or remove recommendation providers before my application is submitted?

If a recommendation provider has not yet submitted the recommendation, you have the ability to return to your application and edit your recommendation provider list. To edit your recommendation provider list, click on the recommendations page link on the left menu of your application.

Can I add or remove recommendation providers after my application is submitted?

If a recommendation provider has not yet submitted the recommendation, you have the ability to return to your application status portal and edit your recommendation provider list. To edit your recommendation provider list, click on the add/edit recommendations button in your application status portal.

Should I waive my right to examine my letters of recommendation?

If you waive your right to examine your recommendation, you forfeit your right to request a copy of your recommendation letter. If you do not waive your right, you have the ability to request a copy of your recommendation letter. Some recommendation providers may be reluctant to submit a recommendation on your behalf if you do not waive your right to view the letter.

Can I change my response to waive my right to examine my letters of recommendation?

If your recommendation provider has not yet submitted a recommendation letter, you can exclude the recommendation provider with the incorrect waiver response, and re-add them with the correct waiver response. For applications that have not yet been submitted, click on the recommendations link on the left-hand navigation menu of your application. For applications that have been submitted, click on the add/edit recommendations button in your application status portal.

How do I resend a request for a letter of recommendation to my recommendation provider?

The email notification to your recommendation provider is sent immediately after you enter his/her name into the application.

For applications that have not yet been submitted, to re-send a letter of recommendation request, click on the recommendations link on the left-hand navigation menu of your application. For applications that have been submitted, to re-send a letter of recommendation request, click on the add/edit recommendations button in your application status portal.

Your recommendation provider may have filters set on his/her email account that may not allow the email to come through correctly. If you believe this is the case, your provider can email our Technical Support team at gradinfo@purdue.edu.

Can I update the email address for my recommendation provider?

If a recommendation provider’s email address needs to be corrected or updated, you must exclude the recommendation provider with the incorrect email address, and re-add them with the correct email address. For applications that have not yet been submitted, click on the recommendations link on the left-hand navigation menu of your application. For applications that have been submitted, click on the add/edit recommendations button in your application status portal.

Do my letters of recommendation need to be submitted prior to the application deadline?

Application requirements vary by graduate program. You will need to follow-up directly with the graduate program to which you are applying to determine the acceptable timing of submission of your recommendations. A complete list of graduate contacts can be found at https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/prospective/contact/west-lafayette-contact.html.

Do my letters of recommendation need to be submitted prior to my application submission?

No, letters of recommendation can be submitted prior to or after your application is submitted. However, you are required to list the names of your recommenders on your application prior to submitting it. Application submission requirements can vary by program. Contact the graduate program(s) to which you are applying for specific letters of recommendation due dates. A complete list of contacts can be found at https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/prospective/contact/west-lafayette-contact.html.

Can my recommendation provider submit a hard-copy letter of recommendation?

The online application only accepts online recommendations. You will need to follow-up directly with the graduate program to which you are applying to determine the acceptable method of submission of your recommendations. If paper recommendations are accepted, please send the following recommendation form (PDF) to your recommendation provider.

Can recommendation letters be submitted via a recommendation letter delivery (dossier) service, like Interfolio?

Yes, recommendation letter delivery (dossier) services, like Interfolio, will provide you with a recommender-specific email address for each recommender. Each recommender-specific email address should be inserted into your application in lieu of each recommender's actual email address. Note: If you use a recommendation letter delivery (dossier) service, your recommenders will not be submitting the quantitative rating form that typically accompanies the recommendation letter.

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International Students

Am I considered an international student?

If you are not a permanent resident or citizen of the United States, you are classified as an international student. If you are in the process of applying for your green card, and your application has not been approved, you are considered an international student.

Is financial support available to international students?

Although specific fellowship, assistantship, and other award eligibility may vary, funding is generally available for both domestic and international students. More than 70% of Purdue's full-time international graduate students receive some funding by or through the University.

How much is the international student fee?

International students pay a $75 fee each semester to help fund the unique services the University offers to international students, such as immigration regulation advising, cultural/educational programming, SEVIS reporting (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), and compliance with the United States' government.

Registration

How can I take graduate-level courses at Purdue, without enrolling in a degree program?

You can apply as a non degree graduate student.

How do I get an advisor?

You may be assigned an advisor upon admission to the Graduate School. If you were not assigned a an advisor, contact the program to which you have been admitted.

Life at Purdue

What housing is available for graduate students?

There are a variety of affordable housing options available both on campus and off-campus. Visit our Graduate Student Housing Web page for more information.

How do I schedule a campus visit?

Contact your program of interest to inquire about visitation opportunities. If you are unable to attend a formal visitation event, the program may schedule an individual visit for you.

Where is Purdue located?

Purdue University's first and largest campus is located in West Lafayette, Indiana. West Lafayette and its neighboring city, Lafayette, are often referred to as Greater Lafayette. Both cities boast a competitive cost of living that is below the national average, giving graduate students more purchasing power. For more information on Greater Lafayette, visit the Community Information Web page.

What is the climate like?

Indiana enjoys four distinct seasons each year: winter, spring, summer, and fall. January is typically the coldest month of the year with normal daily maximum temperatures ranging from 31 to 38F. July is the warmest month with daily maximums averaging 80 to 83F. Average annual precipitation ranges from 37-47 inches. For more Indiana climate information, visit the National Climate Data Center.

You can also learn more about the current weather in West Lafayette or visit the National Weather Service in Indianapolis.

Still have questions after reviewing all of the Frequently Asked Questions listed above?
Then, email a current graduate student for assistance!