Do I need a separate scholarship application for automatic merit?

No. Submit a complete admission application by November 1 (Early Action) for automatic consideration. Some college or department awards may require additional steps later.

Are automatic merit scholarships guaranteed if my student hits certain stats?

No. Purdue’s central merit is competitive and holistic; there are no published GPA or test cutoffs for Trustees or Presidential awards.

When are Purdue merit decisions released?

Many students hear after mid-January, though timing can vary by college and year.

Does my student need the FAFSA for merit?

Pure merit does not require demonstrated need, but filing the FAFSA can unlock need-based aid and some stackable funds. Filing is recommended.

Is the Stamps Scholarship available at Purdue?

Yes. Purdue partners with the Stamps Foundation to offer full-ride awards with enrichment funds. Selection is by nomination or invitation.

Are competitive scholarships open to out-of-state students?

Yes. Beering, Stamps, and select Distinguished awards consider both Indiana and nonresident applicants.

Where do we apply for hidden scholarships?

Most appear in ScholarshipUniverse. Alumni club awards, Bands & Orchestras, and ROTC may require separate applications or department contact.

Are first-generation students prioritized for extra funding?

Yes. Programs like Lilly Scholars and Purdue Promise specifically support first-gen and income-eligible students and can cover significant costs.

Do ROTC scholarships at Purdue cover everything?

They typically cover full tuition, a book allowance, and a monthly stipend; some levels include housing/board. Service after graduation is required.

Is the Honors College a scholarship by itself?

No. Honors admission provides academic and community benefits. Separate Honors-administered awards and grants exist, but admission itself is not a tuition scholarship.

Do Pillar Awards count as an Honors College scholarship?

Functionally yes. Pillar Awards are Honors-only awards with recognition and a monetary stipend administered by JMHC for current Honors students.

How do you apply to Purdue’s Honors College?

Check the Honors College interest box and complete the Honors writing supplement by the November 1 Early Action deadline.

🎓 Purdue University Scholarships (2025–2026)

Q: Can National Merit stack with Purdue merit?

Often yes, but stacking rules may limit the total award. Check the award letter for details.

Q: How hard is it to get the Beering Scholarship?

Extremely selective. Purdue invites a small number of candidates, and around 15 new scholars are chosen per year for full cost of attendance through graduate study.

← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See Indiana state aid

What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

📊 Admissions Snapshot

Acceptance Rate: ~43% (most recent cycle)
Middle 50% ACT: 28–34
Middle 50% SAT: 1220–1480
Average HS GPA: 3.8

Source: Purdue Common Data Set & Undergraduate Admissions (latest available).

Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →

📌

Purdue University at a Glance

Average Net Price

$13,945

Average after grants and scholarships (College Scorecard)

Automatic Merit

$1,000–$16,000/yr (Trustees, Presidential, Emerging Leader)

Amounts vary by residency/major; renewable up to 4 years

Typical Qualifiers

GPA 3.7+ • ACT 29+ • SAT 1350+

Top merit tiers often go to students in the top 10% of their class

Testing Policy

Test-expected

SAT/ACT strongly expected; limited exceptions

Key Deadlines

Nov 1: Early Action • Jan 15: Regular

FAFSA priority: Apr 15 (Dec 15 for maximum scholarship review)

Honors College

John Martinson Honors College

Leadership, interdisciplinary research, and housing benefits

Full-Tuition / Full-Ride

Beering Scholarship

Covers tuition, fees, room & board; includes graduate funding

Residency & Waivers

MSEP

West Lafayette is not an MSEP school (campus-specific participation varies)

Verified for 2025–26. Last updated: October 14, 2025

Purdue University’s affordability and ROI are major draws—especially for engineering, computer science, and business. Automatic merit awards are competitive and favor early applicants. Even without big awards, strong outcomes and flat in-state tuition make Purdue one of the most cost-effective Big Ten options.

Out-of-state families should budget for full nonresident costs; some campus-specific reciprocity options exist, but West Lafayette is not in MSEP. Top students can compete for flagship scholarships like Trustees, Presidential, and the invitation-only Beering Scholarship.

FAQ

Does Purdue offer automatic scholarships? Yes — applicants are automatically considered for Trustees, Presidential, and Emerging Leader awards based on academic profile and major.

Are there full-ride options? Yes — the Beering Scholarship covers full tuition, room and board, books, and may include funding for graduate study.

What’s the average net price? About $13,945 after aid (latest College Scorecard).

Are test scores required? Purdue is test-expected — SAT/ACT scores are strongly expected; exceptions are rare and reviewed case-by-case.

Sources:
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?243780-Purdue-University-Main-Campus
https://collegeraptor.com/colleges/cost/Purdue-University-Main-Campus-IN–243780/
https://collegereadyparent.org/purdue-university-scholarships/
https://admissions.purdue.edu/costsandfinaid/scholarships.php
https://www.purdue.edu/honors/

💰 Cost of Attendance at Purdue University (2025–26)

Purdue University continues to freeze in-state tuition for more than a decade, keeping costs well below most Big Ten peers. The figures below reflect the estimated direct, billable expenses for a full-time undergraduate living on campus before scholarships or financial aid.

Category	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees	$9,992	$28,794
Housing & Meals	$13,720	$13,720
Estimated Total (Direct/Billed)	$23,712	$42,514

Note: The totals above include tuition, mandatory fees, and a standard housing and meal plan. Additional estimated expenses (books, transportation, and personal costs) typically add another $3,000–$4,000 per year.

📉 Average Net Price (after scholarships and grants)

The average net price for Purdue students—what families actually pay after grants and scholarships—is around $13,945 per year (College Scorecard 2025). About half of all undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, and institutional merit awards help further reduce total costs for top-performing students.

💡 Out-of-State Savings: Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP)

Some Purdue campuses participate in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), offering reduced tuition for students from participating Midwestern states. However, Purdue West Lafayette is not an MSEP school; families should verify eligibility by campus and program.

Available for specific majors and participating campuses such as Purdue Fort Wayne.
May stack with automatic merit scholarships when applicable.
Check campus websites for details and current program eligibility.

❓ Cost & Reciprocity FAQs

Does Purdue still have frozen tuition?
Yes — Purdue has maintained the same in-state tuition rate since 2012 and continues this freeze through 2025–26.

How much do most students actually pay?
The average net cost after scholarships and grants is roughly $13,945 per year, though it varies by income level and residency.

Do out-of-state students pay significantly more?
Yes — the out-of-state rate is about $42,500 per year before aid, but automatic merit and need-based awards can lower this considerably.

Is MSEP available at Purdue West Lafayette?
No — the main campus in West Lafayette does not participate in MSEP, though other Purdue campuses may offer the benefit.

Sources:
https://www.purdue.edu/treasurer/finance/bursar-office/tuition/fee-rates-2025-2026/undergraduate-tuition-and-fees-2025-2026/
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/purdue-university-west-lafayette-1825/paying
https://www.purdue.edu/dfa/cost/
https://dining.purdue.edu/residentialdining/mealplans/index.html
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?243780-Purdue-University-Main-Campus
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/purdue-university/tuition-and-costs
https://collegeraptor.com/colleges/cost/Purdue-University-Main-Campusampus-IN–243780/

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

Plain English: Purdue does automatic consideration for merit if you apply by the Early Action deadline (Nov 1), but awards are competitive (not guaranteed) and based on a holistic review. Award amounts differ for Indiana residents vs. nonresidents.

Testing: Purdue does not superscore. They use your highest single-date ACT composite or SAT total for review.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility (summary)	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Trustees Scholarship	Up to ~$10,000/yr (IN) · ~$16,000/yr (OOS)	Holistic academic review; leadership/service considered.	No (auto consideration)	Typically up to 8 terms; maintain good standing (≈3.0 GPA noted on offers).	Top-of-pool admits. Often very strong GPA/course rigor; test scores help but no public cutoff. *estimated	Nov 1 (Early Action)
Presidential Scholarship	Up to ~$4,000/yr (IN) · ~$10,000/yr (OOS)	High academic achievement with leadership/service.	No (auto consideration)	Typically up to 8 terms; conditions in award letter.	Strong admits across majors; engineering/CS often need the very top profiles. *estimated	Nov 1 (Early Action)
National Merit (College-Sponsored)	~$500–$2,000/yr	National Merit Finalist who names Purdue as first choice (via NMSC).	No Purdue form (follow NMSC process)	Up to 4 years (per NMSC rules)	Finalists with Purdue as 1st choice; amount varies by year.	Nov 1 (EA for Purdue admission)

Note: Purdue does not publish GPA/test cutoffs for these awards. Any ranges here are best-fit estimates based on public info and past recipients. Actual thresholds shift with each year’s applicant pool and funding.

Automatic Merit FAQ (Purdue)

Do I need a separate scholarship application?
No. Submit a complete admission app by Nov 1 for automatic consideration. Some college/department awards open later via Purdue’s portals.

Are these guaranteed if I hit certain stats?
No. They’re competitive (holistic). Purdue does not post fixed GPA/score cutoffs for Trustees/Presidential.

When are decisions released?
Merit notifications commonly follow after mid-January for many students; exact timing varies by college and year.

Do I need FAFSA for merit?
Pure merit does not require demonstrated need, but filing FAFSA can unlock additional need-based aid and some stackable funds. Always file.

Are international students eligible?
Many central merit awards (e.g., Trustees/Presidential) are for domestic students. Some departmental/college awards may consider internationals—check your program pages.

Can National Merit stack with Purdue merit?
Often yes, but stacking rules can limit total value. Read your award letter carefully for stacking and renewal conditions.

How common are Purdue merit awards?
External benchmarking shows a relatively small share of students receive non-need merit at Purdue compared with peers—so treat these as competitive wins, not expectations.

Sources:
https://admissions.purdue.edu/costsandfinaid/scholarships.php
https://www.purdue.edu/dfa/cost/
https://www.purdue.edu/treasurer/finance/bursar-office/tuition/fee-rates-2025-2026/undergraduate-tuition-and-fees-2025-2026/

Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)

Plain English: These scholarships are not automatic. They require nomination, invitation, or committee selection. Purdue’s top awards are extremely competitive and offered to only a handful of students each year.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Beering Scholarship	Full cost of attendance through PhD (tuition, housing, meals, books, fees, plus study abroad)	Top Indiana and out-of-state students; exceptional academics, leadership, and character	Invitation/Nomination	Yes (through graduate study)	Ultra-selective (≈15 chosen per year); typically Valedictorians/Salutatorians with national-level achievements	Invitation (typically early spring)
Trustees Distinguished & Presidential Distinguished	Up to $20,000+ per year (may stack with other aid)	Top 1–2% of Purdue admits; strong GPA, test scores, and leadership; often via Honors or college nomination	Invitation only	Yes (up to 8 semesters)	Extremely competitive; ACT/SAT in top 1–2%, 4.0 GPA+, and demonstrated leadership/service	Nov 1 (Early Action)
Stamps Scholarship	Full ride (tuition, fees, housing, meals) + enrichment funds for study abroad, research, and leadership	Top-tier applicants; exceptional academics, service, and leadership; by invitation only	Invitation only	Yes (up to 8 semesters)	5–10 selected annually; often Honors admits with national recognition or research background	Nov 1 (Early Action)

Competitive Scholarship FAQ

How hard is it to get the Beering Scholarship?
Extremely. Purdue invites only a small group of top applicants for interviews each year, and about 15 are selected. It’s a full ride through graduate study.

Do I apply directly?
Usually no. Candidates are invited or nominated based on their admission profile. Some departmental scholarships, however, require separate applications through individual colleges.

Are these open to out-of-state students?
Yes. Both Indiana and out-of-state students are eligible, though Indiana residents may receive priority for certain awards.

What about the Stamps Scholarship?
Purdue partners with the Stamps Foundation for an elite full-ride scholarship covering tuition, housing, and enrichment funds. Recipients are nominated and invited to apply.

How can applicants improve their chances?
Maintain rigorous academics (4.0 GPA, top test scores if submitted), demonstrate leadership, and show distinctive accomplishments such as national competitions, research, or major service projects.

Are these renewable?
Yes. Awards like Beering and Stamps renew through graduate study if GPA and enrollment conditions are met.

Sources:
https://honors.purdue.edu/scholarship/beering-scholars.php
https://honors.purdue.edu/scholarship/stamps-scholars.php
https://collegereadyparent.org/purdue-university-scholarships/
https://academy.bsu.edu/2022/05/academy-senior-named-purdue-beering-scholar/
https://admissions.purdue.edu/cost-financial-aid/scholarships/
https://stampsscholars.org/

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Hidden Gem Scholarships

Purdue has a deep bench of lesser-known awards—alumni club funds, identity-based scholarships, ensemble stipends, cohort programs, and state/ROTC aid. Many live inside the ScholarshipUniverse portal, while others are handled by colleges or programs directly. Individually small, these awards often stack and meaningfully reduce costs.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Purdue Alumni Club Scholarships	$500–$2,000	Children of alumni or students from eligible regions/chapters	Yes (chapter)	Sometimes	Applicants in active alumni club areas; awards often one-time and stackable	Chapter-set (Jan–Mar typical)
PBAO Presidential Leadership Scholarship	$1,000–$3,000	African American students with strong leadership/service	Yes	Yes	Leaders with campus/community impact; small applicant pool	ScholarshipUniverse priority (Feb–Mar)
Roger Blalock Scholarship	$1,000–$3,000	African American or Hispanic/Latino students	Yes	Yes	Students combining need, GPA, and involvement	ScholarshipUniverse priority (Feb–Mar)
CLA Serendipity Communication Scholarship	$1,000–$2,500	Communication majors fostering inclusion in the College of Liberal Arts	Yes (CLA)	Yes	Students with clear impact in diversity/community initiatives	College-set (Feb–Mar)
Lilly Scholars at Purdue Program	Full tuition + internship	First-gen or under-resourced students; cohort-based selection	Yes (cohort)	Yes	Small, high-touch cohort emphasizing leadership and career prep	Late winter (Feb–Mar)
Purdue Promise	Covers remaining tuition after aid	Indiana 21st Century Scholars; income-eligible; FAFSA required	No (auto via FAFSA)	Yes (4 years)	Indiana residents who meet 21st Century requirements and file on time	FAFSA by Apr 15 (IN)
Bands & Orchestras Performance Awards	$500–$2,000	Ensemble participation; audition/placement required	Yes (audition)	Yes	Non-music majors welcome; consistent participation and leadership help	Program-set (Dec–Feb auditions)
PFCU Citizenship Award	$1,000	Exploratory Studies student; preference for marching band	Yes	No	Niche pool; band involvement boosts odds	Spring cycle
ROTC Scholarships (Army/Air Force)	Full tuition + stipend	Cadets meeting academic/fitness standards; service commitment	Yes (ROTC)	Yes	Competitive national awards; strong leadership and STEM profiles common	National boards (Oct–Jan)
Frank O’Bannon Grant (Indiana)	$600–$4,500	Indiana residents; FAFSA-demonstrated need	FAFSA	Yes	Need-based state grant coordinated with other aid	FAFSA by Apr 15 (IN)

Hidden Gem Scholarship FAQs

Where do we actually apply?

Start in ScholarshipUniverse for campus-managed awards. Contact the college/department for major-specific funds, the bands office for ensemble stipends, and ROTC units for military scholarships.

Do these stack with admission merit?

Usually yes. Most departmental, alumni, and program awards stack with automatic merit up to cost-of-attendance limits.

What timeline should we follow?

Complete FAFSA by the Indiana priority date (Apr 15). Aim for ScholarshipUniverse and college deadlines in Feb–Mar; auditions and ROTC boards often run Dec–Feb and Oct–Jan, respectively.

Who tends to win?

Students who are proactive—auditioning for ensembles, engaging with their college, applying to affinity/cohort programs, and submitting materials before priority dates.

Sources:
https://www.purdueforlife.org/alumni-leaders/alumni-clubs/student-guide-to-scholarships/
https://www.purdue.edu/dfa/aid/scholarships/
https://admissions.purdue.edu/cost-financial-aid/scholarships/
https://www.purdue.edu/purduepromise/how_do_i_get_purdue_promise.html
https://www.purdue.edu/dfa/apply/purdueaid/
https://www.purdue.edu/dfa/apply/scholarshipuniverse/
https://www.purdueforlife.org/alumni-leaders/alumni-clubs/scholarships/

John Martinson Honors College (Purdue University)

Purdue’s John Martinson Honors College (JMHC) combines small, discussion-based classes with the resources of a top R1 public research university. The program emphasizes four pillars: interdisciplinary academics, undergraduate research, leadership development, and community engagement. Students gain priority registration, close faculty mentorship, and access to competitive grants and awards.

How to Apply: Indicate interest in the Honors College and submit the Honors writing supplement by November 1 (Early Action). Admission is competitive and holistic — Purdue does not publish GPA or test cutoffs.

Honors-Only Scholarships & Funding

Program / Award	Award Amount / Purpose	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Pillar Awards	Recognition + stipend for excellence in academics, research, leadership, and engagement	Current JMHC students (typically sophomores/juniors)	Yes — JMHC internal cycle	Varies	Honors students demonstrating high impact and leadership across the four pillars	Annually in late spring (March–April)
Honors Global / Experiential Grants	Funding for research, study away, intercultural projects, and international internships	Honors students in good standing	Yes — proposal-based	No	Students pursuing research or travel linked to Honors coursework or thesis	Multiple rounds each year (fall and spring)
Tyler Trent Courage & Resilience Award	Stipend recognizing Honors students who exemplify courage and perseverance	JMHC students (criteria set annually)	Yes — JMHC nomination cycle	No	Students showing exceptional grit or overcoming adversity	Typically announced late spring semester

Note: Award amounts and cycles vary each academic year. JMHC announces deadlines and application forms through internal communications and its website.

Honors College FAQs (Purdue)

Is the Honors College itself a scholarship?
No. JMHC admission is an academic distinction, not a direct tuition award. However, Honors students gain access to exclusive scholarships, grants, and leadership stipends.

Do Pillar Awards count as scholarships?
Yes — they include both recognition and a monetary component. Students apply once enrolled in JMHC and are selected for excellence in research, leadership, or engagement.

Does Honors provide funding for research or study abroad?
Yes. Honors students can apply for dedicated research, study abroad, or experiential learning grants managed by JMHC.

Are Purdue’s major awards like Stamps or Beering linked to Honors?
Many recipients are Honors-caliber students, but admission to JMHC does not guarantee those awards. Applying by November 1 and indicating Honors interest increases visibility for competitive scholarships.

Does Honors housing cost more?
Usually slightly higher than standard residence halls due to amenities. Honors housing is optional but highly recommended for first-year students.

Is Honors worth it?
For most motivated students, yes. JMHC adds structure, mentorship, and access to funding opportunities that can significantly enhance the Purdue experience.

Sources:
https://honors.purdue.edu/scholarship/index.php
https://honors.purdue.edu/scholarship/pillar-awards.php
https://honors.purdue.edu/academics/study-away.php
https://honors.purdue.edu/research/grants.php
https://honors.purdue.edu/scholarship/tylertrent.php
https://honors.purdue.edu/admissions/future-first-year.php
https://honors.purdue.edu/
https://stories.purdue.edu/2024-tyler-trent-award-recognizes-trailblazing-health-advocate/

Purdue’s College of Engineering is a national powerhouse—known for top-tier STEM education, world-class research output, and pioneering leadership in fields like aeronautics, semiconductors, and infrastructure. As an R1 “very high research activity” institution, it consistently produces engineers who lead industry and innovation across the globe.

Highlight (Prime Specialty):
Industrial Engineering — ranked #2 nationally in U.S. News. Known for preparing students to optimize systems in health care, logistics, and technology—fields that need problem-solvers who think both big-picture and detail-oriented.

Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering (#3) — Purdue is nicknamed the “Cradle of Astronauts” for a reason. This program has launched more astronauts than any other public university in the U.S.
Civil Engineering (#3) — Nationally recognized for transportation, water systems, and infrastructure design. Many graduates go straight into leadership roles in construction and urban planning.
Agricultural & Biological Engineering (#4) — Blends agriculture, life sciences, and engineering. Known statewide and nationally for breakthroughs in food production and environmental systems.
Mechanical Engineering (#7) — One of the largest and most versatile majors at Purdue, covering everything from robotics to energy systems. Employers consistently recruit directly from this program.
Computer Engineering (#10) — Strong in both hardware and software. Graduates enter high-demand tech fields like AI, cybersecurity, and chip design—often with multiple job offers before graduation.
Materials Engineering (#10) — Focuses on developing advanced materials for aerospace, energy, and manufacturing. Purdue’s labs are at the cutting edge of nanotechnology and sustainable materials research.

Purdue University Scholarships: What Parents Need to Know