🎓 Purdue University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- 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: ~50% (CDS 2024–25)
- Middle 50% ACT: 26–33
- Middle 50% SAT: 1250–1480
- Average HS GPA: 3.8
Source: Purdue University Common Data Set 2024–25 and Undergraduate Admissions.
Purdue University at a Glance
Last verified: October 7, 2025
Purdue University’s affordability and return on investment are major draws—especially for engineering, computer science, and business majors. Automatic merit awards are competitive, and many depend on early application. However, Purdue’s in-state tuition and strong outcomes still make it one of the most cost-effective Big Ten flagships.
Out-of-state families can save through the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), and top students can compete for the Beering or Trustees Scholarships—both of which can significantly reduce costs or cover full tuition.
FAQ
Does Purdue offer automatic scholarships? Yes — Purdue automatically considers all applicants for the Trustees, Presidential, and Emerging Leader awards based on academics.
Are there full-ride options? Yes — the Beering Scholarship covers full tuition, room, and board, plus graduate study funding.
What’s the average net price? About $12,294 after aid (College Scorecard 2025).
Are test scores required? Yes — Purdue is test-required for the 2025–26 cycle.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Purdue University (2025–26)
Purdue University continues to freeze in-state tuition for more than a decade, making it one of the most affordable flagship universities in the Big Ten. Below are estimated costs for a full-time undergraduate student living on campus, before scholarships or financial aid are applied.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $9,992 | $28,794 |
| Housing & Meals | $11,910 | $11,910 |
| Estimated Total (Direct/Billed) | $21,902 | $40,704 |
Note: Additional personal, books, and transportation expenses typically total around $3,000–$4,000 per year.
📉 Average Net Price (after scholarships and grants)
The average net price at Purdue is about $12,294 per year after scholarships and grants (College Scorecard 2025). About 52% of undergraduates receive some form of aid, with institutional scholarships making Purdue especially competitive for high-achieving in-state and MSEP students.
Purdue University participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), offering reduced tuition for students from participating Midwestern states. Eligible students pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition, creating savings of roughly $8,000–$10,000 per year depending on credit load.
- Applies to select academic programs and participating states.
- Automatic for qualifying students once residency and program eligibility are confirmed.
- Can stack with Purdue’s automatic merit scholarships for additional savings.
❓ Cost & Reciprocity FAQs
Does Purdue still have frozen tuition?
Yes. Purdue has maintained the same base in-state tuition rate since 2012 and continues this freeze through 2025–26.
Do out-of-state students pay significantly more?
Yes, but many offset the difference through MSEP or automatic merit awards like the Trustees or Presidential Scholarships.
Can MSEP be combined with scholarships?
Usually yes. Eligible out-of-state students can stack MSEP savings with automatic or departmental merit awards for further reductions.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
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.
Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
| 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.