Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Total Enrollment

58,658

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

441

441 programs

Full-Time Students

37,678

2,915 part-time

Total FTE

49,822

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

14:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

1589
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
14799
Total Recent Graduates

With 58,658 students, Purdue University-Main Campus is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 441 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 37,678 (92.8%)
92.8%
Part-Time Students 2,915 (7.2%)
Total Students 40,593

Predominantly full-time students (92.8%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time
Part-Time

A majority of students (64.2%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
40.6%
23,802 students
Men
59.4%
34,856 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
50.3%
29,486 students
White
50.3% (29,486)
International Students
17.0% (9,967)
Asian
13.3% (7,789)
Hispanic/Latino
6.9% (4,071)
Two or More Races
4.2% (2,445)
Black/African American
2.8% (1,627)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.1% (69)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.0% (27)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 58,658 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 50% of the student body (29,486 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

44,819 students

59% Men, 41% Women
41,904 Full-time 2,915 Part-time
Diversity Index: 67% • Minority Students: 25%

Graduate students

13,041 students

59% Men, 41% Women
7,231 Full-time 6,240 Part-time
Diversity Index: 67% • Minority Students: 16%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

44,479
All full-time students
25,679 men, 18,800 women
Diversity: 65%

All Full-Time

49,135
All full-time students
29,115 men, 20,020 women
Diversity: 68%

FT Undergraduate

37,678
Full-time undergraduate
21,838 men, 15,840 women
Diversity: 61%

FT Undergraduate

41,904
Full-time undergraduate
24,978 men, 16,926 women
Diversity: 66%

FT Degree-Seeking

37,671
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
21,831 men, 15,840 women
Diversity: 61%

FT Degree-Seeking

41,893
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
24,972 men, 16,921 women
Diversity: 66%

FT First-Time

9,295
Full-time first-time students
5,366 men, 3,929 women
Diversity: 65%

FT First-Time

11,339
Full-time first-time students
6,908 men, 4,431 women
Diversity: 68%

FT Continuing

30,554
Full-time continuing students
18,064 men, 12,490 women
Diversity: 65%

FT Continuing

28,376
Full-time continuing students
16,465 men, 11,911 women
Diversity: 60%

FT Transfer

907
Full-time transfer students
530 men, 377 women
Diversity: 67%

FT Transfer

2,461
Full-time transfer students
1,764 men, 697 women
Diversity: 77%

FT Continuing

28,093
Full-time other continuing
16,300 men, 11,793 women
Diversity: 63%

FT Continuing

27,469
Full-time other continuing
15,935 men, 11,534 women
Diversity: 59%

FT Non-Degree

11
Full-time non-degree seeking
6 men, 5 women
Diversity: 17%

FT Non-Degree

7
Full-time non-degree seeking
0
Diversity: 69%

FT Graduate

6,801
Full-time graduate students
3,841 men, 2,960 women
Diversity: 64%

FT Graduate

7,231
Full-time graduate students
4,137 men, 3,094 women
Diversity: 65%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

9,523
All part-time students
5,741 men, 3,782 women
Diversity: 72%

All Part-Time

8,426
All part-time students
4,980 men, 3,446 women
Diversity: 68%

PT Undergraduate

2,915
Part-time undergraduate
1,450 men, 1,465 women
Diversity: 72%

PT Undergraduate

2,186
Part-time undergraduate
1,105 men, 1,081 women
Diversity: 60%

PT Degree-Seeking

2,610
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
1,288 men, 1,322 women
Diversity: 71%

PT Degree-Seeking

1,966
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
977 men, 989 women
Diversity: 59%

PT First-Time

86
Part-time first-time students
21 men, 65 women
Diversity: 53%

PT First-Time

128
Part-time first-time students
37 men, 91 women
Diversity: 54%

PT Continuing

1,880
Part-time continuing students
956 men, 924 women
Diversity: 59%

PT Continuing

2,482
Part-time continuing students
1,251 men, 1,231 women
Diversity: 71%

PT Transfer

177
Part-time transfer students
35 men, 142 women
Diversity: 48%

PT Transfer

635
Part-time transfer students
349 men, 286 women
Diversity: 70%

PT Continuing

1,703
Part-time other continuing
921 men, 782 women
Diversity: 60%

PT Continuing

1,847
Part-time other continuing
902 men, 945 women
Diversity: 67%

PT Non-Degree

220
Part-time non-degree seeking
128 men, 92 women
Diversity: 68%

PT Non-Degree

305
Part-time non-degree seeking
162 men, 143 women
Diversity: 49%

PT Graduate

6,240
Part-time graduate students
3,875 men, 2,365 women
Diversity: 68%

PT Graduate

6,608
Part-time graduate students
4,291 men, 2,317 women
Diversity: 68%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

24,089
White
1,225
Black/African American
3,341
Hispanic/Latino
6,753
Asian
4,429
International
Diversity Index: 67% Minority Students: 25%

Graduate students

4,993
White
400
Black/African American
716
Hispanic/Latino
945
Asian
5,363
International
Diversity Index: 67% Minority Students: 16%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Purdue University-Main Campus's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 58,658 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (64.2%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 49,822 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 51% taking some online courses.
Academic Environment: Excellent student-faculty ratio (14:1) ensures personalized attention and mentorship.
Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

Hovde Hall of Administration

West Lafayette, IN 47907-2040

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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