Purdue University: what international applicants need

What are Purdue University's application deadlines for 2026–27?

Purdue University has 2 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Action on November 1, 2026 and Regular Decision on January 15, 2027.

• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is Purdue University's acceptance rate?

49.9% for students who started in fall 2024: Purdue University admitted 39,272 of its 78,745 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does Purdue University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

Yes. Purdue University requires SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants for 2026–27.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Action deadline (November 1, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (January 15, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is December 5, 2026: scores on December 18, 2026, registration by November 20, 2026 (late registration November 24, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for Purdue University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 600–760 in Math and 600–720 in Reading and Writing (79% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 27–34.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is Purdue University's application fee for international students?

Purdue University's application fee is $60 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does Purdue University accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

Yes. Purdue University accepts the Common App fee waiver and doesn't limit it to US students.

• Your eligibility is confirmed through the Common App, usually with your counselor.

Which English tests does Purdue University accept?

Purdue University doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

How many recommendation letters does Purdue University require?

Purdue University doesn't require recommendation letters on the Common App for 2026–27.

• Letters that aren't required can still be accepted: the university's site says whether it reads them.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does Purdue University require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. Purdue University requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

How many international students does Purdue University have?

4,429 of Purdue University's 44,819 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 9.9%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does Purdue University cost for international students?

Purdue University is a public university: international students pay at least the out-of-state rate, $28,794 in published tuition and fees for 2024–25 (in-state students paid $9,992). Some public universities add an international fee. On-campus food and housing was $12,820. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $44,974 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source