About Purdue University’s History, Traditions, Achievements & More
Source: https://www.purdue.edu/home/about
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:27
About Purdue University’s History, Traditions, Achievements & More
Skip to content
About Purdue
We Keep Going
For over 150 years, generations of Boilermakers have left their mark in small steps and giant leaps. Today, we continue in those footsteps as we bring our best and learn to build a better world, together.
Top 10
Public University in the U.S.
QS World University Ranking, 2026
14
Years Straight of Frozen Tuition
#1
Public University for Graduating Fortune 500 CEOs
Strategas, 2024
#3
Public University
in the U.S. for Internships
and Co-Ops
U.S. News & World Report, 2025
I want to learn about
University Leadership
Transforming the Future
The people promoting excellence here bring together skill sets for strategizing and communicating the ways we can move forward. Get to know more about the president and administration.
Learn More
History
Valuing Our Past
As a globally recognized research institution, we’ve paved the way for progress and established a responsibility to improve industries. Read about our roots, which stem strongly from the signing of the Morrill Land Grant College Act of 1862.
Learn More
Systemwide Options
Providing the Perfect Fit
To build innovative educational platforms that serve students where they are, our systemwide network includes campus locations throughout our state as well as online opportunities. Explore our institutions and learn which option is best for you.
Learn More
Traditions
Hosting Over 150 Years of Memories
It’s all the moments that make you say, “Only at Purdue.” Discover the time-honored places, events and experiences that can make time on campus so special, from hearing the Big Bass Drum to going to Grand Prix, “the Greatest Spectacle in College Racing.”
Learn More
Purdue’s Impact
Exploring Our Story of Giant Leaps
Experience Purdue’s story through five interactive video chapters that highlight our mission, innovation and global impact.
Watch Now
Office of Research
Learn how bold visions become reality, from life-saving health advancements to technologies that shape the future.
Free Speech and Expression
Purdue University is committed to free and open inquiry in all matters. Explore the university’s commitment to freedom of speech and expression.
Facts and Figures
See the numbers that keep track of our progress and propel the university to achieve more.
Facts and Figures
Noticing the Numbers
We strive to be the best in everything that we do, and our extensive network of
Boilermakers upholds that commitment around the world. See the numbers that keep track
of our progress and propel the university to achieve more.
In West Lafayette: Over 50,000 students representing more than 135 countries
In Indianapolis: Nearly 20 STEM-focused majors in leading and emerging
fields
Our global student network: Over 102,000 students enrolled
11 colleges and schools with over 2,000 faculty and staff
Over 600,000 alumni
Over 400 research labs
What happens when you dream bigger at Purdue?
See Our Impact
ATHLETICS
The bigger game within the game
March 16, 2026
EDUCATION
A Purdue professor helped legitimize sports history as a serious topic
March 25, 2026
EXPERIENCE
Podcast Ep. 144: In 49 Other States, It’s Just Basketball — Why Indiana Loves the Game
March 19, 2026
EXPERIENCE
Fortifying a farm for generations
March 5, 2026
More Stories
VISIT PURDUE
Explore our West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses in person.
Visit Us
Skip to content
About Purdue
We Keep Going
For over 150 years, generations of Boilermakers have left their mark in small steps and giant leaps. Today, we continue in those footsteps as we bring our best and learn to build a better world, together.
Top 10
Public University in the U.S.
QS World University Ranking, 2026
14
Years Straight of Frozen Tuition
#1
Public University for Graduating Fortune 500 CEOs
Strategas, 2024
#3
Public University
in the U.S. for Internships
and Co-Ops
U.S. News & World Report, 2025
I want to learn about
University Leadership
Transforming the Future
The people promoting excellence here bring together skill sets for strategizing and communicating the ways we can move forward. Get to know more about the president and administration.
Learn More
History
Valuing Our Past
As a globally recognized research institution, we’ve paved the way for progress and established a responsibility to improve industries. Read about our roots, which stem strongly from the signing of the Morrill Land Grant College Act of 1862.
Learn More
Systemwide Options
Providing the Perfect Fit
To build innovative educational platforms that serve students where they are, our systemwide network includes campus locations throughout our state as well as online opportunities. Explore our institutions and learn which option is best for you.
Learn More
Traditions
Hosting Over 150 Years of Memories
It’s all the moments that make you say, “Only at Purdue.” Discover the time-honored places, events and experiences that can make time on campus so special, from hearing the Big Bass Drum to going to Grand Prix, “the Greatest Spectacle in College Racing.”
Learn More
Purdue’s Impact
Exploring Our Story of Giant Leaps
Experience Purdue’s story through five interactive video chapters that highlight our mission, innovation and global impact.
Watch Now
Office of Research
Learn how bold visions become reality, from life-saving health advancements to technologies that shape the future.
Free Speech and Expression
Purdue University is committed to free and open inquiry in all matters. Explore the university’s commitment to freedom of speech and expression.
Facts and Figures
See the numbers that keep track of our progress and propel the university to achieve more.
Facts and Figures
Noticing the Numbers
We strive to be the best in everything that we do, and our extensive network of
Boilermakers upholds that commitment around the world. See the numbers that keep track
of our progress and propel the university to achieve more.
In West Lafayette: Over 50,000 students representing more than 135 countries
In Indianapolis: Nearly 20 STEM-focused majors in leading and emerging
fields
Our global student network: Over 102,000 students enrolled
11 colleges and schools with over 2,000 faculty and staff
Over 600,000 alumni
Over 400 research labs
What happens when you dream bigger at Purdue?
See Our Impact
ATHLETICS
The bigger game within the game
March 16, 2026
EDUCATION
A Purdue professor helped legitimize sports history as a serious topic
March 25, 2026
EXPERIENCE
Podcast Ep. 144: In 49 Other States, It’s Just Basketball — Why Indiana Loves the Game
March 19, 2026
EXPERIENCE
Fortifying a farm for generations
March 5, 2026
More Stories
VISIT PURDUE
Explore our West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses in person.
Visit Us