Purdue

Purdue University, commonly referred to simply as Purdue, is a public land‑grant research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana. It was founded in 1869 after industrialist and philanthropist John Purdue provided funding and land to establish a new institution of higher education. The university opened in 1874 with eight instructors and 39 students and was named in Purdue’s honor. It was founded under the Morrill Act to emphasize practical education in science, engineering, and agriculture.

Purdue offers more than 200 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate programs across its ten colleges, including Engineering, Science, Agriculture, Krannert School of Management, and Liberal Arts. The university operates a large research enterprise and is known for contributions in science, technology, agriculture, aviation, and health sciences. Purdue joined the Big Ten Conference in 1896 and maintains a strong athletics program, with the Purdue Boilermakers competing in NCAA Division I.

Prominent alumni include astronaut Neil Armstrong, who earned a degree in aerospace engineering from Purdue, as well as leaders in business, government, and academia. The university hosts the Purdue Research Foundation to manage and promote research and technology transfer.

The campus also houses extensive extension programs across Indiana and a network of research centers and laboratories. Purdue emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and industry partnerships as part of its mission to advance education and society.