Purdue University Rankings 2025

Lafayette, USA

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240

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#129

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Did You Know?

Purdue has earned a spot on the "Brands That Matter" list for four consecutive years. It is one of only four organizations to have done so since the list began, and the only university that has ever been recognized. Purdue stood out among more than 1,200 applicants to secure a place on the exclusive roster of 121 brands.

Purdue University continues to earn strong recognition across major global and national ranking platforms in 2025-26. It is ranked #88 in the QS World University Rankings and #79 in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. It holds the #46 spot in the U.S. News & World Report's list of top US universities. These rankings reflect Purdue's sustained excellence in academics, research, and innovation nationally and internationally, as well as guide candidates wishing to study in the US.

Let's take a closer look at Purdue University ranking in this blog.

Purdue University Rankings 2025-26

Purdue University continues strengthening its global academic reputation, as reflected in its rising performance across major international rankings from 2024 to 2025. In the QS World University Rankings, Purdue climbed from #99 in 2024 to #88 in 2025, signaling growing recognition for its academic quality and research output.

Likewise, the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings moved Purdue up from #86 to #79, highlighting its momentum as a globally respected institution.

Let's take a look at Purdue University's rankings:

Ranking Body	2024	2025	2026
QS World University	99	89	88
U.S. News & World Report	NA	46	173
Times Higher Education World University	86	79	NA

Here's a graphical representation of all the Purdue University rankings:

The university has steadily improved in the QS World University Rankings, rising from 99 in 2024 to 88 in 2026, reflecting a stronger global reputation, research impact, and international appeal.

In the U.S. News rankings, the university debuted at 46 in 2025 but dropped sharply to 173 in 2026, possibly due to changes in methodology, data shifts, or increased global competition.

The Times Higher Education rankings improved from 86 in 2024 to 79 in 2025, suggesting progress in teaching, research quality, and global engagement; 2026 data is unavailable.

Overall, QS and THE rankings show upward momentum, while the U.S. News drop in 2026 highlights the need to assess ranking criteria and performance metrics more closely.

Let's explore the details to see how your field of study, which you want to choose for admission to Purdue University, ranks.

Subject-wise Rankings of Purdue University

Purdue University continues to earn top positions in subject-specific rankings, particularly in engineering. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject, Purdue is ranked 19th globally for Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering. The U.S. News & World Report places Purdue's Agricultural Sciences at #34 (tie) nationally.

At the same time, the Times Higher Education (THE) ranks Purdue 30th globally for Engineering, demonstrating the university's consistent excellence and global impact in the field.

Let's discuss Purdue University rankings for subjects in detail:

QS World Rankings

Purdue University has earned an impressive position in the QS World University's subject rankings, showcasing its academic strength across key disciplines.

Notably, Purdue ranks 6th globally in Agriculture & Forestry, reaffirming its leadership in agricultural research and education, reflecting its innovation in agricultural education.

Here's the ranking of various Purdue University courses based on the QS World ranking:

Program Name	Ranking 2025
Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering	19
Agriculture & Forestry	6th
Accounting and Finance	101-150
Architecture and Built Environment	49

Now, let's look at Purdue University's Times Higher Education Rankings

THE (Times Higher Education) Rankings

Purdue University ranks 71st globally in Business and Economics and falls within the 176–200 range in Arts and Humanities in the THE World University Rankings by Subject. This reflects its academic strength across both professional and liberal arts disciplines.

Here's how different courses at Purdue University rank based on THE rankings:

Program Name	Ranking 2025
Arts and Humanities	176-200th
Business and Economics	71
Computer Science	47th
Education Studies	47th
Engineering	30th
Life Sciences	73rd
Physical Sciences	89th
Psychology	64th
Social Sciences	101-125th
Medical and Health	176-200th

Next, let's discuss the US news rankings for Purdue University

U.S. News Rankings

Purdue University continues to earn national recognition across various disciplines in the U.S. News rankings. It ranks #160 (tie) in Artificial Intelligence, reflecting its growing contributions to cutting-edge tech research, and #96 in Arts and Humanities, showcasing strength in interdisciplinary education and cultural studies. These rankings highlight Purdue’s balanced excellence in STEM and liberal arts fields.

Here's a look at Purdue University rankings for popular programs:

Program	Ranking 2026
Agricultural Sciences	#34 (tie)
Artificial Intelligence	#160 (tie)
Arts and Humanities	#96
Biology and Biochemistry	#192 (tie)
Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology	#198 (tie)
Chemical Engineering	#185 (tie)
Chemistry	#103
Civil Engineering	#67
Clinical Medicine	#566 (tie)
Computer Science	#70 (tie)
Condensed Matter Physics	#112 (tie)
Ecology	#199
Economics and Business	#147 (tie)
Education and Educational Research	#37
Electrical and Electronic Engineering	#139
Energy and Fuels	#209 (tie)
Engineering (overall)	#82 (tie)
Environmental Engineering	#221 (tie)
Environment/Ecology	#147 (tie)

Now, let's take a look at how Purdue University performs in other diversified rankings.

Miscellaneous Ranking 2025

Purdue University is recognized for both research impact and sustainability. It ranks among the top 10% globally for most cited publications in the CWTS Leiden Ranking. It falls within the 201–300 band in the THE Impact Rankings, reflecting its global research strength and commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and education system in the US.

Here are some of the Purdue University rankings in miscellaneous areas:

Ranking Organization	Ranking Details	Rank (2025)
Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)	21,462 (Global ranking)	#66 (Top 0.4%) (2025)
CWTS Leiden Ranking	Ranked among the top 10% most cited publications	1076
Times Higher Education (THE)	Impact Rankings 2025	201-300
THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings	Interdisciplinary Science	20
U.S. News & World Report (Graduate)	Best Value Schools	66
Academic Influence	Notable for academic stewardship & campus safety	Named the safest college in America (2024)

Let's explore the academic and extracurricular achievements that demonstrate the academic standing of Purdue University.

Purdue University: Excellence and Achievements

Purdue University is renowned for its strong focus on science, technology, and agriculture. Purdue is a proud member of the Association of American Universities. Its legacy of excellence is reflected in the remarkable achievements of its alumni, including 13 Nobel laureates, a Turing Award winner, and 27 astronauts, highlighting its global impact in innovation and discovery.

Below is an overview of the Purdue University ranking and recognitions across key areas:

Academic Excellence and National Recognition

Purdue University is nationally recognized as a Top Producing Institution for the Fulbright Program, with 14 students and 7 faculty recipients. It also supports advanced research through one of the largest cycle recovery systems in academia, serving campus and national users.

Here are the significant academic and national recognitions:

Category	Recognition
Faculty Awards	7 faculty awarded Fulbright grants (2024-25) 210. 4 Nobel laureates affiliated with Purdue (e.g., Ei-ichi Negishi, Chemistry, 2010) - 13+ internal awards annually, including the McCoy Award for natural sciences.
Fulbright Program	14 students and 7 faculty members selected (2024-25). 4 consecutive years as a “top producing institution (2021–2025). 1 of only 13 doctoral institutions nationwide to achieve this dual distinction.
Research Infrastructure	$1B+ annual research expenditures (2024). Top 5% globally for engineering research output (e.g., 50+ papers on climate resilience in 2021–2025). 17 patents filed in 2023 for sustainable infrastructure tech
Industry Partnerships	$10M+ in industry funding for A³IR-CORE (2023–2025) 412. 4 patents for aviation tech (e.g., low-cost runway light systems). 300+ students engaged annually in industry projects.

Next, let's see how Purdue University has been developing its student community as an inclusive one.

Community and Lifestyle Recognitions

Purdue University has created a strong campus culture grounded in ethics, innovation, and community engagement. The university celebrates ethical leadership through its Walk the Talk Awards, recognizing integrity and compliance across the campus.

Purdue's commitment to quality digital learning is also honored through the Online Excellence Awards, acknowledging innovation in online education and technology use.

Purdue scholarships are offered to about 15% of applicants, who receive a merit-based yearly award.

Here are some of Purdue University's community development initiatives:

Category	Recognition
Student Life and Engagement	Multiple Student Life Honors Awards recognizing commitment to leadership and the Purdue community (e.g., Outstanding Program Awards, Community Engagement Awards)
Community Impact	Engaged Unit Award (School of Languages and Cultures) – Purdue Community Impact Summit 2025
Ethics & Integrity	Walk the Talk Awards (recognizing ethical leadership and compliance)
Online Education Excellence	Purdue Online Excellence Awards (e.g., Innovative Online Use of Technology)
Inclusive Excellence	American Kinesiology Association Inclusive Excellence Award (IUPUI)

Now, let's explore how Purdue University promotes creative and cultural initiatives for international students.

Cultural and Creative Excellence

Purdue University stands out as one of the top public universities in the US for its cultural and creative excellence.

In the 2025 MUSE Creative Awards, Purdue Marketing and Communications was ranked #6 globally and #2 in the U.S. as a top agency. Its official podcast, "This Is Purdue," also gained national acclaim, ranking #2 in Education on Apple Podcasts in 2022.

Some notable creative initiatives of Purdue University include:

Category	Recognition
Marketing & Branding	#6 Top Agency Globally, #2 in U.S. (2025 MUSE Creative Awards)
Podcast Excellence	"This Is Purdue" ranked #2 in Education (Apple Podcasts, 2022)
Creative Writing	Multiple Undergraduate Awards (e.g., Bain-Swiggett Poetry, Flash Fiction)
Student Media	Purdue Exponent (award-winning independent student newspaper)
Diversity in the Arts	CLA Diversity Action Committee Awards (creative works on societal diversity)
Global Recognition	Fast Company's "Brands That Matter" (4 years running, only university)

Now that you've explored Purdue University's ranking and achievements in academics, culture, and community development, let's discuss the relationship between ranking and acceptance rates.

Purdue University: Ranking V/S Acceptance Rate

Purdue University strikes a balance between academic excellence and accessibility. The US News Rankings by Subject ranks Agricultural Sciences at 34th position and 160th for Artificial Intelligence. Despite its strong global standing, Purdue maintains a relatively moderate acceptance rate of 50%, offering high-quality education to a diverse pool of students.

Below is a table showcasing the overall acceptance rate for Purdue University for the top programs:

Course	US News Rankings	Acceptance Rate
Agricultural Sciences	#34 (tie)	50%
Artificial Intelligence	#160 (tie)
Arts and Humanities	#96
Biology and Biochemistry	#192 (tie)

Students should consider Purdue University's academic strength and accessibility a potential choice.

Now, let's discuss the methodologies used to evaluate universities for rankings.

Ranking Methodologies

Global university ranking systems offer standardized methods to assess higher education institutions worldwide, using quantitative and qualitative metrics. Prominent organizations such as QS, Times Higher Education (THE), and U.S. News & World Report each use unique methodologies to evaluate universities across various aspects of academic performance.

Let's explore ranking methodologies for ranking agencies such as QS, THE, and US News:

QS World University Rankings

The QS World University Rankings is among the most prominent global university evaluation systems, assessing over 1,500 institutions each year. Its research methodology for rankings blends academic and employer reputation surveys with objective indicators such as faculty-to-student ratios and research impact.

Here are the indicators used in QS World University rankings.

Focus Area	Indicators	Weightage
Research and Discovery	Academic Reputation	30%
Research and Discovery	Citations per Faculty	20%
Employability and Outcomes	Employer Reputation	15%
Employability and Outcomes	Employment Outcomes	5%
Global Engagement	International Faculty Ratio	5%
	International Research Network	5%
	International Student Ratio	5%
	International Student Diversity	0%
Learning Experience	Faculty Student Ratio	10%
Sustainability	Sustainability	5%

Now, let's take a look at the ranking methodology for THE

Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings

The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings is one of the most authoritative global assessment systems for research-intensive institutions.

THE evaluates universities across five key areas: Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, International Outlook, and Industry Engagement, providing a comprehensive measure of institutional excellence.

Here are the criteria used by THE university rankings.

Focus Area	Indicators	Weightage
Teaching	Teaching Reputation	15%
	Staff-to-student ratio	4.5%
	Doctorate-to-bachelor's ratio	2%
	Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio	5.5%
	Institutional income	2.5%
Research Environment	Research reputation	18%
	Research income	5.5%
	Research productivity	5.5%
Research Quality	Citation impact	15%
	Research strength	5%
	Research excellence	5%
	Research influence	5%
International Outlook	Proportion of international students	2.5%
	Proportion of international staff	2.5%
	International collaboration	2.5%
Industry	Industry income	2%
Industry	Patents	2%

Now, let's explore the ranking methodology for THE

U.S. News and World Report Rankings

U.S. News & World Report is a trusted source for evaluating higher education, employing a detailed methodology that highlights student outcomes, social mobility, and academic quality. The 2025 rankings focus on tangible success indicators like graduation rates and post-graduate accomplishments, offering a well-rounded view of institutional performance.

Here are the criteria used in U.S. News and World Report rankings:

Focus Indicators	Weightage
Graduation Rates	16%
First-year retention rates	5%
Graduation rate performance	10%
Pell graduation rates	5.5%
Pell graduation performance	5.5%
College grads earning more than a high school grad	5%
Borrower debt	5%
Peer assessment	20%
Financial resources	8%
Faculty salaries	8%
Full-time faculty	3%
Student-faculty ratio	4%
Standardized tests	5%

These rankings showcase Purdue University's ability to provide high-quality education and strong real-world outcomes, such as employability. Its 2025 results emphasize the university's academic and research excellence.

Next, let's explore Purdue's position within the global higher education field.

Conclusion

The blog provides a well-structured overview of Purdue University's rising global and national rankings. It highlights improvements in the QS Rankings from #99 to #88 and in THE Rankings from #86 to #79, while U.S. News places Purdue at #173 globally in 2026, underscoring its academic and research strength.

Subject-specific rankings further emphasize Purdue's excellence, with Mechanical Engineering at #19 (QS), Agriculture at #6, and Undergraduate Engineering at #8 (U.S. News). These rankings affirm Purdue's reputation in STEM and applied sciences.

Purdue's 50% acceptance rate demonstrates a balance of accessibility and top-tier education. Overall, it effectively presents Purdue's comprehensive strengths in academics, research, culture, and innovation.

FAQs

What makes Purdue University different from other Jesuit institutions in the U.S.?

Purdue University is a public research university, not a Jesuit institution, ranking #46 nationally with a strong secular, STEM-focused mission. Unlike Jesuit colleges, which emphasizing liberal arts and religious education, Purdue prioritizes engineering, technology, and research innovation.

How strong is the alumni network of Purdue University across fields like healthcare, law, and engineering?

Purdue boasts over 400,000 living alumni spread across nearly every country, making it one of the most extensive networks globally. The engineering alumni network is powerful, with the Elmore Family School being one of the largest ECE departments in the nation. Notable alumni include Nobel Laureate Ben Roy Mottelson and numerous electrical engineers and pharmacologists.

What kind of industry partnerships or internships are available to students during their studies?

Purdue offers innovative industry partnerships through specialized centers like the Advanced Aviation Analytics Institute for Research (A³IR-CORE), addressing operational challenges. Students can participate in international programs at partner institutions in Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, Peru, Australia, and Korea. The university's #11 ranking among public universities attracts top-tier corporate partnerships for internships and co-ops.

What research centers or programs does Purdue University offer for students seeking hands-on academic experience?

Purdue operates one of the largest cycle recovery systems in academia, supporting research for campus and national users. The university's #88 global ranking in QS World University Rankings reflects its research excellence across multiple disciplines. Students access numerous specialized research centers, with faculty consistently earning prestigious recognitions for their groundbreaking work.

How does Purdue University's on-campus housing contribute to its student experience and national recognition?

Purdue's residential experience supports its #1 ranking among Top Public Universities in Indiana, with an A+ overall grade from students. The campus housing system fosters community engagement and academic collaboration, strengthening the university's retention rates. The residential programs complement Purdue's academic excellence, helping maintain its position among the top 28 universities in the USA.

How active is student life, and what are some notable clubs or student-run organizations?

Student life at Purdue is highly active, with opportunities for student competitions and international experiences enhancing campus engagement. The university's 4-star rating from over 5,234 student reviews indicates high satisfaction with campus activities. Purdue's diverse student body and extensive programming support its reputation as a comprehensive research university.

What professional preparation resources does Purdue University provide students throughout and beyond their studies?

Purdue provides extensive career services backed by its Forbes recognition for "rigorous education and plentiful job prospects" for graduates. The university's independently financed Alumni Association, founded in 1878, offers lifetime career support and networking opportunities. Professional development is integrated throughout academic programs, particularly in engineering and technology.

Does Purdue University offer cross-registration or dual-degree options with nearby institutions?

Purdue offers study abroad partnerships with institutions in Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, Peru, Australia, and Korea, ranging from one week to full semester programs. The university's nine satellite campuses across Indiana provide additional educational opportunities and flexibility. These partnerships enhance the global perspective that contributes to Purdue's international recognition.

How accessible are faculty members for mentoring or academic guidance outside the classroom?

Faculty accessibility is supported by Purdue's commitment to academic excellence, with professors consistently earning prestigious recognitions, including Fulbright awards. The university's semester-based academic calendar allows for structured faculty-student interactions throughout the year. Purdue's research-intensive environment encourages close faculty-student collaboration on projects and educational guidance.

What academic and cultural support systems are available to international students at Purdue University?

International students benefit from Purdue's #88 global ranking and extensive international partnerships for study abroad and cultural exchange. The university's diverse research community, with alumni living in more than 140 countries, creates a globally connected support network. Purdue's Top Producing Institution status for Fulbright scholars demonstrates its commitment to international academic excellence.

Which signature events or celebrations shape the student experience at Purdue University?

Purdue's signature events center around its strong engineering and research traditions, celebrating academic achievements and faculty recognition ceremonies. The university's A+ overall grade and high student satisfaction ratings reflect successful campus programming and community building. Traditional events honor Purdue's legacy as a leading public research institution and its status among America's top universities.