Purdue University in Indianapolis FAQ

Find answers to the questions that students, faculty and staff are searching for most and learn more about the new Purdue University in Indianapolis campus.

Legal disclaimer: The information provided in these FAQs is based on the Definitive Agreements approved by Purdue University and Indiana University in June 2023. The FAQs may be revised, modified, or updated as details are made available. The information provided herein is general information only. Transitioning students are advised to seek out their current academic advisor to confirm specific requirements of the transition to Purdue. Prospective students are advised to seek further information from their admissions counselor.

STUDENTS

CURRENT STUDENTS

How will current students enrolled in Purdue programs or those admitted to Purdue programs by July 1, 2024, be impacted?

Until July 1, 2024, IUPUI student programs and services will continue to be offered as they are today. Commitments made prior to July 1, 2024, to those IUPUI students enrolled in degree programs that will transfer to Purdue (called “Transitioning Students”), will be honored. These include, but are not limited to, university scholarships, university-funded fellowships, tuition reciprocity agreements, the opportunity to complete degrees, and (subject to customary Board-approved adjustments) tuition and fee rates. By the end of Spring 2027, we expect most students to have completed or mostly completed their degree programs. Purdue advisors will work with any student who is not on track to finish by the end of Spring 2027 to determine how to support them as they continue to work toward completing their degree.

What can Purdue University in Indianapolis students expect from their classes?

Purdue University in Indianapolis students starting in Fall of 2024 will take Purdue classes with the same curriculum as those offered in West Lafayette. Students will be with other Purdue students, follow Purdue policies, use Purdue syllabi and follow Purdue learning outcomes and assessment mechanisms (quizzes, exams, projects and the like). Students will also have the ability to take elective and selective classes from Indiana University Indianapolis.

What does it mean to take a class from Indiana University Indianapolis following the realignment?

Regardless of how a student registers for one of these classes, Purdue University in Indianapolis students enrolled in an IUI class will be in class with IUI students, follow IUI policies and the IUI calendar, use IUI syllabi and follow IUI learning outcomes and assessment mechanisms (quizzes, exams, projects and the like).

What is “Teach Out” and how long does it last?

“Teach Out” is a term used by the Higher Learning Commission for students in the transition following the closure of IUPUI and the start of Purdue University in Indianapolis. These are the first Purdue University in Indianapolis students! The students in this category will continue to pursue their currently enrolled degrees through completion for a period of three years following the July 2024 realignment. Purdue is committed to continuing to offer the courses listed in current IUPUI plans of study. By the end of Spring 2027, we expect most students to have completed or mostly completed their degree programs. During or before the Spring 2027 semester, Purdue advisors will work with any student who is not on track to finish by the end of Spring 2027 to determine how to support them as they continue to work toward completing their degree.

What happens a year from now for Transitioning Students who realize they want/need to change their major?

Requests to change majors within the Transitioning Student Cohort will be reviewed with individual students, with an eye toward the student’s ability to complete their degree plan as scheduled. The process to modify from an existing IUPUI plan of study to a Purdue West Lafayette plan of study/major is still under consideration.

What will happen for Transitioning Students who were planning on double majoring – one major that will now be Purdue and the other that will now be IU? What about a minor or certificate?

We are still working on this question and aim to have an answer before students are scheduled to register for classes for the Spring 2024 semester.

I am currently in the IUPUI College of Science in a program other than Computer Science. Can I still graduate with a Purdue degree?

Yes. Students will have until Nov. 29, 2024, to declare their intention to complete a Purdue plan of study and receive a Purdue degree. Students who elect to receive a Purdue degree will have until the end of the Summer 2027 session to graduate. This criterion also applies to IUPUI students who are currently undecided on a major. We will work individually with any student who needs more time.

Can I take classes at either Indianapolis or West Lafayette following the realignment?

Long term, we want to create a truly integrated experience for students regardless of location. Eventually that means students will take required classes at their home locations but may have the flexibility to enroll in elective or selective courses at the other campus. We are still working out how much of that flexibility will exist in the first couple of years following the realignment.

How will services be provided to Purdue University in Indianapolis students?

Purdue University in Indianapolis students will have access to – and the ability to join and participate in – student services and extracurricular student activities offered by Purdue University in Indianapolis as well as, in some cases, IU Indianapolis. Examples include student housing and dining; parking; student organizations, associations, groups, clubs and societies; library access and usage; health, wellness and counseling services and other student support resources; athletic events, recreation and intramural sports; and other such extracurricular activities, services and resources.

What tuition will Purdue University in Indianapolis students pay?

For new students beginning on or after July 1, 2024, Purdue University in Indianapolis tuition rates will be the same as those for Purdue West Lafayette. Transitioning students who start at IUPUI prior to July 1, 2024, will pay either the Purdue West Lafayette tuition rate or their 2023-24 IUPUI base tuition rate, whichever is lower.

What will happen to current IUPUI athletic programs?

IUPUI athletic programs will be maintained solely and independently by Indiana University, and those student-athletes will represent the new IU Indianapolis. Work is underway with the NCAA to minimize disruption to existing IUPUI student-athletes. Prospective student-athletes who are interested in Purdue should contact Intercollegiate Athletics in West Lafayette.

I am a current IUPUI student. Will I be able to retain membership or hold leadership positions in existing IUPUI student organizations?

After the realignment, Purdue students will be able to join most IUI student organizations but may be prohibited from holding certain leadership positions (such as president). Administration of pre-professional organizations that align with Purdue Realigned Units will transfer to Purdue.

FALL 2024 NEW BEGINNERS

What will be different for prospective future students contemplating enrolling on or after July 1, 2024?

Prospective future undergraduate students seeking to attend Purdue University in Indianapolis on or after July 1, 2024, will apply for admission to Purdue University using the processes in place for Purdue University West Lafayette. Prospective students can expect admissions standards to be those of West Lafayette. Students at Purdue University in Indianapolis will be wholly part of the Purdue West Lafayette flagship ecosystem and ordinarily able to participate in student organizations and activities at both locations.

What degrees will be offered in Indianapolis in Fall 2024?

Currently enrolled students will continue pursuing the degree they signed up for at IUPUINewly admitted students starting in Fall of 2024 will have access to the following programs:

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

College of Engineering

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Motorsports Engineering

College of Science

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science

Purdue Polytechnic Institute

  • Animation and Visual Effects
  • Computer and Information Technology
  • Computer Engineering Technology
  • Computer Infrastructure and Networking Engineering Technology
  • Construction Management Technology
  • Cybersecurity
  • Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Interior Architecture
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Organizational Leadership

Master’s Degree Programs

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Computation Data Science
  • Computer Science
  • Cybersecurity and Trusted Systems
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Applied Data Management Analytics
  • Engineering Technology Education Specialist
  • Facilities Management
  • Information Assurance and Security
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Computer and Information Technology
  • Technical Communication

Doctor of Philosophy Programs

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

If I am denied admission to West Lafayette, could I be offered a spot in Indianapolis?

Students who are denied admission to West Lafayette are sometimes encouraged to enroll at regional campuses at Fort Wayne or Northwest. Indianapolis is not a regional campus. Students should indicate a desire to be considered for Indianapolis at the time of their original application.

How will students move between locations? Do I just register for a course at the other location?

Generally, students will need to register for courses specifically at their assigned location. Long term, there may be added flexibility to support registration for elective or selective courses not offered at a student’s home location.

Will we allow a location change on the application? i.e., I applied to two WL options and now want to add Indianapolis.

Any major changes to an existing application, including location preference, are allowed only once an offer is made.

When will the majors available only in Indianapolis be added to the website?

There are only a couple of programs that are unique to Indianapolis. Information regarding Interior Architecture and Motorsports Engineering is available on the website. Information about any other major will be the same as in West Lafayette, and we encourage prospective students to review that information.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Will Transfer as a Junior (TSAP) and other articulation agreements work the same at Purdue University in Indianapolis as at Purdue West Lafayette?

Yes, generally TSAP pathways and other articulation agreements will work the same.

Will there be different sets of requirements for both locations?

The admissions criteria will be the same regardless of location.

Are application deadlines the same as Purdue West Lafayette?

The admissions deadlines will be the same regardless of location.

Is the student considered a transfer student if moving between Purdue University in Indianapolis to Purdue West Lafayette?

No. The student is a Purdue student who may take classes at one or more location in the life cycle of completing their degree.

SCHOLARSHIPS

How will scholarships work with Purdue University in Indianapolis?

At this time, we are committed to ensuring university gift aid (i.e. aid other than student loans) remains unchanged for current IUPUI students. More information about merit aid and other scholarships will be available later in Fall 2023.

Will fewer scholarships be available to Purdue West Lafayette students as a result of the expansion into Indianapolis?

No. Purdue West Lafayette scholarships will continue to be available at the same levels. We are still exploring whether any other scholarship opportunities will be unique to Indianapolis.

Will the Boiler Gold Grant be applicable to Purdue University in Indianapolis?

We anticipate we will know more about specific grants and funding opportunities by late Fall 2023.

GRADUATE STUDENTS

How will the restructure impact graduate students enrolled in Purdue programs at IUPUI by July 1, 2024?

When the transition is fully implemented, Indianapolis graduate programs will be merged with Purdue West Lafayette programs, all governed by the Graduate School. A Purdue West Lafayette degree would be awarded for students who transition to Purdue as part of the realignment. Current students in the College of Science (except some CS students) will remain students of Indiana University and will have the choice to receive a Purdue or IU degree. Students will have until Nov. 29, 2024, to declare their intention to complete a Purdue plan of study and receive a Purdue degree. Current graduate student fellowships, assistantships, progress toward a degree issued prior to July 1, 2024, will be honored following the realignment for Purdue transitioning students.

I am a graduate student. Will the funding commitment made in my offer letter be honored?

Yes. Purdue University will match all funding commitments and, to the extent practicable, provide substantially similar benefits to transitioning graduate students. Graduate students receiving fellowships and assistantships can expect to continue to receive such support under the same terms and conditions outlined in their initial offer letter.

I am a graduate student working under a faculty member at IUPUI. Will I continue to be able to work with that faculty member after the transition?

Purdue will honor tenure, and IU transferring faculty can continue research and advising at Purdue University in Indianapolis. There are many options available to the transferring faculty. All the options provide support to continue research and to continue advising PhD students, and the selection or choice of an option will not impact the faculty member’s ability to continue to advise and mentor graduate students. Furthermore, Purdue will support you in completing the degree path you have already started or in helping you realign with the faculty member’s new academic department. General information regarding the classification of faculty and allowable service levels is available in Appendix M of the University Catalog.

I am a Purdue Transitioning Student interested in pursuing a 4+1 pathway or combined degree program. I won’t be ready for admission to the Purdue University Graduate School by the time the transition takes place. Will I still be able to complete my program as planned?

Yes. Purdue will honor students in 4+1 pathways or approved combined degree programs, provided students have declared their intention to complete that pathway by November 2024. General information regarding combined degree programs is available in Section III.C.2 of the University Catalog. Information regarding the use of Undergraduate Excess credit taken as part of a 4+1 pathway is posted in Section VII.B.1.a.3. More information about declaring an intention to pursue a 4+1 pathway will be available this fall.

Will the classes available to me after the realignment be the same as those currently available through IUPUI?

Purdue University is committed to offering classes listed on an approved plan of study through the end of the “Teach Out Period.” Students who have not completed their required coursework by such time will work with their major professor to identify alternative course offerings.

Will I continue to have access to research facilities?

Generally, yes. The definitive agreements governing the realignment included a Research Transition Agreement that allows for continued access to the research equipment and facilities in use by Purdue-aligned programs today.

If programs are offered in both Indianapolis and West Lafayette, how will I know where I will study?

You will be able to indicate a preferred location during the application process. Ultimately, your offer of admission will have the information you need about your assigned location. Admitted students working with a particular faculty member can expect to be assigned to that faculty member’s location. Students may request to change their degree objective, including preferred location, using the G.S. Form 17B. However, program administrators retain the right to request any additional information to review students’ suitability for the requested program along with the G.S. Form 17B, including up to a new formal application. This is in alignment with current Purdue University transfer and degree objective change processes noted in Section VII.H of the University Catalog.

Will current IUPUI students who are a part of the transition be allowed to remain with their advisor?

Yes.

How will this transition impact nonthesis master’s students?

Purdue University will continue to offer the coursework required to complete nonthesis master’s programs through at least Spring 2027. Students who have not completed their coursework by this time will work with their advisor to identify alternate pathways to degree completion.

Will my health plan benefits look different under Purdue than they did with IUPUI?

You can review a benefits comparison here.

What if I need to request an exception to an academic policy to facilitate my satisfactory degree completion?

After July 1, 2024, exceptions to the Graduate School policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be requested by submitting a letter with justification for the exception to the Graduate School for consideration. Requests must be endorsed by the student’s major professor and the head or chair of the graduate program. The Graduate School may require additional approvals if the request may impact other offices within the university (see Section VII.I of the University Catalog).

Can I take classes at IUI after July 2024, and will these courses be considered transfer credits toward my degree/certificate at Purdue West Lafayette?

Yes, you will be allowed to take courses at IUI, and to the extent they satisfy a degree requirement, they will not be considered transfer credits. There will be individual consortium agreements in place that will facilitate the exchange of this coursework.

Can students participate in summer internships in 2024, and who will help coordinate that process?

Yes. IUPUI will coordinate summer internships for students during the summer of 2024. For students seeking credit for internships, both institutions will need to be involved. More information on this process will be released as the process develops.

What is the difference between Purdue West Lafayette and Purdue University in Indianapolis programs?

The degrees are the same, but the location of the delivery of that degree is different. There may also be some distinctions in areas of focus.

Will the course and program requirements be the same at both West Lafayette and Indianapolis?

Yes. The requirements, outcomes and expectations will be exactly the same.

Can students take courses at both the West Lafayette and Indianapolis location?

Long term, students will have the option of taking courses at either location, and there will be a variety of courses offered at each location. We are still working out the level of flexibility students will have in the first year of Purdue University in Indianapolis.

STAFF

Will staff members keep their jobs after the restructure?

Yes. Purdue will offer all staff members employed by IU as of June 30, 2024 employment. With the first day of Purdue employment effective July 1, 2024.

How will any IUPUI/PWL salary differences (ranges) be handled?

Purdue will offer and provide to each Transferred Staff member the same salary rate as such Transferred Staff member earned at IU as of the end of the Transition Year, or a higher salary rate depending on market factors.

Will IUPUI staff service credit transfer to Purdue?

IUPUI staff years of service credits will transfer from IUPUI to Purdue.

Will I or my dependent still be eligible for the IU/IUPUI tuition remission after the transition to Purdue?

If the student (employee or dependent) is participating in a Purdue program, the remission benefit will follow the Purdue Remission Policy. If the student is participating in an IU program at any campus, the tuition benefit will be grandfathered for those students who started the program between Fall 2020 and Fall 2024. The IU tuition benefit will be honored through May 2028.

Will any of my accrued PTO at IUPUI transfer to Purdue?

Purdue will allow staff to transfer up to 80 hours of accrued vacation at the time of transition. This will allow employees to have leave time available while vacation begins to accrue following Purdue’s policy (see Purdue Leave of Absence Policy). IUPUI will pay out any additional vacation hours above 80 hours per IU policy. Sick time will not transfer and will be managed by IUPUI at separation per IU policy.

What is Purdue’s job structure?

Visit our website to learn more about Purdue’s job structure. More information about the structure will be rolling out in September and October for staff.

Will I have to start over with my deductible?

For individuals that are enrolled in an IU medical plan and elect a Purdue medical plan after transition, your accumulations will transfer over to your new Purdue medical plan. This process can take up to 6 weeks after you transfer to Purdue and make your benefit elections. More information will be available to help you through the transition.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

Please email purdue-indy@purdue.edu with your questions.

Will IUPUI staff roles transfer to Purdue or will IUPUI staff have to reapply for their position?

Staff will not need to apply for their current position, but some might have an interest in new opportunities. Beginning in September, Purdue will hold individual meetings with staff to discuss their professional experience and career goals. Additionally, Purdue will post some positions immediately to support operations during the transition year. Current IUPUI staff who are interested in these early start positions are encouraged to apply.

How will my benefits be impacted by the transition to Purdue?

Benefits offered by Purdue to the IU Transferred Staff will be substantially similar to the benefits received by the administrative and clerical personnel staff of the IUPUI Campus currently employed by IU; provided, however, that such benefits will be subject to change at Purdue’s discretion in accordance with generally applicable University and Purdue West Lafayette campus policies. Check out the IUPUI/Purdue Benefit Comparison document.

How will hiring be handled prior to July 1, 2024?

It depends on the position. In general, Purdue will create and fill limited new positions as needed prior to July 1, 2024 to support the transition. IU may continue to fill vacancies based on IUPUI’s operational needs. Staff working in a Purdue Realigned Program as of June 30, 2024 will transition to Purdue.

When will my Purdue benefits be effective?

Staff who transition to Purdue will have 30 days from July 1 to elect their benefits. You will receive an email providing information on how to enroll in Purdue benefits and the HR service team will be available to answer any questions you have with this process. Any elected benefits will be effective July 1, 2024.

Will Purdue provide formal staff and supervisory training resources to help optimize the restructuring?

Yes, a formal onboarding and training calendar will be posted in February 2024. All supervisors and staff are encouraged to take full advantage of this training once it is released.

Will I be a college employee or will my job support a central administrative unit?

We are still in the process of mapping positions. There will be individual meetings with staff occurring in September where we hope to learn more about current roles. As a result, there will be some positions who will be slotted into a college and others into a centralized unit.

Will I have to change my doctor?

Purdue medical plans are part of the same Anthem network as IU medical plans.

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FACILITIES

What physical facilities will be assigned to Purdue?

We will independently operate a 28-acre new site, in addition to current engineering and technology buildings offering nearly 150,000 square feet of space to support research, teaching and learning. We will also create additional locations throughout Indianapolis.

How will the existing neighborhood around IUPUI be impacted?

Purdue plans to integrate with the local community and honor the proud history of the neighborhood surrounding IUPUI’s existing campus. Purdue is in active conversations with the city of Indianapolis during its reimagination of the historic Indiana Avenue neighborhood. Purdue will continue to plan its Indianapolis campus footprint while honoring and participating in those important discussions.

Will any new facilities be constructed?

Purdue University in Indianapolis received $60 million from the Indiana General Assembly to fund an academic and student success building on its 28 acres that will be an integral part of campus life for students and faculty. The working groups are targeting additional building projects, including a possible new residence hall, to support growth in Purdue enrollment.

GRADUATES/ALUMNI

How does the transition impact IUPUI graduates from Purdue programs?

IUPUI graduates with Purdue degrees will still have Purdue degrees. During IUPUI’s 53-year existence, there was never an IUPUI degree issued – only Purdue University degrees for graduates from Purdue programs and Indiana University degrees from graduates from IU programs. In the wake of this transition, we look forward to building a stronger relationship with our Indianapolis alumni.

As an existing IUPUI graduate with a Purdue degree, how do I get involved with Purdue?

Purdue for Life – created in 2020 by uniting the Purdue Alumni Association and the University Development Office – drives and coordinates all alumni-related activities across the Purdue family’s postgraduation lives and works with alumni, friends and fans to garner support for the institution.

Learn more about all the ways you can get involved at PurdueForLife.org.

More FAQs will be added in the coming months.

Ideas and suggestions for Purdue University in Indianapolis can be submitted to Purdueindy@purdue.edu.