Community Overview

Cooperative housing has been a part of the Purdue University community for over 75 years. In a cooperative house, students live and work together to develop personal, professional, and leadership skills and friendships. The best part is that at the end of the day, we get back home with some of the greatest friendships college brings. Together, we attend social events, participate in countless philanthropy and service opportunities, all while getting home-cooked meals that are often passed down and made by your very own brothers and sisters.

Currently, Purdue is home to 11 cooperative houses: 4 men's houses and 7 women's houses. Students interested in joining a Cooperative House can participate in recruitment in both the fall and spring semesters. Cooperatives bring a unique aspect to housing that you simply cannot find on any other campus in the nation. We encourage you to experience the tradition!

Cooperative members are eligible for more than $15,000 in scholarships each year and have the ability to apply for funding for leadership programs as well. Cooperative living goes beyond just an affordable place to live. Members serve in the local community through community agencies and globally in international service projects. With GPAs consistently above the campus average and amazing graduation rates, cooperatives have a track record of being a very positive living and learning environment for all. Membership in cooperative houses allows students to begin building connections on campus early on. From the mentor programs offered by houses to intramural sports and social events, there is always something going on around the cooperative housing community.

Recruitment Information:

Men's and Women's houses recruit during each semester, with Spring being their primary recruiting semester. Application information is below:

Men's recruitment application Fall 2026

Women's recruitment application Fall 2026

Primary Recruitment:

The primary recruitment process for both men's and women's houses takes place in the Spring.  

Students (current Purdue students or incoming freshmen) will be able to choose between two weekends for their formal recruitment date. During formal recruitment, students will have the opportunity to meet all of the houses and get to know some of the members. At each house, both Men and Women, students will be able to interview with the house to allow for the house to get an insight to the students life and their personality. The houses will then invite individuals back for a second round of visits, known as informal recruitment. After you have gone to all of the houses you chose to visit during the second round, you will rank those houses based on your preference.

Continuous Recruitment:

Continuous recruitment takes place following the primary recruitment process. Houses with open spots will continue to recruit until their house is full. This is a less structured way of recruitment and each house sets their own events.

If you have questions about the Cooperative's recruitment processes, please contact:

Vice President of Membership: vpm@purduecooperatives.org

ED of Men’s Recruitment: edmensrecruitment@purduecooperatives.org

ED of Women’s Recruitment: edwomensrecruitment@purduecooperatives.org