FAQ Hub

What graduate programs are available at Purdue University in Indianapolis?

• Our urban campus expansion in Indianapolis offers graduate programs to prepare you for your next giant leap in your career with dedicated faculty, impactful research and cutting-edge facilities. For a list of graduate programs available at the Indianapolis location, visit the Purdue in Indianapolis graduate program web page. 

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

• The degrees are the same, but the location of the delivery of those degrees 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 campuses?

• Students have the option of taking courses at either campus, and there are a variety of courses offered at each location. 
  

Is there a separate application for Purdue University in Indianapolis?

• No.  Graduate programs offered at the Indianapolis location are all governed by the same Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars in West Lafayette.  Therefore, the same application is used for both the West Lafayette and the Indianapolis locations.
  

How do I select the Indianapolis location on the application?

• The graduate program offerings at the Indianapolis location of study are integrated into the West Lafayette campus.  You will first choose the West Lafayette campus on the Campus and Program page of the application.

• If the graduate major, degree level, and/or concentration is offered in Indianapolis, you will be prompted to select the location of study on the Program Details page of your application

I am a transitioning student in a BS/MS combined degree program.  What are my next steps?

• You must complete an application to the West Lafayette campus and choose the location of study as Indianapolis.  Students should contact their Indianapolis graduate program office to obtain a combined degree form and information to complete a Form 27.  
  

How will I access the facilities?

• Students will be issued a Crimson card (through Indiana University) to access facilities such as the library, dining hall, or co-rec.  For more information, visit your MyPurdue portal new student tab.
  

What tuition will Purdue University in Indianapolis students pay?

• The Purdue University in Indianapolis rates will be the same as those for Purdue West Lafayette.  For more information, visit the Bursar web page.
  

Can I take a tour of Purdue University in Indianapolis?

• Yes, daily visits to Purdue’s urban location in Indianapolis are available. Registration is available for a guided tour of Purdue University in Indianapolis.
  

How can I travel between the West Lafayette and Indianapolis?

• Provided by Royal Excursion, multiple round trips between West Lafayette and Indianapolis are offered daily during the week with a reduced schedule on the weekends during the fall and spring semesters. The 50-passenger buses are ADA compliant and include WiFi, collaboration spaces and restrooms. Click here for more information.
  

Is there a campus shuttle available to navigate within the Indianapolis campus?

• Yes, JagLINE shuttle services are available at the Indianapolis campus.

Is financial support available?

• Yes. Approximately 70% of Purdue’s graduate students receive funding by or through the University. Most financial support is in the form of graduate teaching or graduate research assistantships and fellowships.

What is an assistantship?

• Graduate assistantships typically involve approximately 20 hours of work per week for a professor. In return, you receive remission of most fees and a monthly stipend (i.e., salary). If you work all year on a 12 month appointment, you also receive paid time off. Medical insurance is also offered, if you hold an assistantship of at least half-time (i.e., 20 hours per week).

• Assistantships are generally awarded by your program of interest or a specific professor. However, you may also be able to secure an assistantship outside of your academic department.
  

What is a fellowship?

• Fellowships are different than  undergraduate scholarships because they provide a living stipend that is intended to support the graduate student. Competitions for fellowships are conducted by the University, national foundations, and companies to provide support for either new or graduating masters and PhD students. Most fellowships require that the awardee conducts research under the mentorship of a faculty member and fulfils their program requirements.  Fellowship award amounts and coverage of tuition, fees, insurance, and stipend vary depending on the award stipulations.

• Prospective graduate students should check with their academic program and the OGSPS list of outside fellowships for a list of current fellowship opportunities.  Purdue offers internal fellowships to prospective graduate students with consideration given based off of the student’s application to their graduate program. For more information, visit the Graduate Funding web page and your program of interest’s web page.
  

Is tuition covered by an assistantship or fellowship?

• Assistantship benefits generally include fee remission, although there is a small graduate staff fee. Fellowships may or may not include tuition scholarships. Awardees should check with the Fellowship Office if they have questions regarding the tuition coverage of their fellowship.

How do I apply for an assistantship or fellowship?

• Teaching and research assistantships are generally offered by your program of interest. Some programs may require a separate application, while others consider you when you complete the application for admission. To be considered for assistantships offered by the academic program to which you are applying for admission, visit that program’s web page or contact the program to determine the appropriate application process.

• Typically, when you apply for admission, a program will consider you for available fellowships; however, some fellowships may require the completion of an application in addition to the application for admission. To be considered for fellowships offered by the OGSPS, you must be admitted to Purdue. The Funding web page provides information regarding specific graduate fellowships.

I am an out-of-state student. How much is out-of-state tuition?

• Because the majority of Purdue’s graduate students receive funding, such as a fellowship scholarship or an assistantship waiver, most students do not have to pay out-of-state tuition. Estimate your tuition using the Bursar’s Office Tuition Calculator.
  

How do I qualify for in-state tuition?

• Please consult the Office of the Registrar’s web site for information on qualifying for in-state tuition.

Is the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), GRE Subject Matter Test, or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) required?

• Some departments require testing. A complete list of admission requirements for your program of interest is on the Explore Graduate Programs web page.

What is the minimum GRE or GMAT score that is required for admission?

• The OGSPS does not have a minimum requirement for the GRE or GMAT. The selection process considers all components of the application package, including application information, letters of recommendation, academic statement of purpose, personal history statement, academic record (i.e., transcripts, diploma), test scores, resume/curriculum vitae (CV), and other information a graduate program requires.
  

Is an English proficiency examination required?

• International applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English test scores for Purdue University graduate admission. For minimum score requirements, please visit the Explore Graduate Programs web page.
  

Are English Proficiency scores that are more than two years old accepted by Purdue for Graduate Admission?

• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English test scores are valid for only two years (at the time the recommendation for admission is received at the OGSPS).

Will you accept photocopies of English Proficiency scores?

• We do not accept photocopies of TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English test score reports.
  

I am an international student currently studying in the United States. Do I still have to take an English proficiency examination?

• The OGSPS routinely waives the English proficiency examination for applicants who have received a baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree from a U.S. institution within the past 36 months (at the time the recommendation for admission is received at the OGSPS). Applicants who qualify for a waiver of the English proficiency examination should bring this to the attention of the program to which they are applying.  Some programs may still require you to submit proof of English proficiency.

If I received a degree within the past 36 months from a school where English is the primary language of instruction, do I need to submit proof of English proficiency?

• If the instruction is in one of the recognized countries, then the OGSPS will routinely waive the English proficiency requirement. Note: If you have not done so already, request that ETS send your scores electronically to the OGSPS using the appropriate code for the campus to which you are applying.
  

Are students from Puerto Rico and other US territories required to take English Proficiency testing?

• No. Citizens of Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories are U.S. Citizens and do not need to provide proof of English proficiency.
  

When should I expect to see my test scores appear as received on my application?

• Your application must be submitted and paid for ETS computer-based official scores to match to your application. Score reports are sent to Purdue University electronically, approximately 10 to 15 days after your test date. Once ETS has sent your score report, it may take an additional 2 to 3 weeks or longer for your application checklist to update and show received.
  

Can I submit updated test scores after my application is submitted?

• Yes, official test scores can be sent to Purdue University (West Lafayette and Indianapolis locations) from the Educational Testing Service using the code 1631.  Official test score reports can also be uploaded to your applicant status portal, or a hard copy score report can be mailed directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions.  Please contact the graduate program to which you are applying to determine if they are willing to accept the new test scores.

Can I update my application with new test scores after application submission?

• No, once your application is submitted, you cannot return and make edits to the test score section of your application.  However, your official test score reports can be uploaded on your applicant status portal, or a hard copy score report can be mailed directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions.  Please contact the graduate program to which you are applying to determine if they are willing to accept the new test scores
  

Is there a limit to the number of test score submissions?

• No, there is no limit to the number of test scores submitted.  However, please contact the graduate program to which you are applying to determine if they are willing to accept the new test scores.

Do you accept applications for spring or summer admission?

• Some programs accept applications for spring or summer admission. Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs web page to determine if your program of interest accepts applications for the spring or summer term.

Are three-year degrees acceptable?

• The OGSPS accepts applications from Bologna bachelor’s degree recipients. Bologna bachelor’s degrees are conferred in European countries listed on the following website. 

• Applicants with three-year baccalaureate degrees from countries that are not part of the Bologna Process may also be considered for admission, on a case-by-case basis, using holistic review.  Departments may recommend applicants from these countries with three-year baccalaureate degrees with or without conditions, depending upon the outcome of the holistic review of the candidate.  Conditions for admission should be clearly communicated to students at the time of their admission.

What is the selectivity (i.e., the percentage of applicants that are admitted) for a certain program, college, or school?

• This figure varies from year to year and by program. Typically, the selectivity across all programs is approximately 30%.

How competitive am I for admission?

• It is difficult to predict how likely you are to be admitted to Purdue University. Many factors impact admission decisions, such as the qualifications of other applicants, the number of new students that can be accommodated, and the number of professors that share your research and scholarly interests. All components of the application package, including the application, letters of recommendation, academic statement of purpose, personal history statement, academic record (i.e., transcripts), test scores, resume/curriculum vitae (CV), and other items required by the graduate program are considered.

How long does it typically take to hear back about my application decision?

• Each academic unit has its own deadline dates and decision timelines. You should contact the graduate program to find out when decision notifications will be sent. 
  

What is the deadline to accept/decline enrollment?

• Each department establishes their own deadlines. You should contact the graduate program to find out their timeline. Acceptance of enrollment is due by 11:59:59 p.m. (EST) on that date.

What is the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) required for admission?

• Each academic unit sets its own admission requirements; therefore, some have a minimum GPA requirement, and others do not. The Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) requires all students to possess a minimum of a 3.0/4.0 GPA (A=4.0) in order to be admitted without conditions. To determine if your program of interest has a GPA requirement above the OGSPS’s minimum requirement, visit the Explore Graduate Programs web page.

How should I report my Grade Point Average (GPA) on my application?

• It is your discretion how you enter your GPA. We recommend you enter your GPA as shown on your transcript. Otherwise, we recommend using the WES conversion calculator.

How do I apply?

• All applicants must complete the Graduate online application and pay the non-refundable application fee of $60 (U.S. dollars) for domestic applicants and $75 (U.S. dollars) for international applicants. Detailed instructions and requirements are available on the application and on the How to Apply web page.  

What is the application deadline?

• Each graduate program determines its application deadline, so deadlines vary. Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs web page to determine the deadline for your program of interest. Submission is due by 11:59:59 p.m. (EST) on that date. It is at the discretion of the graduate program you are applying to if they are willing to accept your application past their set deadline.

• In general, it is suggested that you apply early in your senior year of college. Applying early has its advantages: more funding opportunities are typically available and more spaces may be available for admission, particularly in competitive programs.

What application type should I choose when beginning a new application?

• It is important to select the correct entry term when applying to OGSPS. Choose the graduate application year you wish to begin enrollment in a graduate program. The 2025 Graduate Application, contains entry term choices of Spring 2025 (January start), Summer 2025 (June start), and Fall 2025 (August start). The 2026 Graduate Application, contains entry term choices of Spring 2026, Summer 2026, and Fall 2026. For questions regarding your desired entry session, please contact the graduate program directly.

Can I apply to two different calendar years (i.e. 2025 and 2026) in a single application?

• No, you can only apply to the spring, summer, or fall session of a single calendar year, per graduate application. If you are applying for Fall 2025, you will need to create a 2025 graduate application. If you are applying to Spring 2026, you will need to create a 2026 graduate application.

Can I apply to two graduate programs?

• Yes, the OGSPS offers a variety of graduate majors on two different campuses.  You can apply for up to two different combinations of graduate major, degree objective, campus and course delivery with one application, for one application fee.  Selections can be ranked in order of preference.  If you are applying to a degree seeking program, only one academic statement of purpose and personal history statement and set of recommendation letters are required.  Additional supporting documents may be required for each graduate major selected.  See the Explore Graduate Programs web page for details.

Is there a separate application for Purdue University in Indianapolis?

• No.  Graduate programs offered at the Indianapolis location of study are all governed by the same OGSPS in West Lafayette.  Therefore, the same application is used for both the West Lafayette and the Indianapolis locations of study. You will choose the West Lafayette campus when applying for graduate studies at Indianapolis.
  

How do I select the Indianapolis location of study on the application?

• The graduate program offerings at the Indianapolis location are integrated into the West Lafayette campus.  You will first choose the West Lafayette campus on the Campus and Program page of the application. 

• If the graduate major, degree level, and/or concentration is offered in Indianapolis, you will be prompted to select the location of study on the Program Details page of your application. 

I am a non degree applicant. Am I required to upload an Academic Statement of Purpose and Personal History Statement and list recommendation providers during the application process?

• No. If you are a non degree applicant, you are not required to upload an Academic Statement of Purpose or Personal History Statement or provide names of recommendation providers. Some programs do like to read your academic statement of purpose and personal history statement, so this is an optional part of the application. You will not be assessed an application fee if you are applying as a non degree student. (Graduate Certificate applicants are assessed an application fee.)
  

How do I pay my application fee?

• After submitting your application, you will be directed to an application payment portal. Either click the link for payment by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express) or follow the link for payment through Flywire.

• Your application will not be processed until your nonrefundable application fee has been paid. Our application fee is $60 (U.S. dollars) for domestic applicants and $75 (U.S. dollars) for international applicants.

Are application fee waivers available?

• Purdue provides application fee waivers to recognize outstanding undergraduate achievement and engage prospective students in recruitment events where Purdue is affiliated. To determine if you qualify for a fee waiver, visit our How to Apply web page.

Why must I authorize the OGSPS, at the end of the electronic application, to share my educational records with World Education Services?

• In rare instances, the OGSPS consults with World Education Services to understand or verify your transcripts, diplomas, or other application materials.  The OGSPS pays for this evaluation. 

Do I need to send documents supporting my application?

• If you are a degree-seeking applicant, the graduate online application will require you to upload an academic statement of purpose, personal history statement, resume/CV (if required by the graduate program), and the names of your recommendation providers. You will also need to upload a transcript from every institution of higher education which you have attended. Official transcripts will need to be provided if you are admitted and choose to enroll at Purdue. For electronic transcripts to be considered official, they must be sent directly from the previous university to Purdue University at gradadm@purdue.edu. Please read more about transcripts.  An unofficial transcript printed from your current/previous institution(s) student system is not an acceptable document.

Can my official transcripts be returned?

• If you are admitted and choose to enroll at Purdue University, you will need to submit official transcripts before you can register for your third session. Once you submit official transcripts to Purdue University, they become property of the University and will not be returned. We recognize, in very rare instances, that students may have access to only one transcript (or an extremely limited number of transcripts) or other academic credentials. In this instance, you may submit a written request (at the time you submit your transcripts) to preserve your original documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions. 

Can I update my Academic Statement of Purpose or Personal History Statement after application submission?

• Once you have submitted your application, you do not have the ability to return to your application to upload a new academic statement of purpose or personal history statement. If you are applying to more than one graduate program, we encourage you to write all-inclusive statements that support your suitability for all graduate programs listed on your application. If you are interested in submitting new documents, please contact the graduate program to which you are applying.

Can I update my online application after it is submitted?

• You may submit your application only once. You will not be able to make changes to your application information using the online application system after submission. However, you will be able to upload additional transcripts or documents requested from your graduate program through your application status portal under Upload Materials as a Miscellaneous Supporting Document.

I have already applied for admission. Now what do I do?

• If a completed application has been submitted (i.e., you have completed and submitted the graduate  application, uploaded transcripts, paid the application fee, and submitted letters of recommendation, test scores, and any other items required by the program), no additional action is required. Your application status is available through the graduate online application system. 

How do I check the status of my submitted application?

• You may check the status of your submitted application by visiting the graduate online application system. The graduate program to which you applied updates your application status. If you have additional questions regarding your application status, please contact your program of interest. If you are applying to more than one campus and/or graduate major, your application status for each graduate program will be listed in your graduate student application portal.

Has the graduate program to which I applied received documents supporting my application?

• The graduate program to which you applied should receive all of your supporting documentation for your graduate application. If you have questions, please contact the graduate program for information about your supporting documents. For a detailed list of graduate program requirements and contact information, please visit the Explore Graduate Programs web page.

Has the graduate program to which I applied received my GRE or TOEFL scores?

• You may be able to check receipt of supporting materials, such as test scores, through the graduate online application system. Otherwise, the graduate program to which you applied can verify the receipt of test scores. Please contact the graduate program to verify the receipt of your test scores. For a detailed list of graduate program requirements and contact information, please visit the Explore Graduate Programs web page.

How do I accept or decline my offer of admission?

• Please refer to instructions found on the Admitted Student web page.

Can I apply and delay my enrollment, if I decide to begin my studies later?

• International students may ask to defer their admission for up to one year.  To defer later than one year, you will be required to submit a new application and application fee.

• Domestic students would only need to ask for a deferral of admission if they wish to start one year from their original admission date.

• You may request up to two deferrals from your original admission date.

Who should I contact for information about the application process?

• For detailed application instructions and graduate program requirements please visit the Explore Graduate Programs web page. If you have questions regarding your specific graduate program, please contact your program of interest.

I have applied to two campuses and/or programs, but I’ve only received an admission decision from my second choice program. Does that mean I am no longer being considered for admission by my first choice program?

• Not necessarily, as each department has their own application deadline dates and admission decision timelines. You should contact the graduate program directly to find out when decision notifications will be sent.

What is the required length of the Academic Statement of Purpose and Personal History Statement for my application?

• The Office of Graduate Admissions recommends that the essay be about two pages in length. However, individual graduate programs may have their own guidelines. For more specific details, contact your program of interest directly.

Can I add or remove recommendation providers before my application is submitted?

• If a recommendation provider has not yet submitted the recommendation, you have the ability to return to your application and edit your recommendation provider list. To edit your recommendation provider list, click on the recommendations page link on the left menu of your application.  

Can I add or remove recommendation providers after my application is submitted?

• If a recommendation provider has not yet submitted the recommendation, you have the ability to return to your application status portal and edit your recommendation provider list. To edit your recommendation provider list, click on the add/edit recommendations button in your application status portal.  

Should I waive my right to examine my letters of recommendation?

• If you waive your right to examine your recommendation, you forfeit your right to request a copy of your recommendation letter. If you do not waive your right, you have the ability to request a copy of your recommendation letter after admission and enrollment. Some recommendation providers may be reluctant to submit a recommendation on your behalf if you do not waive your right to view the letter.

Can I change my response to waive my right to examine my letters of recommendation?

• If your recommendation provider has not yet submitted a recommendation letter, you can exclude the recommendation provider with the incorrect waiver response, and re-add them with the correct waiver response. For applications that have not yet been submitted, click on the recommendations link on the left-hand navigation menu of your application. For applications that have been submitted, click on the add/edit recommendations button in your application status portal.

How do I resend a request for a letter of recommendation to my recommendation provider?

• The email notification to your recommendation provider is sent immediately after you enter his/her name into the application.

• For applications that have not yet been submitted, to re-send a letter of recommendation request, click on the recommendations link on the left-hand navigation menu of your application. For applications that have been submitted, to re-send a letter of recommendation request, click on the add/edit recommendations button in your application status portal.

• Your recommendation provider may have filters set on his/her email account that may not allow the email to come through correctly. If you believe this is the case, your provider can email our Technical Support team at gradinfo@purdue.edu.

Can I update the email address for my recommendation provider?

• If a recommendation provider’s email address needs to be corrected or updated, you must exclude the recommendation provider with the incorrect email address, and re-add them with the correct email address. For applications that have not yet been submitted, click on the recommendations link on the left-hand navigation menu of your application. For applications that have been submitted, click on the add/edit recommendations button in your application status portal.
  

Do my letters of recommendation need to be submitted prior to the application deadline?

• Application requirements vary by graduate program. You will need to follow-up directly with the graduate program to which you are applying to determine the acceptable timing of submission of your recommendations.

Do my letters of recommendation need to be submitted prior to my application submission?

• No, letters of recommendation can be submitted prior to or after your application is submitted. However, you are required to list the names of your recommenders on your application prior to submitting it. Application submission requirements can vary by program. Contact the graduate program(s) to which you are applying for specific letters of recommendation due dates.

Can my recommendation provider submit a hard-copy letter of recommendation?

• The online application only accepts online recommendations.  You will need to follow-up directly with the graduate program to which you are applying to determine the acceptable method of submission of your recommendations. If paper recommendations are accepted, please send the following recommendation form (PDF) to your recommendation provider.

Can recommendation letters be submitted via a recommendation letter delivery (dossier) service, like Interfolio?

• Yes, recommendation letter delivery (dossier) services, like Interfolio, will provide you with a recommender-specific email address for each recommender. Each recommender-specific email address should be inserted into your application in lieu of each recommender’s actual email address. Note: If you use a recommendation letter delivery (dossier) service, your recommenders will not be submitting the quantitative rating form that typically accompanies the recommendation letter.

Am I considered an international student?

• If you are not a permanent resident or citizen of the United States, you are classified as an international student. If you are in the process of applying for your green card, and your application has not been approved, you are considered an international student.

Is financial support available to international students?

• Although specific fellowship, assistantship, and other award eligibility may vary, funding is generally available for both domestic and international students. More than 70% of Purdue’s full-time international graduate students receive some funding by or through the University.

How much is the international student fee?

• International students pay a $200 fee each semester to help fund the unique services the University offers to international students, such as immigration regulation advising, cultural/educational programming, SEVIS reporting (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), and compliance with the United States’ government.

Who do I contact for questions regarding my visa status?

• You can contact International Students and Scholars at 765-494-5770.

How can I take graduate-level courses at Purdue, without enrolling in a degree program?

• You can apply as a non degree graduate student.

How do I get an advisor?

• You may be assigned an advisor upon admission to the OGSPS.  If you were not assigned an advisor, contact the program to which you have been admitted.   

How do I register for classes?

• You register for classes using the myPurdue system. However, because some programs require incoming students to register for specific courses, please contact your program before registering. Be sure to confirm your course enrollment and pay your tuition and/or fees balance on time. If you do not owe any fees, you must still log on to myPurdue and confirm your enrollment on the ‘Student Account Checklist’ card.