Purdue University Scholarship 2026 offers first-year students merit-based awards ranging from $1,000 to full tuition, based on academic achievement and holistic review. This scholarship is designed to recognize outstanding students and support their undergraduate education at Purdue.
Purdue University is a public land-grant research university in West Lafayette, Indiana, known for its strong programs in engineering, science, and technology. The university is committed to providing affordable education and offers a variety of scholarships to both domestic and international students.
Benefits of Purdue University Scholarship 2026
- Trustees Scholarship: $16,000 per year (nonresidents), $10,000 per year (Indiana residents)
- Presidential Scholarship: $10,000 per year (nonresidents), $4,000 per year (Indiana residents)
- Indy Scholars: $10,000 per year minimum
- Lilly Scholars at Purdue Program: Full tuition
- National Recognition Programs Scholarship: $1,000 per year
- Renewable up to four years (eight semesters) with continuous full-time enrollment and meeting GPA requirements
Eligibility Criteria for the Purdue University Scholarship 2026
- Must be a first-year undergraduate student
- Holistic review of admission application including academic information, essay, recommendations, and personal experience
- For merit scholarships: grades in core academic coursework, strength of high school curriculum, SAT or ACT score (if provided), evidence of leadership and service
- For need-based scholarships: must submit FAFSA by April 15 priority filing date
- Only domestic students are eligible for the scholarships described (U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent resident aliens, and aliens lawfully present in the U.S.)
- International students with F, J, and some other visa types are not eligible
How to Apply for Purdue University Scholarship 2026
- Complete the admission application by the Nov. 1 Early Action deadline for automatic consideration for university-wide merit scholarships
- Submit the Departmental Scholarship Application via Scholarship Universe by Dec. 15 priority deadline for college-based scholarships
- Submit the FAFSA by Dec. 15 for need-based scholarships awarded by academic departments
- Search for additional scholarships on Scholarship Universe using the Admissions Application Portal Login
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Purdue University Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the deadline for Purdue University Scholarship?
The firm deadline for all university merit-based scholarships is November 1. For need-based scholarships, the FAFSA priority filing date is April 15, but for departmental scholarships with a need component, the FAFSA must be submitted by December 15.
Who is eligible for Purdue University Scholarship?
First-year undergraduate students who are domestic students (U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent resident aliens, or aliens lawfully present in the U.S.) are eligible. International students with F, J, and some other visa types are not eligible for the scholarships described.
What are the benefits of Purdue University Scholarship?
Benefits vary by scholarship: Trustees Scholarship offers $16,000/year for nonresidents and $10,000/year for Indiana residents; Presidential Scholarship offers $10,000/year for nonresidents and $4,000/year for Indiana residents; Indy Scholars offers $10,000/year minimum; Lilly Scholars offers full tuition; National Recognition Programs Scholarship offers $1,000/year.
How do I apply for Purdue University Scholarship?
You must complete the admission application by November 1 for automatic consideration for university-wide merit scholarships. Additionally, submit the Departmental Scholarship Application via Scholarship Universe by December 15, and submit the FAFSA by December 15 for need-based scholarships.
Is the Purdue University Scholarship renewable?
Yes, most scholarships are renewable for up to four years (eight semesters) while pursuing your first undergraduate degree, based on continuous full-time enrollment and meeting Purdue’s GPA requirements (typically 3.00 or higher).
Can international students apply for Purdue University Scholarship?
No, the scholarships described on this page are only for domestic students. International students who hold F, J, and some other visa types are not eligible for these scholarships.
What is the holistic review process for Purdue scholarships?
Holistic review considers all information provided with your admission application, including academic information, essay, recommendations, additional personal experience information, grades in core coursework, SAT/ACT scores (if provided), evidence of leadership and service, and personal background.
What is the value of the Trustees Scholarship at Purdue?
The Trustees Scholarship is valued at $16,000 per year for nonresidents and $10,000 per year for Indiana residents. It is renewable with a Purdue GPA of 3.00 or higher.
What is the Lilly Scholars at Purdue Program?
The Lilly Scholars at Purdue Program provides full tuition to students from under-resourced urban and rural populations who have overcome socioeconomic or educational disadvantages or are first-generation college students. It requires an opt-in process and is renewable with a Purdue GPA of 3.00 or higher.
How competitive are Purdue scholarships?
Purdue scholarships are highly competitive. Each year about 15% of applicants receive a merit award. Awards are based on credentials presented at the time of application and are nonnegotiable. Purdue does not match offers from other institutions.
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