🇺🇸 West Lafayette, Indiana · QS #89 · US Top-10 Engineering
BSc Electrical Engineering
Study at a university that helped put the first man on the moon. Purdue's Electrical & Computer Engineering programme is ranked top-10 in the US, with cutting-edge research in semiconductors, power systems, and communications.
4 years
Full-time duration
$31,104
Tuition / year (intl.)
Fall 2026
Next intake
TOEFL 80
English requirement
Overview
✓ Study at a US top-10 Engineering school (US News 2026)
✓STEM-designated — qualify for 36-month OPT work authorisation
✓ Home to 25 astronauts — "Cradle of Astronauts" with unmatched industry connections
Purdue's ECE programme covers everything from semiconductor physics and VLSI design to wireless communications and renewable energy systems. With $100M+ in annual research funding, you'll have access to cutting-edge labs and hands-on projects from your first year.
Graduates are hired by the world's top engineering and tech companies — and the STEM designation means you can work in the US for up to 3 years after graduation on OPT.
Gather transcripts, take TOEFL/SAT if needed, draft your essays. Your counsellor reviews everything free of charge.
November 2025 (EA) / January 2026 (RD)
Submit via Common App or Purdue portal
Purdue uses its own application portal. Early Action deadline is November 1; Regular Decision is January 1. Engineering is competitive — apply early.
January – March 2026
Receive your decision
Purdue releases EA decisions in January and RD decisions by March. Your counsellor helps you compare financial aid packages.
April – July 2026
Accept, I-20 & F-1 visa
Accept your offer by May 1, pay your deposit, receive your I-20, pay the SEVIS fee ($350), and attend your visa interview.
August 2026
Boiler Up! Move-in & orientation
Arrive in West Lafayette for international student orientation and begin your BSc Electrical Engineering programme.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees & costs
Tuition (international)
Per annum
$31,104
Total degree cost
4 years
$124,416
Enrolment deposit
Required to confirm seat & I-20
$500
SEVIS fee (I-901)
One-time US government fee
$350
Scholarships
Funding you may be eligible for
Purdue International Scholarship
Purdue University · Merit-based
$5,000–$10,000
Coverage: Annual tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: International undergrads, strong academics + leadership
Duration: Renewable each year
Deadline: Automatic consideration on admission
Source: purdue.edu admissions, 2026
Purdue Trustee Scholarship
Purdue University · Academic excellence
Up to $16,000
Coverage: Significant tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: Top-performing international students
Duration: Renewable for 4 years
Deadline: November 1 (Early Action)
Source: purdue.edu scholarships, 2026
Government Scholarships (home country)
Saudi SACM, Egyptian Mission, etc.
Full award
Coverage: Tuition + living expenses + flights
Eligibility: Varies by country — STEM fields often prioritised
Duration: Full degree
Deadline: Varies — your counsellor checks eligibility
Source: sacm.org.sa / mohe.gov.eg, 2026
Loans & financing
Alternative funding options
MPOWER Financing
International student loan · No cosigner
Up to $100,000
No cosigner, collateral, or US credit history required. Fixed rates from ~7.5% APR. Purdue is an eligible university.
On-campus employment
Earn while you study
Up to 20 hrs/week
F-1 students may work up to 20 hours/week on campus. Purdue's engineering labs, IT department, and research centres offer paid student positions that build your resume.
Living costs
Monthly budget in West Lafayette
West Lafayette is one of the most affordable college towns in the US — Purdue has famously frozen tuition for over a decade and the surrounding area offers excellent value.
Rent (shared apartment)$500–$800
Food & groceries$250–$400
Transport$0–$50
Health insurance (univ.)$180–$220
Books & supplies$50–$100
Personal & leisure$100–$250
Estimated total$1,080–$1,820/month
Student visa
F-1 visa requirements
Visa type
F-1 Student Visa
I-20 required
Certificate of Eligibility issued by Purdue
SEVIS fee (I-901)
$350 (one-time, paid before interview)
Visa application fee
$185
Financial proof
~$51,000/year (tuition + living expenses)
Post-graduation (OPT)
12 months + 24 months STEM extension = 36 months
Student stories
Hear from our students
"Purdue's engineering programme is legendary — the labs are world-class and the career fairs bring Intel, Tesla, and Qualcomm to campus every semester. I landed a summer internship at a semiconductor company and got a full-time offer before graduation."
YR
Youssef R.
BSc Electrical Engineering, Purdue — Class of 2026 · 🇪🇬 Egypt
"West Lafayette is incredibly affordable — my rent was half of what friends pay in California. Purdue has a huge international community and the engineering reputation opens every door. My counsellor handled everything from my application to the F-1 visa."
RA
Reem A.
BSc Electrical Engineering, Purdue — Class of 2027 · 🇯🇴 Jordan
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Purdue really that affordable for a top US university?
Yes. Purdue has frozen tuition for over a decade — a rarity in US higher education. At $31,104/year for international students, it's significantly cheaper than comparable engineering programmes at Michigan ($57,000), Georgia Tech ($48,000), or UC Berkeley ($48,000). West Lafayette's low cost of living adds to the value.
Can I work in the US after graduating?
Yes. As a STEM-designated degree, the BSc in Electrical Engineering qualifies you for 36 months of OPT — 12 months standard plus a 24-month STEM extension. After that, your employer can sponsor you for an H-1B work visa. EE graduates are in strong demand across the US semiconductor, automotive, and tech sectors.
Do I need the SAT to apply?
Purdue recommends the SAT or ACT for engineering applicants. A strong SAT Math score (700+) significantly strengthens your application. Your counsellor advises whether submitting scores helps your specific profile.
What is the campus like?
Purdue has a huge, self-contained campus in West Lafayette, Indiana — with its own bus system, recreation centre, and dining facilities. The international community is one of the largest in the US, with students from 130+ countries. The campus is safe, walkable, and has a true college-town feel.
Can I switch from EE to Computer Engineering?
Purdue's ECE department offers both Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering tracks within the same school. Switching between them is straightforward — especially in the first two years when the core courses overlap significantly. Your academic adviser helps you choose the right path.
