Purdue University facts for kids
Purdue University is a big school located in West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S.. It's the main campus of the six-campus Purdue University System. Purdue was started on May 6, 1869. It became a special kind of university called a land-grant university. This means the U.S. government gave land to states to build colleges focused on agriculture and engineering.
A businessman from Lafayette named John Purdue gave land and money to help start the university. He wanted a college that taught science, technology, and agriculture. The first classes began on September 16, 1874. Back then, there were only three buildings, six teachers, and 39 students. Today, Purdue has the second largest number of students in Indiana. It also has the second largest number of international students among public universities in the U.S.
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What You Can Study at Purdue
Purdue University offers many different study programs. You can choose from over 210 main subjects. These include programs for students just starting college (undergraduate) and for those who want to continue their studies after getting a first degree (graduate school).
Famous Programs
Purdue is especially known for its programs in aviation and aerospace engineering. These programs are considered some of the best and most challenging in the world. Purdue has played a big part in the history of flight in America.
In the middle of the 1900s, Purdue's aviation program grew to include advanced spaceflight technology. Because of this, Purdue earned a special nickname: Cradle of Astronauts. Many astronauts, including the first person to walk on the moon, have studied at Purdue!
Amazing Achievements
Purdue University has a long list of successful graduates. Many people who went to Purdue have become very famous.
Notable Alumni
- Several people who studied at Purdue have won the Nobel Prize. This is one of the highest awards for important discoveries.
- Many Purdue graduates have become CEOs of big companies, including those on the Fortune 500 list.
- Some have even become NFL Super Bowl MVPs, which means they were the most valuable players in the Super Bowl football game.
- As mentioned, Purdue is known for its astronauts.
Research and Discovery
Purdue University is also a place where a lot of important research happens. Scientists and students work on new discoveries every day.
Research Funding
In one recent year (2007-2008), Purdue received a lot of money for research. They got over $333 million! This money came from important groups like the National Science Foundation and National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It also came from different parts of the U.S. government, such as the departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy, and Health and Human Services. This funding helps Purdue scientists work on projects that benefit everyone.
Images for kids
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John Purdue, who gave money to start the university.
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University Hall, a building at Purdue.
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The Engineering Mall at Purdue University.
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The Purdue Memorial Union, a place for students.
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Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, Indiana, Estados Unidos, 2012-10-15, DD 33.jpg
The Union Club.
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The Horticulture Gardens at Purdue.
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The Purdue University Arch.
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A look inside the Mechanical Laboratory from Cassier's Magazine in 1892.
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A graduation ceremony at Purdue.
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Cary Quad and Spitzer Court.
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Loeb Fountain.
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The Class of 1939 Water Sculpture.
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President Ronald Reagan visited Purdue in 1987.
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Neil Armstrong, the first person on the moon, studied at Purdue.
See also
In Spanish: Universidad Purdue para niños
