Purdue Online Master’s Program: Tuition, Requirements, Acceptance Rate

Purdue University offers online master’s degree programs.

These programs blend a rigorous and challenging curriculum with a convenient, interactive online format.

If learning online is your primary aim, then you can start building a better future by furthering your education online at a Purdue institution.

Each Purdue online master’s degree is designed to help you gain knowledge and experience that can take your career to the next level.

From recent undergraduates to seasonal professionals looking for a way to advance their careers, an online master’s degree program can help you achieve your goals.

Online master’s degrees from across the Purdue University system provide access to our world-renowned faculty and top-quality curriculum in a convenient, flexible format.

Does Purdue University Offer Good Online Master’s Degree Programs?

Yes, Purdue University offers a great number of online degree programs.

Also, Purdue University now offers both credit and non-credit online degrees and programs.

The credit programs include master’s degrees, associate degrees, graduate certifications, and professional development.

The online master’s degrees at Purdue University are in various areas of study, including economics, business, aeronautics, aviation, communication, computer science, technology, engineering, and education.

Basically, online master’s degrees at the Purdue University system provide access to world-renowned courses and top-quality curricula in a convenient, flexible format.

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Is Purdue Online Master’s Degrees Programs Accredited?

The institutions within the Purdue University system are accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.

Since Purdue Online is an institution within the Purdue University system, Purdue West Lafayette Online programs are accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

In addition, Purdue is committed to complying with all states’ regulations for its Purdue Online Learning programs. This applies to Purdue Online Learning programs ONLY.

For more information, visit HLCommission.org.

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What are the Requirements to Get Purdue Online Master’s Degrees?

Admission requirements of online master’s programs at Purdue University vary by program.

Applying to any of Purdue’s online programs or courses is an efficient process you can complete online.

There are separate application requirements depending on if you’re applying to a degree or academic certificate program. Either way, as a non-degree seeking student, or are looking to re-enter a program you started for which you haven’t completed a course in more than one year.

Also, the online Professional Certificates have separate application and registration processes that vary by course and program as well.

No matter which path you’re on, you’ll find an extensive network of personal and technical support throughout the application process.

They admit year-round, allowing you to begin your program of study not long after you’re accepted.

Generally, all online applications must include:

  • A completed electronic applicationMaster’s degree, (dual degree), graduate certificate, or non-degree (course only)
  • Application fee payment ($60 domestic, $75 international, and non-degree is free.)
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended (international students need original language and English translation)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose (300-500 words)
  • Resume
  • Proof of English proficiency (for non-native speakers of English)
    • TOEFL cannot be more than two years old.
  • GMAT/GRE test scores (Dual degree only)

To learn more about specific online program requirements, including application deadlines, relevant exam scores, financial aid options, and when you can start, choose your program of interest and select “Learn More.”

For International Applicants:

International students should follow the procedure above to register for any online program they want.

You should also ensure to review the English Proficiency Requirements (you may be required to submit proof of English proficiency).

GMAT Requirements

While the GMAT is a requirement for admission, the Purdue Admissions committee will waive the requirement for prospective students with substantial work experience or prior graduate education.

These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. A GMAT waiver can be determined by simply submitting your resume for review.

GRE Requirements

Purdue Univerity online programs do not require GRE requirements.

Although the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not a Graduate School requirement, many graduate programs require this test.

Check the Graduate Program Requirements Web page for this requirement.

Take note of these codes in case it comes in handy in your application process:

  • Purdue University Fort Wayne’s code for the GRE application is 1336.
  • IUPUI’s code for the GRE application is 1325.
  • Purdue University West Lafayette’s code for the GRE application is 1631.
  • Purdue University Northwest’s code for the GRE application is 1638.

What are the Different Purdue Online Master’s Degrees Programs?

Purdue offers a vast number of online master’s degree programs. However, these programs are grouped based on the different online campuses.

Purdue University West Lafayette is a Top 10 public university with online and hybrid programs. They include:

Purdue University Global is an online university offering 175+ programs, including accelerated degree options and a range of concentrations.

Purdue University Northwest offers nationally ranked online programs through the College of Nursing and an MS in Technology degree.

How Much Does It Cost to Study Master’s Degrees Online at Purdue University?

Purdue University offers academic quality and training that will distinguish any student throughout their career.

Purdue’s online engineering master’s program offers you a value that most institutions cannot match. This is among the most affordable top-five online graduate options in Engineering.

Purdue charges their tuition at a flat rate per course, which varies depending on whether you’re a resident of Indiana.

Each candidate’s expected cost of attendance will also include certain non-refundable fees.

Basically, Purdue Online tuition varies based on the course you choose. It ranges from $270.00 to $1,166.00 per-credit-hour rate.

Here is the tuition rate for an online engineering master’s degree at Purdue University.

Tuition RateFall 2020 – Summer 2024
Nonresident of Indiana
Fall 2020 – Summer 2024
Resident of Indiana
*3-credit course$4,146$3,417
*1-credit course$1,382$1,139
**project course
(3-credits)
$5,392$4,675

Note: Course tuition includes the Engineering Differential General Service, University Technology, and University Repair and Rehabilitation fees.

The Technology and Repair and Rehabilitation fees are non-refundable unless a student withdraws from the course with a 100% refund.

*Tuition is not applicable for online MSECE or MSME degrees.

For more information on the tuition rate for other online Purdue master’s degrees, click the link below.

Online Tuition Fee

Paying for Courses

You can pay for the courses through Purdue, the University’s portal system where students can make payments online. However, paying for online courses is a streamlined process.

Candidates on a low budget can also use instalment plans or have their employer send an invoice directly if their tuition is covered.

In addition, various financial assistance options are available to help anyone cover the costs of attending.

These financial assistance options include Stafford loans, graduate PLUS loans, educational benefits for veterans, and private loans.

Purdue Online Master’s Degrees Admissions

The online master’s degree program at Purdue is a thesis or non-thesis online degree which admits students twice a year – fall and spring terms.

Admissions into the Online master’s degree is based on the following criteria:

  1. Application form to Graduate School 
  2. Statement of Purpose (300-500 words)
  3. Official transcripts (international students need original language and English translation)
  4. Three letters of recommendation
  5. Official GRE* (general test) and TOEFL scores (international only).
    TOEFL cannot be more than two years old.
  6. One page resume

Note: Online application requires three essays: (1) A Statement of Purpose, (2) a Cohort Approach Essay, and (3) a Leadership Philosophy Essay.

How Do I Apply for Purdue Online Master’s Degrees?

Applying for Purdue Online Masters Programs is easy.

The list below will assist you in completing your Graduate School application and preparing any necessary documents to support your application.

Application Instructions

The following instructions are designed to assist you in completing the online application.

Step 1: To Begin the Application Click on “Apply Now.”

Step 2: Read the instructions under Application Management. You will be emailed a temporary PIN to log into the Graduate School Application. (Be sure to check your junk mail folder if you do not see the email.) Log in using your birthdate and the temporary PIN.  Once logged in, you will be prompted to create a password. Use this password along with your email address in subsequent logins. First-time users click on “Create an Account.” Returning users should click on “log in.”

Step 3: Register for an account by providing your email address, first and last names, and birth date. Once you have received your temporary pin, login in and change your password.

Step 4: Click on “Start New Application.” Select an application type by selecting the entering year for which you are applying. Click on “Create Application.”

Step 5: Read the instructions and touch “continue.”

This process leads you to the next stage of application.

Step 6: Complete the Personal Background Information.

Step 7: Complete the Emergency Contact Information.

You can find these contact on each program’s website.

Step 8: Complete the Residency Information. When you reach the question regarding in-state tuition, please answer “no, I do not qualify for in-state tuition.” You will not be charged out-of-state tuition, as our programs do not require it. However, if you answer “yes” to the question, you are led to other irrelevant questions.

Step 9: Complete the Campus and Program Information. Complete the entire section and select West Lafayette (online campus) as the campus you will attend.

Step 10: Complete the Program Details Information. 

For all Applicants:

  • Create an Application Account to start your application.
  • Choose up to 3 campuses and/or graduate majors in priority order.
  • Submit results of required tests (if needed) for your graduate program (examples of tests: GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS).
  • Prepare any additional documents based on your desired graduate program, including documentation for a 2nd or 3rd choice graduate program.
  • Pay the Nonrefundable Application Fee (not required for nondegree or teacher license applicants).

For Degree-Seeking Applicants:

  • Upload Official Transcripts for every institution of higher education attended.
  • Submit a statement of purpose. If applying to a 2nd or 3rd choice graduate program, be sure your statement of purpose is all-inclusive and supports your suitability for all graduate programs listed on your application.
  • Provide three Letters of Recommendation or the number required by your graduate program. If applying to a 2nd or 3rd choice graduate program, the program with the highest number of required recommendation letters will determine the minimum number of letters to be submitted.  

For Non-degree Applicants:

  • Provide evidence of a bachelor’s degree (maybe a transcript, copy of a diploma, or a letter from your college/university verifying the degree).

For Graduate Certificate/Teacher License Applicants:

Does Purdue Offer Online Master’s Scholarships?

Scholarships are typically small awards made to students to support their education in amounts ranging from $200 to $5,000.

Purdue University actually offers just one scholarship to their online students.

Due to the small amount, scholarships are not the main funding source for graduate education.

Students are encouraged to investigate fellowship opportunities, including internal fellowships and external fellowships, along with graduate assistantships to significantly help defer the cost of graduate tuition.

When searching for graduate scholarships, students are advised to read the scholarship requirements carefully, as most organizations only offer scholarships to undergraduate students. 

Graduate Scholarships List:

Ereztech BridgeForward Award: $1,500 for graduate students in chemistry and materials engineering.

Online Master’s Degree Website

See Purdue Online Programs

Online Master’s Degree FAQ

Requirements vary for each program and each school within the Purdue University system. Choose your program of interest to learn more.

When you start classes, you will be given access to a virtual classroom. Depending on the program, this classroom will include items such as coursework, syllabi, assignments, and messages. You also may use discussion boards, email, and chat to communicate with your classmates and your instructor. There may be real-time class components for some programs. You can log on and complete your coursework at any time that is convenient for you, but you must turn in your assignments by the deadlines your instructor sets.

Using the virtual classroom successfully requires you to have certain software and hardware. Be sure your equipment meets the minimum requirements required by each school:

Purdue University West Lafayette

Technology requirements vary by online program. Please refer to the requirements for the 
program or school you wish to enroll in.

Purdue University Fort Wayne

Most online courses at Purdue Fort Wayne use Blackboard Learn, which is an online course management system. Visit the Resources page for technical requirements information.

Purdue University Global

Review the technology requirements for Purdue Global’s online programs.

Purdue University Northwest

Technology requirements vary by online program. Please refer to the requirements for the program or school you wish to enroll in.

Federal financial aid is available for many of our programs and is available to those who qualify. Financial aid awards vary depending on individual student eligibility and need. Please visit the Financial Aid page for details.

Conclusion

The online master’s program at Purdue University is specifically designed for working graduates and offers flexible study plans with a format that allows you to study from where you are.

If you’re yet to enrol, select your course of study and apply.

Goodluck!

References

online.purdue.edu – Online Master’s Degree Programs

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