Purdue's online university for working adults, offering 175+ degree programs with flexible scheduling and open admissions.
Purdue Global offers 175+ programs across certificate, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels through seven schools. The university employs open admissions for undergraduate programs (no SAT/ACT required) and offers competency-based learning pathways that award college credit for demonstrated mastery through professional and military training. Specific programs are accredited by ACBSP, ABET, CCNE, AHIMA, NALA, and others. The institution serves approximately 10,000 military-affiliated students with specialized programs including an AAS in Small Group Management and BS in Professional Studies.
The student population is 60% female, 53% white, 18% Black, 16% Hispanic, 3% Asian, and 1% Native American. Approximately 49% are first-generation college students, 83% work while enrolled, and 78% are caregivers. In 2019, Purdue Global ranked seventh nationally in Department of Defense Tuition Assistance funding with 6,825 servicemembers using benefits. The university was ranked No. 8 overall among primarily online universities in Military Times' 2023 Best for Vets rankings and opened an extension at Vandenberg Space Force Base in 2023.
Purdue Global has established tuition-assistance partnerships with major employers including Walmart (Live Better U program), Papa John's Pizza, Securitas, ManTech, New Balance, Disney (via Guild Education), Chipotle, and Discover. In 2024, Purdue Global became the preferred online university of the Guild & Team USA Learning Network, offering tuition-free education to Team USA athletes. These partnerships reflect the institution's focus on serving working professionals and corporate employees.
Purdue Global operates as a public-benefit corporation within the Purdue University system but does not receive state tax dollars. Kaplan Higher Education (a Graham Holdings subsidiary) provides non-academic support services under a 30-year contract and receives 12.5–13% of operating revenue. The university achieved financial sustainability in fiscal year 2021 with a $5.25 million gain after initial losses, and reported a $10 million gain in fiscal 2022. Indiana residents receive discounted tuition; Purdue employees and families receive free tuition.