Frequently Asked Questions for Students

• Is Purdue Global a for profit school?

  Purdue Global is a public, nonprofit institution. It is an Indiana public benefit corporation and part of the respected Purdue University system.

• What are the admissions requirements?

  Undergraduate applicants must have completed high school or received a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or other approved equivalent. Graduate applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university with a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) or higher.

  Some programs may have additional requirements. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Admissions Advisor.

• Does Purdue Global require the GRE?

  No. Purdue Global does not require applicants to take the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or SAT admissions tests to be considered for admission. Please see our list of admissions requirements for additional information.

• How long is a term?

  Purdue Global has two different term lengths: 10 weeks and 12 weeks. All undergraduate programs and graduate nursing, health sciences, and social and behavioral sciences programs follow 10-week terms. Graduate business, information technology, education, and criminal justice programs follow 12-week terms, which are divided into two 6-week sessions.

• How do I participate in my classes?

  Courses are divided into one-week units. During each unit, students are expected to participate in class discussions, take quizzes, and submit at least one paper. Some courses have real-time learning experiences, called seminars, which happen at the same time for all students in a section. Professors will also hold optional online office hours at designated times.

• How much time should I expect to spend on coursework?

  We estimate that students enrolled in 10-week terms require a minimum of 15 to 18 hours per week per course. Students enrolled in 12-week terms require a minimum of 20 to 25 hours per week per course. This includes time spent in the online classroom and studying offline. Advanced courses may require additional study time.

• Can I join student clubs online? How do I meet other students?

  You can meet other students in your classroom at any time via the discussion board and seminars. Make sure to introduce yourself at the beginning of a course.

  You are also welcome to join one or more of Purdue Global’s student organizations, which let you engage outside of the classroom with others who have similar academic interests. In addition, webinars hosted by Career Services and other University departments can connect you with fellow students, alumni, subject-matter experts, and industry leaders.

• Does Purdue Global offer laptops?

  Purdue Global does not provide laptops as part of enrollment. Students may use mobile devices such as tablets, mobile phones, and notebook computers (e.g., Chromebooks) to perform some academic activities, such as watching pre-recorded lectures or participating in online discussions. However, students should have access to a desktop or laptop computer as their primary device.

  Data rates may apply for mobile devices; check with your mobile service provider.

  View technology requirements.

• What student support services are available?

  Purdue Global students receive personal academic support from day one to graduation.

  Student Advisors offer degree planning assistance, provide access to resources and academic tools, and help you stay on track to graduation.

  Our Writing Center, Math Center, Technology Center, and Science Center provide subject-specific assistance, including free live tutoring, workshops, and self-paced tutorials.

  Career Services offers comprehensive career planning to students and alumni, including résumé and cover letter reviews, mock interview assistance, and networking advice.

• Are there any special benefits for military servicemembers?

  We believe active-duty military and veterans have earned a quality education through their service and should not have to pay excessive out-of-pocket expenses to reach their educational goals.

  Current servicemembers (including Guard and Reserve) save 55% per credit for undergraduate programs (plus we waive the technology fee) and 17% to 30% per credit for graduate programs. Veterans save 38% per credit for undergraduate programs and 14% per credit for graduate programs.

  We also offer reduced tuition rates for military spouses.

More FAQs for Students

• Is Purdue Global accredited?

  Yes. Purdue Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Purdue Global and Purdue University share the same regional accreditor. Learn more about our accreditation and approvals.

• Can I try classes for a trial period?

  We offer the Purdue Global Commitment, which allows new undegraduate students to experience Purdue Global for an introductory 3-week period with no financial obligation. Classes count toward a degree if satisfactorily completed, but no credits are earned if the student withdraws during the introductory period. For more information, see the University Catalog.

• Is financial assistance readily available?

  Yes, you can contact our Financial Aid Office at 866-458-2008 (Toll Free). Visit our Financial Aid FAQ page for answers to common questions about financial aid, or view our Paying for School page for more information.

• Will Purdue Global accept transfer credits?

  Yes. We accept eligible transfer credits from regionally and nationally accredited colleges and universities that are applicable to your specific program. Please see the University Catalog for the Transfer of Credit policy.

• Where do I send my transcripts to Purdue Global?

  To begin the process of having your transfer credits evaluated, ask your prior school(s) to send your official transcripts directly to the Office of the Registrar.

  Purdue Global
  Office of the Registrar
  2550 Northwestern Avenue, Suite 1100
  West Lafayette, IN 47906

• What are my financial obligations if I decide to drop a course or withdraw from school?

  Determining the cost, if any, for dropping course will vary based on the situation. Students who drop a course but continue their studies can drop courses without any financial obligation during the first 7 days of the term. After this, you will be 100% responsible for the cost of the course.

• Is technical support available? How can I access it?

  Technical Support representatives are on call every day to answer questions, assist with website navigation, and perform troubleshooting. You can reach them with an email to your Student Advisor, live online chat, or by telephone at 866-527-5268.

• How long will it take me to complete my degree?

  While that can depend on how many credits you may already have before you begin a program, full-time students will generally complete their degree as follows:

  • Associate's degree in approximately 2 years
  • Bachelor's degree in approximately 3.5 years
  • Master's degree in approximately 18 months to 2 years
• Does Purdue Global have Student Accessibility Services?

  Purdue Global is committed to providing opportunities for higher education to students with disabilities and to making the online programs, activities, and facilities at the University accessible to students with disabilities. All accommodations for students with disabilities are handled via Student Accessibility Services (SAS), a division of the Academic Success Center (ASC).

  To learn more, please visit the Student Accessibility Services.

• How can students get more information?

  If current students have additional questions, they should log onto the student portal where there is a link they can go to ask questions. We will respond as quickly as possible.