Does Purdue University rank as a research institution?

Hey there! High school junior here, exploring my options for college. Purdue University is on my list, and I was wondering if anyone has any information on whether it's regarded as a research university. If so, what sort of undergraduate research opportunities might be available for students? I'm hoping to study aerospace engineering. Thanks in advance for any help!

Hello! It's great to see that you're exploring your options for college early on. Yes, Purdue University is highly regarded as a leading research institution, especially in the fields of engineering, science, and technology.

For aerospace engineering in particular, Purdue has a top-notch program with excellent resources and facilities for undergraduate students. As an undergraduate, you can definitely expect to find plenty of research opportunities available. These can range from working directly with a professor on their research project, to joining one of the university's many research centers and institutes, such as the Zucrow Labs or the PURSPEC Technologies Center.

To find research opportunities, I'd recommend reaching out to professors whose work interests you and asking if they have any openings for undergraduate research assistants. You should also check out Purdue's Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) website, which provides guidance and resources for students seeking research experiences.

I hope this information helps you make an informed decision as you build your college list. Best of luck with your college search, and don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions!