The Benefits of a Big School

Recently, Purdue University released its first round of acceptance letters to freshmen. For many students who received an offer letter of admittance, a mixture of feelings may be beginning to emerge. Relief, anxiety, and reality all begin to creep in as high school seniors now have the decision on where to go to school placed on them. For some students, the sheer size of a school like Purdue may seem overwhelming when coming from a small high school. While there are benefits and drawbacks to every school size, ultimately the most important factor is where you feel most comfortable. I can confidently say that I love going to a school as large as Purdue, and here are a few reasons why:

1. It’s well known

Purdue is a distinguished school known all around the country and the world, with acclaimed alum such as Neil Armstrong, Drew Brees, Orville Redenbacher, and Gus Grissom. Employers respect a Purdue degree, and know the high caliber of its graduates.

2. The countless opportunities

Being such a large school, Purdue has resources that smaller facilities simply can’t offer. Whether it be in research, the arts, athletics, or a wide variety of student resources, Purdue likely has it. Not to mention, Purdue has over 1,000 registered student organizations that allow you to connect with others that have the same interests or passions as you. Also, with so many other students, there are so many people to meet and friends to make!

3. Basketball games in Mackey

It’s no secret that basketball is big in the hoosier state, and no where is it better than in Mackey. Faithfully referred to as “our house”, students flood the stadium for every game to cheer on the Boilermakers. 

4. The size breaks down quick

While Purdue is home to roughly 40,000 students, that number breaks down quickly when you divide it by your college, department, and major. While there are lectures for general education classes like biology or chemistry, even these classes offer recitations where a TA provides assistance with the class materials to you and roughly 20 other students. Additionally, once you enter into a department, you will have class with many of the same students in an average-sized classroom.