Purdue University Global

Yes, Purdue Global is a legitimate online college. Purdue University Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Accreditation is one of the best ways to make sure colleges like Purdue Global are legitimate. Schools without accreditation might be diploma mills, or schools that take students' money and award degrees or certificates without providing a quality education or requiring much classwork.

Some diploma mills may say they have accreditation, but the "accrediting agency" they list may not be approved by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Purdue Global is known for being one of the colleges with the most adult learners. It is set up to serve working adults, so online classes are taken at students' own pace. Many who enroll online at Purdue Global are first-generation students, parents, or both. Purdue Global also offers benefits, like a three-week free trial so students can test out online learning before they commit, or the option to apply military training toward college credit.

Federal data from College Scorecard shows the most popular degrees at Purdue Global are associate and bachelor's degrees in health and medical administration, allied health services, and business.

Purdue Global reports that the top industries for graduates include business, information technology, psychology, and education. Their data also indicates that 91% of students are employed, volunteering, or continuing their education within 18 months of finishing their degree.

Federal data from the U.S. Department of Education shows that Purdue Global graduates earn a median annual salary of $44,432 in their first year out of college. The university has a Salary Score of 58.59, meaning bachelor's alumni tend to earn more compared to graduates of other online schools.

Purdue University Global has a 100% acceptance rate, so every student who applies gets in. That makes Purdue Global a great option for students who might not have the grades to get into a more selective school. The university has a lower graduation rate of 30%, which is likely due — at least in part — to its accessible admissions rate.

To apply and be accepted to Purdue Global, students must be a high school senior on track to graduate or have a high school diploma, GED, or an equivalent. Students also need to be able to speak, read, and write fluently in English. Specific programs may have additional requirements.

The application process for Purdue Global is very straightforward and should only take about 20 minutes. First, students will need to create an account and profile. After that, students answer some basic questions, add in information about their previous education experiences, select the program they want to apply for, and review options for how to pay for school.

Students can start the application and finish it later, and there is a live chat option if they need help. Once submitted, an admissions advisor will get in touch to go over next steps.