Founded in 1869, Purdue is Indiana's land-grant university.  It is one of the nation's premier institutions with more than 200 areas of undergraduate study and renowned research initiatives. Purdue's programs in a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate disciplines consistently rank among the best in the country.  Twenty-two of America's astronauts hold Purdue degrees.  Students from all 50 states and more than 130 countries, bring rich diversity to the main campus in West Lafayette. Although a large university, Purdue maintains an intimate atmosphere that highly values individual needs and achievements.