Why WiE Chose Purdue

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    Finding the right place to call home during your college years is an exciting yet challenging decision. It's about finding a place where you feel supported, inspired, and ready to grow. To help you in your search, I have gathered stories from current women engineering students about what made them decide to join the Purdue family.



Haley
First Year Engineering

    I chose Purdue because of its amazing program that uplifts women in engineering and promotes diversity and positive change. I also love how big the Purdue campus is, offering the opportunity to join many different organizations and groups with fun activities, while still providing a close-knit community where I feel seen and valued. Another perk of Purdue engineering is that I don’t have to choose my major until the end of freshman year, giving me time to explore the different engineering disciplines and decide which one I truly want to pursue.



Disha
First Year Engineering

    I remember the stress of senior year and the college application cycle, but once I toured Purdue, it seemed like a no-brainer for me. Its facilities were massive and its labs had technology that I had never seen before! Plus, since I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to major in, I appreciated the first-year engineering curriculum, as it would expose me to the many, many fields of engineering to help me better decide. Above all, I was so excited to be a part of the Women in Engineering community. Moving to a new place and trying new things can be so daunting, so I was glad that WiE would offer a community where I could become friends with and learn from other women in engineering, and it’s safe to say I have!



Isa
Biomedical Engineering ‘26

    I ultimately decided to come to Purdue for the strong community of people. Ever since my admittance, I found myself welcomed from the very beginning. Even during move-in, I made many friends right from the start by joining the Women in Engineering Living and Learning Community. I felt like I truly belonged, which was extremely important when making my decision.

    In addition to the strong presence of community, the First Year Engineering Program was also highly appealing as it gave me a chance to fully discover my interests before choosing an engineering discipline. This comforted me as it allowed me to make an educated decision as to what degree would serve me the best.



Alix
Computer Engineering ‘26

    I chose to be a woman engineer because of my passion for problem solving and innovation. Purdue’s engineering program offers a rigorous curriculum and endless opportunities for programs to join. Additionally, the supportive community and diverse environment at Purdue empower women in STEM, providing the resources needed to succeed. I love being a part of this prestigious institution where I can be surrounded by like-minded individuals who share my enthusiasm for engineering. This environment not only fosters personal and professional growth but also inspires me to push the boundaries of what I thought I could do with my career!




Emily
Civil Engineering ‘25

    With me being from a Purdue family and wanting to pursue a degree in engineering, Purdue was my first choice in universities to attend. I wanted to go somewhere where I could pursue a world class education close to home, while also experiencing BIG Ten sports and having access to an incredible alumni network and resources to help me succeed. I also wanted to go somewhere that felt like my home away from home, and Purdue checked all of these boxes and more. Now being a semester away from graduating with my Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering, I can officially confirm Purdue did not only meet but exceeded my expectations, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to spend the last four years of my life at such an incredible place.



Ella
Mechanical Engineering ‘25

    I first started looking into Purdue because of my love for human spaceflight. Purdue has so many connections to this industry, and I couldn’t have been more excited researching this school. While making my college decision, a few other things stood out to me about Purdue engineering. The first is Purdue’s First Year Engineering Program. I had no exposure to engineering in high school, so I appreciated that I would have a year to understand what engineering really is and have peace of mind choosing my actual major. This program ended up being beneficial for me because I chose mechanical engineering over aerospace which I never would have expected coming in. Another thing that stood out to me was the way the students talked about their experiences. All of the students I heard from described a collaborative environment that supports learning and growth, and this is exactly what I was looking for in a school. There are so many opportunities at Purdue for every student, and I am so thankful I chose Purdue!



Soph
Industrial Engineering ‘26

    When deciding on a college, I wanted a school that would challenge me academically and set me up for future success, and Purdue stood out. Its world-renowned engineering program is known for producing highly accomplished graduates. I was also drawn to the engineering program’s size with the ability to offer unique resources, like specialized engineering labs and help centers, as well as a large community of students who share similar goals and interests.

    Additionally, I was impressed by the Women in Engineering Program, which provides tutoring, professional development events, and a supportive living-learning community. It’s comforting to know I’ll have access to resources that can help me thrive academically and personally.

    Beyond academics, I fell in love with Purdue’s beautiful campus and the vibrant college-town atmosphere of West Lafayette. It felt (and continues to feel) like the perfect balance of lively and safe, with plenty to do right within walking distance. Most of all, the strong sense of community and Boilermaker pride sealed the deal for me. I could not wait to become part of a lifelong network of students and alumni who truly support one another.



    Choosing a college is an important decision, and the stories shared here highlight why so many women engineering students have chosen Purdue. From the supportive Women in Engineering Program to the First-Year Engineering curriculum that allows exploration, Purdue offers a well-rounded experience. Students value the strong sense of community, access to resources, and opportunities to grow both academically and personally. For these students, joining the Boilermaker family was more than a decision—it was the start of an incredible journey.

Sophia Jarc, Industrial Engineering '26

WE Link Leadership Team 

 

Stay Connected With Purdue WiE Program! 

Facebook: Purdue Women in Engineering 

Instagram: @purdue.wie 

Blog: purduewiep.blogspot.com 

Email: welink@purdue.edu 

YouTube: Purdue Women in Engineering Program - YouTube 

 

 

Use the hashtag #PurdueWiE on Facebook and Instagram! 





Purdue Women in Engineering

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