Purdue University is a public, comprehensive institution. Founded in 1869, it adopted coeducation in 1874. It does not feel big to its students, even though it is one of America''s largest universities. Indeed, the main campus in West Lafayette, Indiana, was built around a master plan that keeps walking time between classes to a maximum of 12 minutes. Its 1,579-acre campus is located in West Lafayette, 65 miles northwest of Indianapolis.