Actuarial Science Program

Purdue’s actuarial science program provides a broad-based quantitative background in mathematics, probability, economics, data analytics and statistics. This combination of quantitative and analytical skills is a big reason why the actuarial science program is one of the top-ranked programs in the United States. 

Since 2017, CollegeChoice.Net has ranked the program the Best Actuarial Science Degree and in 2022, the program was top-five in the College Gazette rankings.

Beyond rankings, the Society of Actuaries (SOA), the global professional organization for actuaries, has designated Purdue University as a Center of Actuarial Excellence (CAE) – their highest level of recognition for universities.

Degree options

Purdue’s Actuarial Science Program is an interdisciplinary program jointly administered by the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Statistics. Upon graduation, students receive an Actuarial Science degree as well as a Statistics degree. Many graduates also complete a business management minor, and some choose to graduate with "honors in actuarial science" by fulfilling additional requirements. Nearly 100% of graduates are employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation.

The program prepares students for an actuarial career as well as the first six exams set by the Society of Actuaries and the first four exams set by the Casualty Actuarial Society. Students can complete these exams while enrolled – before they graduate – giving them a competitive edge in their career search.

Committed to providing education at the highest proven value, the Actuarial Science Program offers a scholarship program the registration cost for actuarial exams. Students who complete an Exam Award Application before sitting for the exam can receive a 100% reimbursement when they pass an exam.

Strong background in math and statistics gives these candidates an edge in a variety of positions in business and government.

Actuarial Science Faculty

The faculty includes six credentialed actuaries who have achieved the highest professional achievement as Fellows of the Society of Actuaries (FSA). Faculty members have received excellence in teaching awards and actively conduct research that adds to the body of knowledge in the field. Additionally, the faculty is committed to the development of an innovative, industry-aware curriculum that changes to meet current dynamics and developments, including data science initiatives. The program is directed by associate professor Jianxi Su, FSA.

Student Experiences

Students are encouraged to step out of the classroom and into experiential learning to develop leadership skills, build confidence and make connections.

The Data Mine: An initiative born from actuarial faculty, The Data Mine explores problems at the intersection of Actuarial Science and Data Science. Students apply theory from the classroom to real-world situations using data analytic methods on large amounts of unstructured data. Research and ethical implications are considered.

Undergraduate Research: Each year, the Actuarial program provides summer research internships for undergraduate students. Other opportunities for undergraduate research are provided by the actuarial faculty and through The Data Mine. For more research information, please contact Jianxi Su at jianxi@purdue.edu.

The Purdue Actuarial Club is a student group that coordinates the recruitment efforts between business and industry and students looking for full-time employment or internships. The club supports students in their job search, sponsors professional events and hosts social activities.