Purdue University’s identity is defined by its visual elements, including its wordmark, seal, emblem, and colors, which represent its history, values, and reputation for academic excellence.

The Purdue University logo has evolved to maintain consistency and enhance recognition. Before 2018, academic units could modify the wordmark by replacing "University" with their unit name. This practice was discontinued to unify the brand image. Purdue University, founded in Indiana in 1869, is a leading public research institution known for its engineering program. Serving nearly 50,000 students with over 3,000 academic staff, it represents innovation, tradition, and academic excellence.

The earlier logo featured a bold black "P" with a golden outline, symbolizing authority and tradition. The current logo, introduced in 2020, pairs the iconic "P" with a wordmark featuring “Purdue University” in a bold serif font. The text is split by a gold horizontal line, with “Purdue” in black and “University” in gold. The serif typeface conveys tradition and stability, while the bold design emphasizes innovation and leadership.

The stylized "P" emblem, combining black and gold, represents strength, sophistication, and achievement. It is widely recognized and used across academic and athletic branding. Purdue’s official seal, created for its centennial in 1969, features a griffin symbolizing strength and a shield divided into three sections representing education, research, and service. The seal reflects the university’s mission and historical roots.

Athletic branding evolved from train-inspired designs tied to the Boilermakers nickname to the minimalist "P" emblem introduced in 2003. This design is used on helmets and other gear, embodying school spirit. Purdue’s men’s basketball team has appeared in 31 NCAA Tournaments, reaching the Final Four twice. The women’s team won the NCAA Championship in 1999 and has made 26 tournament appearances. The football program, established in 1887, plays home games at Ross–Ade Stadium and has competed in 19 bowl games.

While the official logo typeface is treated as custom artwork, the university has a variety of recommended fonts. Purdue’s primary colors are black and old gold (#C28E0E), chosen to represent the strength and resilience of blacksmithing traditions, reflecting its Boilermaker heritage. These elements collectively highlight Purdue’s legacy and its role as a leader in education and research.