Which conference is Purdue University a member of?

Purdue University is a member of the Big Ten Conference, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious athletic conferences in NCAA Division I. The Big Ten includes a group of prominent universities in the Midwest and surrounding regions, known for not only their athletic programs but also their academic reputation. Being part of this conference means that Purdue competes against other well-established institutions in various sports, contributing to a high level of competition and exposure.

The other conferences listed—ACC, Mountain West, and American Athletic—do not include Purdue. The ACC is primarily composed of schools from the Atlantic Coast region, the Mountain West includes teams from the western United States, and the American Athletic Conference features institutions that are geographically distinct from Purdue and the typical Big Ten footprint. This provides additional context for recognizing the significance of Purdue's membership in the Big Ten.