About PNW
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university in Northwest Indiana that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement
Why PNW?
Dynamic, hardworking, and innovative, Purdue University Northwest is where academic excellence meets real-world experience. Small classes and supportive professors will help you build the skills and connections you need to thrive in areas of study from nursing to computer science.
At PNW, we value academic excellence, support growth and celebrate diversity. Our two campuses serve approximately 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Core enrollment—the number of students attending classes on PNW campuses—is 6,049 students.
Our Hammond campus is only 30 miles from Chicago and our Westville branch campus is only 15 miles from the Indiana Dunes National Park. Our two campuses foster a community full of contrasts: urban and rural, industrial and natural, well-established history and forward-thinking innovation. Our determined students — many of whom are the first in their families to attend college — make the most of this rich range of resources.
PNW has an impact that extends well beyond the region. Students from 37 states and 60 countries currently attend PNW, taking what they learn here and applying it all around the world.
PNW's Undergraduates
– 98% Full-Time Freshman
– Over 50% First Gen
– 80% Indiana residents
– 13% out-of-state U.S. residents
– 53% women
– 47% men
Our faculty and staff are focused on excellence in teaching, passionate about helping students succeed and dedicated to serving the communities in our metropolitan region.
PNW Chancellor Chris Holford
High-Quality Education for the Real World
PNW offers more than 70 areas of study for undergraduate and graduate students. We’re consistently recognized among the best regional universities in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings.
Our emphasis on research and applied learning opportunities means our students graduate ready for the next phase of their lives.
Accreditation
Purdue University Northwest is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Power Onward at PNW
Purdue University Northwest is continually changing lives with its focus on students, research and community.
Purdue University Northwest is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. As a First Gen Forward Network Leader, a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a doctoral-granting institution, and a designated Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana institution, it proudly reflects a commitment to academic excellence and support for students.
With new Esports Arenas and over 90 student organizations, there is never a dull moment on campus!
With nearly 20 research centers and institutes students, faculty and staff can collaborate and deepen their understanding of the world around them.
PNW is an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University, an acknowledgment for public research universities with strong evidence of collaboration with public and private sector partners to support economic development, innovation, community development and other areas.
The additions of the Nils K. Nelson Bioscience Innovation Building, the PNW Design Studio, and the Dave Roberts Center for Innovation and Design provide students, faculty and staff with opportunities to work in fully updated, modern facilities.
The Nils K. Nelson Bioscience Innovation Building provides ample space for hanging out between classes, studying and group projects!
The PNW Design Studio, has a wide variety of equipment for engineering students to use in their projects.
Our Hammond campus offers comfortable, convenient housing where you can fully immerse yourself in the college experience while learning and making lifelong friends!
PNW's Welcome Rallies allow students to discover the resources and organizations across our campuses!
Our bell tower is a Hammond Campus landmark that stands between Lawshe Hall, the Student Union Library Building and Nils K. Nelson Bioscience Innovation Building.
Our scenic Westville Campus is filled with welcoming places to study, eat, exercise, spend time with friends or just relax.
PNW Named Among 2026 Best Midwest Universities by U.S. News & World Report
Purdue University Northwest was ranked as a top public regional university in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 annual Best Colleges rankings while also being recognized for student social mobility.
Our Mission
Purdue University Northwest is a diverse, student-centered university that transforms lives and serves our region through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement.
Learn More About Us
VISIT US
Scenic settings just minutes from the highway, PNW’s two campuses in Hammond and Westville are easily accessible.
70+ YEARS OF PRIDE
We’ve only been the PNW Pride since 2016, but our students have been making us proud since both campuses opened in the 1940s.
GUARDING PNW’S FUTURE
Meet Chancellor Chris Holford and the university’s senior leadership team, and learn about PNW’s strategic plan.
Purdue University Northwest helps power our region. Our impact includes $745.9 million of total income: 2 percent of gross regional product.
PNW News Highlights
Purdue University Northwest earned several recognitions for its academic quality and social mobility in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings. Among the newly published rankings, PNW earned a top 50 recognition for its undergraduate engineering programs.
Purdue University Northwest offers campus preview event for prospective college students
PNW invites prospective college students and their families to attend Preview PNW on Saturday, Oct. 18 on the Hammond campus. For more information, or to register visit pnw.edu/preview.
Purdue University Northwest reports gains in fall enrollment
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) welcomed 1,816 new undergraduate students, which represents a 6% increase in the incoming undergraduate class. The First Time in College (FTIC) cohort increased 10.5%. PNW also noted a record 70.5% retention rate for returning second-year students for the 2025-26 academic year.
PNW Event Highlights
Oct 02
Purdue Northwest Athletics TodayTune in to WJOB 1230-AM, 104.7-FM or JEDTV with your host, Rick Costello. View recordings of previous PNW Today programs here: PNW Today Playlist
Oct 03
Oaktober FestGabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest is excited to host its first-ever Oaktober Fest, a fall celebration of music, nature and community.
Oct 04
PNW Festival FireworksEnjoy food trucks, music, inflatables and more at the 2025 Festival Fireworks in Westville on Saturday, October 4th, 2025.
Oct 05
Sinai Forum: The Heart of the Matter: A Life Together in Music with Nathan Gunn and Julie Jordan GunnJoin the Sinai Forum at Purdue University Northwest for a conversation with musicians, Nathan Gunn and Julie Jordan Gunn.