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 transform lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. 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
The Steel Manufacturing Simulation and Visualization Consortium (SMSVC), an initiative spearheaded by Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS), is celebrating a decade of transformational […]
GreatNews.Life: South Shore Tourism Partners with PNW to Inspire Future Hospitality Leaders
South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority (SSCVA) has partnered with Purdue University Northwest (PNW) White Lodging School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) and College of Business to provide students with hands-on, real-world experience in destination development and visitor engagement.
Purdue University Northwest professor José Castro-Urioste named U.S. Fulbright Specialist
PNW faculty member, José Castro-Urioste, professor of Spanish in the PNW College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, has been named a U.S. Fulbright Specialist.
PNW Event Highlights
Apr 22
Next Step Celebration: HammondWe want to celebrate YOU! Come celebrate your graduation with the Career Center and the departments who have made an impact on your PNW journey.
Apr 23
Next Step Celebration: WestvilleWe want to celebrate YOU! Come celebrate your graduation with the Career Center and the departments who have made an impact on your PNW journey.
Apr 23
Preview PNW: The Westville ExperienceOur open house will walk you through the admissions process, inform you how to earn your bachelor’s degree at PNW and help you explore options to pay for college.
Apr 25
Preview PNW (Hammond Campus)Want to learn more about what it’s like to attend Purdue University Northwest? Join for Preview PNW! This open-house experience shares how PNW offers real-world experience in 70+ areas of study.