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 8,700 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.
A Hispanic-Serving Institution, PNW has an impact that extends well beyond the region. Students from 30 states and 50 countries currently attend PNW, taking what they learn here and applying it all around the world.
PNW's Undergraduates
– 96% Full-Time Freshman
– Over 56% First Gen
– 25.8% Hispanic or Latino
– Nearly 11% Black or African American
– Nearly 4% Multiracial
– Nearly 3% Asian
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.
A First Scholars, Hispanic-Serving Institution and doctoral-granting institution, Purdue University Northwest is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement.
With new Esports Arenas and over 80 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!
Events like our Hispanic Heritage Festival allow students to learn about and celebrate the diversity and richness that other cultures and communities can offer.
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 2025 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 2025 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
PNW master’s student named to Conexus Indiana’s Rising 30 Class of 2025
Angela Perez, BS ’21, and current graduate student at Purdue University Northwest (PNW), was named to the Conexus Indiana Rising 30 Class of 2025. She was recognized for her significant contribution to the advanced manufacturing and logistics industry.
Purdue University Northwest students earn spring 2025 Dean’s List honors
The Purdue University Northwest (PNW) 2025 spring semester Dean’s List recognizes 1,746 undergraduate students for their academic achievements.
PNW’s academic quality reaffirmed through completed accreditation assurance review
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) earned approval of its 2025 Assurance Review submitted to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the institution’s regional accreditor, verifying the university’s commitment to serving students with high-quality resources and efforts supporting institution-wide improvement.
PNW Event Highlights
Jul 09
Admitted Student Day (Westville Campus)We are so excited to invite all newly admitted and current students to our upcoming Admitted Student Day on the Westville Campus!
Jul 11
Acorn Concert Series: Rocks Off (Rolling Stones Tribute)Immerse yourself in the timeless magic of the Rolling Stones with Rocks Off, a revitalizing tribute band at the 2025 Acorn Concert Series!
Jul 16
Admitted Student Day (Hammond Campus)We are so excited to invite all newly admitted and current students to our upcoming Admitted Student Day on the Hammond Campus!