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 FirstGen Forward Network Champion, 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 Learning
While we’ve been PNW since 2016, students have been coming to our campuses to learn and grow since 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 named Best University in the Region
Purdue University Northwest was named “Best University” for a third consecutive year in The Times of Northwest Indiana newspaper’s 2026 “Best of the Region” ballot!
NWI Times: 10 years and counting: Purdue University Northwest propels regional growth
Purdue University Northwest Chancellor Kenneth (Chris) Holford writes in The Times of Northwest Indiana about the university’s 10th anniversary celebration; how students are transformed through innovative education; and how the university is positioning the area at the unique intersection of workforce development, advanced technology and applied research.
Purdue University Northwest graduates urged to hold onto virtues amid technological advancements
Major shifts in modern-day technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are transforming how people learn, work, communicate and more.
PNW Event Highlights
May 29
10th Anniversary GalaCelebrate a decade of changing students’ lives with Purdue University Northwest at our 10th Anniversary Gala.
Jun 22
PNW Powers 46th Annual Golf OutingThe 46th Annual Powers-Purdue University Northwest Golf Invitational will be held on Monday, June 22, at Briar Ridge Country Club in Schererville, Indiana.
Jul 03
Independence Holiday – No Classes & Campuses are ClosedHave a happy and safe Independence Holiday, no classes and campuses are closed!
Aug 24
Fall 2026 Classes BeginPNW is welcoming back all students for another semester. First day of classes is Monday, August 24, 2026.