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 Ranked Among 2027 Best Midwest Public Regional Universities by U.S. News & World Report
Purdue University Northwest was again recognized as a top public regional university in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 annual Best Colleges rankings. PNW also was noted as a top performer in social mobility for its students among Midwest regional universities.
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
Nine Purdue University Northwest cybersecurity students were sworn in as interns for the 2026-27 academic year to serve with the Lake County High Tech Crime Unit.
Purdue University Northwest opens nominations for 2027 Alumni Hall of Fame awards
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is inviting nominations for impactful university alumni to be recognized and inducted into the PNW Alumni Hall of Fame.
Purdue University Northwest names Jonathan Swarts as dean and interim director of Westville campus
Purdue University Northwest has named Jonathan Swarts, a longtime PNW faculty member and university administrator, as dean and interim director of the PNW Westville campus. The appointment became effective Aug. 17.