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
Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) undergraduate program in Elementary Education has once again earned national recognition for excellence in preparing future educators to effectively teach reading.
I hope everyone is continuing to remain safe while our local communities recover from the recent severe weather events. We are aware that a large portion of our service area is still without power, cellular service or internet connectivity.
Purdue University Northwest ready to welcome student residents to Calumet Hall
Purdue University Northwest proudly cut the ribbon Aug. 4 on the university’s newest building, Calumet Hall. The three-story, 42,000-square-foot structure expands PNW’s student housing options for on-campus living and learning opportunities.
PNW Event Highlights
Sep 08
Campus Closed: Labor DayThere will be no classes and the University will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 7.
Sep 08
Fall 2026 STEM Industry FairThe STEM Industry Job Fair is a business casual networking event for students and alumni of Purdue University Northwest that are seeking full-time employment and internships in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
Sep 13
Sinai Forum: “Hope Through History: How to Survive Turbulent Times” with Jon MeachamJoin the Sinai Forum at Purdue University Northwest for “Hope Through History: How to Survive Turbulent Times” with Jon Meacham.
Sep 16
Free Outdoor Movie Night: Masters of the Universe (2026)Join the Office of Student Life for a free showing of Master of the Universe (2026).