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?
With PNW’s 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you will get to know and connect with professors and mentors. Our 80+ student organizations, 20 NCAA Division II athletic teams and 40+ intramural activities provide you with a large selection of ways to get involved or have fun on campus!
From academics to extracurriculars, PNW helps you build skills to launch your career and make friends that will last a lifetime.
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’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 students earn recognitions during spring competitions
Several student organizations within the College of Engineering and Sciences participated in regional, national and international competitions in spring 2025, earning awards for their academic talents and collaboration.
PNW alumni leading change in regional community leadership organizations
PNW graduates are part of the growing number of leaders making an impact in Northwest Indiana, heading organizations like the Regional Development Authority, South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, Regional Health Systems, Center of Workforce Innovations and Urban League of Northwest Indiana.
PNW Event Highlights
Jun 27
First 6-week Classes EndClasses end that run the first six weeks of the Summer Session (May 19 to June 27).
Jun 30
Second 6-week Classes BeginSecond 6-week Summer Session classes run June 30 through August 8.
Jul 02
Movie Night: Captain America: Brave New WorldJoin the Office of Student Life for a Movie Night under the stars as we watch Captain America: Brave New World! Members of the community are invited as well.