Why PNW
PNW sits between Chicago’s skyscrapers and Lake Michigan’s sandy shores. Diverse, hardworking, and innovative, we’re where academic excellence meets real-world experience. At PNW, students from next door and students from halfway across the world come together to learn, grow and connect.
PNW Proud
Kayla Felton, ‘27
NURSING
“PNW was the college that fit me. I love how close everyone is on campus. The smaller class sizes were perfect for me to learn.”
Natali Moreira, ‘27
PSYCHOLOGY
“Jump right in—don’t be shy about all the fun, educational activities on campus. Take advantage of all the resources PNW has to offer.”
Jonathan Davis, ‘24
Integrative Human Health
“I love my major because it offered a true connection with my professors.”
Mary Buksa, ‘24
ACCOUNTING
“My favorite way to get involved is to attend the Welcome Week Rally in the fall or utilize the MyPNWLife app to see when clubs are meeting.”
Power Onward with Purdue Northwest
At Purdue University Northwest, we go beyond the classroom, walking the extra mile with students to build confidence and encourage real-world experiences. We push beyond the boundaries of innovation to make an impact in Northwest Indiana and the world at large.
PNW at a Glance
Take a look around. We think you’ll like what you see.
98% Full-Time Freshmen
New students add to our vibrant campus community each fall.
17:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Small class sizes encourage individual attention and mentorship opportunities.
Approximately 8,700 Students
We’re bigger than your high school, but not so big that you’re just a number.
Core enrollment—the number of students attending classes on PNW campuses—is 6,049 students.
70+ Areas of Study
From engineering to education, our six colleges have majors, concentrations and courses to suit every passion.
30 Miles to Chicago
All the perks of a world-class city are just a half hour drive away from PNW’s main Hammond campus.
15 Miles to the Dunes
Enjoy the natural beauty of the Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan, right by PNW’s Westville branch campus.
50 Countries Represented
Students come from all over the world to study at PNW.
17 NCAA Division II Athletic Teams
We pair high-quality academics with competitive athletics. Suit up or come cheer us on!
70,000+ Alumni
Connect with and get support from our global alumni community.
PNW may be a smaller campus, but that makes it so much easier to make friends, create connections and get the support you need.
Fatima Chavez, Elementary Education, ‘25
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.
PNW Graduates in Action
Our graduates land with some of the top employers in the nation.
Diverse Industries
PNW graduates find careers in thriving industries such as healthcare, manufacturing and education.
Local Roots
Top local employers of PNW graduates include La Porte Hospital, Michigan City Area Schools and Parkview Health.
National Prestige
PNW alumni hold positions in some of the world’s most renowned companies including Microsoft, Amazon and Marriott.
Live Here
MODERN ON-CAMPUS HOUSING
Enrich your college experience and make the most of our community by living in PNW’s University Village on the Hammond campus.
Our Favorite Places
Two campuses mean twice as many spots to study, eat, exercise, spend time with friends or just relax. Take a look at a few of our favorites.
A First Scholars, Hispanic-Serving Institution and doctoral-granting institution, Purdue University Northwest is a premier metropolitan university dedicated to empowering transformational change in our students and our community.
With new Esports Arenas and over 80 student organizations, there is never a dull moment on campus!
Roar Pride! PNW has 20 athletic teams playing at Dowling Park, The Kube and PNW's gyms/fitness centers
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 apartment-style housing for you and your 750 new best friends.
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.