Accessible and Affordable
Respected Degree. Outstanding Value.
College is an investment that pays off, particularly with a career-ready degree from Purdue University Northwest.
- Graduates report higher earnings over the course of their careers.
- Students receive a high-quality education at a manageable cost.
- Your budget will appreciate the PNW price tag…especially after scholarships and financial aid kick in.
What Makes PNW Worth It?
Higher Lifetime Earnings
According to the College Board, “Among full-time working adults, four-year college graduates earn about 60% more than high school graduates—a wage premium that’s been stable for decades.”
Value for Students
PNW in-state tuition is just $4,336 per semester*, almost $1,650 below the national average. Out-of-state tuition is $6,688 per semester*, nearly $9,000 below the national average.
Job-Ready Degrees
Purdue University Northwest graduates reported a 93% placement rate in the 2024-25 Next Step Survey. PNW alumni are ready for the next step, whether that’s service, graduate school or launching their career.
During my time at PNW, I was able to get real-world experience and get glimpses of what my professional life might be. I was also exposed to all topics on my FE exam, which will lead the way to my civil engineering licensure with Indiana.
In-State Tuition*
$4,336
1 Semester Full-Time Undergraduate
*Figures based on full-time (12 to 18 credit hours) enrollment for fall 2026 and spring 2027.
Out-of-State Tuition*
$6,688
1 Semester Full-Time Undergraduate
*Figures based on full-time (12 to 18 credit hours) enrollment for fall 2026 and spring 2027.
How Does PNW Put Students First?
Free Money for College
First-year and new transfer students are automatically considered for academic scholarships as part of the admissions process.
No-Cost Support
From tutoring to Career Center consultations, students have a range of free support on campus!
Accelerated Degree Options
Motivated students can complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years, boosting career options while saving time and money.
Easy Payment Plans
No need to pay all at once—PNW’s payment plans let you spread tuition and fees over the course of the semester.
No Textbook Sticker Shock
PNW’s Instructional Materials Access lets students access all of their course materials, including textbooks, for one flat fee.
Flexible Housing
Students from Northwest Indiana and the Chicago area can choose to live at home, making a PNW degree even more affordable!
We're Here to Help
From advisors who know what it’s like to be the first in your family to go to college to experts who can walk you through the financial-aid process, PNW’s welcoming culture is ready to meet your needs.
Need help? Contact us at admissions@pnw.edu or (219) 989-2213.
Frequently Asked Questions
The baseline cost for one semester of full-time study at Purdue University Northwest is $4,336 (in-state students) or $6,688 (out-of-state students)*. How much you actually pay can depend on factors including where you live, your family’s income and assets, your high-school GPA and other factors.
PNW’s Tuition and Fees Calculator can help you estimate how much you can expect to pay for your specific classes and major. Our Net Price Calculator can also provide an estimated financial aid offer that includes an estimated “net price” figure.
Want to save on college? The best step you can take is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it’s available.
*Figures based on full-time (12 to 18 credit hours) enrollment for fall 2026 and spring 2027.
Yes! Students who meet the Basic Eligibility Criteria qualify for some type of financial aid once the FAFSA is received and any additional required information is received and verified. The type of financial aid awarded will be based on the student’s eligibility and financial need.
Purdue Northwest participates in both Title IV federal and state financial aid programs. Aid may include:
- Grants (Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, State Frank O’Bannon Grant and State 21st Century Scholars Award)
- Scholarships (Purdue Northwest and external scholarships)
- Federal Work-Study program (part-time employment for students with financial need)
- Federal Loans (Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and Direct Parent PLUS Loans)
Yes, scholarships are available to students enrolled at Purdue Northwest:
1. Purdue Northwest Scholarships
Go to Scholarship Universe and answer matching questions to match to PNW scholarships. The more questions you complete, the more scholarships you can potentially match to! Some PNW scholarships require a separate application. Matching questions and separate applications should be completed by March 1 each year to receive consideration as a candidate for most PNW Scholarships.
2. External Scholarships
Scholarship Universe also has thousands of external scholarships. The application process is similar to applying for PNW scholarships. Answer the matching questions – the more questions you answer, the more scholarships you can potentially match to! External scholarships may require separate applications and have various deadlines.
3. Undergraduate Admissions Merit Scholarships
The Office of Admissions reviews eligibility for the Academic Achievement and PNW Transfer Scholarship. These scholarships are not donor-funded and do not require completion of the PNW Scholarship Application.
Yes, PNW has payment plans that let you spread tuition and fees over the course of the semester. Check the Bursar’s Office webpage, Payment Options, for more information.
You may have heard that the federal government has implemented new limits for some student loans, particularly loans for parents and graduate school. Purdue University Northwest’s relatively low cost of attendance makes it unlikely that students would approach these limits in the normal course of earning a degree at PNW.
Your circumstances may differ if you enter an area of study with existing debt or take longer than average to complete your degree. Our Financial Aid team is happy to answer any questions you might have.