Overview
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a public, student-centered university in Northwest Indiana focused on transforming lives through innovative education, impactful research, and community engagement. It offers more than 70 areas of study across undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing small class sizes, hands-on learning, and real-world experience. The university serves a diverse student body of around 9,000 students from across the U.S. and over 60 countries, fostering a supportive academic community with strong ties to regional industry and development.
History
PNW’s current name and unified identity were established in 2016 when the former Purdue Calumet and Purdue North Central campuses were merged under the Purdue University system. However, the institution’s campuses have roots going back more than 70 years, with longstanding educational activity in the Hammond and Westville areas of Indiana.
Unique Features
PNW is recognised for combining academic excellence with community impact: it has been designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University, reflecting its collaboration with public and private partners to support regional development, economic growth, and workforce needs. The university offers modern facilities including research laboratories, innovation centers, and design studios that support applied learning and research. Its athletics programs compete in NCAA Division II with a broad range of sports, and the university also supports over 90 student organizations, fostering vibrant campus life.
Location
PNW has two main campuses in Northwest Indiana: its Hammond campus, which offers a residential college experience and is approximately 30 miles from Chicago, and its Westville campus, set amid scenic rural surroundings just minutes from Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan.
