Purdue University Northwest: 72.8% Acceptance Rate

72.8%Acceptance

$8,419Tuition

5,786Students

44%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$48,318Earnings

#21 in IndianaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Purdue University Northwest

Purdue University Northwest emerged from a 2016 merger, bringing Purdue's engineering reputation to northwest Indiana's industrial corridor. The university serves 5,786 students in Hammond, a large suburban setting that connects students to Chicago-area opportunities. Engineering and technology programs anchor the curriculum, reflecting the region's manufacturing heritage and growing tech sector.

Students pay an average net price of $8,463 after financial aid, making this one of Indiana's more affordable university options. Graduates earn a median of $48,318 ten years after enrollment, while typical monthly loan payments sit at $225. The math works for most students, especially those staying in-state where 86% of the student body originates. Low debt burdens of $21,229 help graduates start careers without crushing financial pressure.

The student body reflects northwest Indiana's diversity, with 25% Hispanic enrollment and 11% Black students. NCAA Division II Pride teams compete across 17 varsity sports in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. A 96.5% employment rate suggests strong regional job connections, though the 44% six-year graduation rate indicates many students face challenges completing their degrees. Class sizes remain manageable with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio.

Academics & Faculty

Purdue University Northwest carries forward Purdue's engineering legacy with strong programs in technology, engineering, and business that serve the Chicago metropolitan area. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though the 44% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees on time. The school emphasizes practical, career-focused education with programs designed for working professionals and commuter students. Engineering and technology programs benefit from Purdue's reputation and industry connections in the region. Many students pursue degrees in nursing, business, and computer science alongside traditional engineering disciplines. The regional focus means smaller class sizes in upper-level courses and opportunities for hands-on learning through local partnerships.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 44.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 44.0%
Retention Rate: 67.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $48,318
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$86,867
Engineering-Related Fields.	Master	$74,576
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$72,796
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$67,660
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$65,123
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$62,409
Mechanical Engineering.	Bachelor	$62,260
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$58,221
Civil Engineering.	Bachelor	$52,107
Education, General.	Master	$43,426

View all 98 programs →

Campus Life

Purdue University Northwest sits in Hammond, just 30 miles southeast of Chicago, giving students easy access to internships and entertainment in the third-largest city in America. The campus houses only 776 students despite enrolling 5,786, meaning most students commute from the surrounding region rather than living the traditional dorm life. Winter coats are essential here, as northwest Indiana experiences harsh winters with lake-effect snow from nearby Lake Michigan.

With 86.44% of students coming from in-state, the campus has a strong regional feel where many students already know each other from high school. The Pride compete in 17 NCAA Division II sports, though with just 307 total athletes, most students focus on academics rather than athletics. Engineering and technology programs dominate campus life, reflecting the school's emphasis on practical, career-focused education. Weekends often involve trips to Chicago for entertainment, as the suburban Hammond setting offers limited nightlife options. The 67.69% retention rate suggests some students struggle to find their place at this commuter-heavy campus.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 776 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 2016

Campus Safety (2023)

8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Dating Violence	2	2	0
Fondling	1	1	0
Burglary	1	0	0
Stalking	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 15°–31°F
July Avg: 63°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.1"
Annual Snowfall: 28.2"

Student Demographics

Purdue University Northwest draws primarily local students, with 86% coming from Indiana. The school serves a diverse working-class population in the Chicago metro area. Over a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's mission to provide affordable access to higher education. The student body is 52% women and diverse, with 25% Hispanic students and 11% Black students. This demographic mix aligns with northwest Indiana's industrial heritage and the school's focus on practical, career-oriented programs that serve the region's manufacturing and technology sectors.

Men: 47.6%
Women: 52.4%
White: 51.6%
Black: 11.3%
Hispanic: 25.5%
Asian: 3.2%
In-State Students: 86.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.7%

Location

Hammond sits in northwest Indiana, just 25 miles southeast of downtown Chicago. The city of 77,000 provides a suburban setting with easy access to the nation's third-largest metropolitan area. Students can reach Chicago's Loop district in under an hour by car or commuter rail. The region blends industrial heritage with growing service sectors, reflecting Indiana's economic transition. Lake Michigan beaches lie 15 miles north, while the Indiana Dunes National Park offers hiking and recreation opportunities. Hammond's proximity to Chicago provides internship and job prospects that many smaller college towns cannot match. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Purdue University Northwest with similar schools in the region.

Address: Hammond, Indiana 46323

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $48,318
Median Earnings (5 years): $64,593
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $35,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 42.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $225/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,229

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Purdue University Northwest?

Purdue University Northwest accepts 73% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1060. The school provides accessible higher education to students in northwest Indiana, particularly those seeking engineering and technology programs.

How much does Purdue University Northwest cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,463 annually, making it quite affordable for a four-year degree. In-state tuition starts at $8,419, and students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,256 after aid.

What academic programs is Purdue University Northwest known for?

The university focuses heavily on engineering, technology, and professional programs with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. With 5,786 students, it maintains the hands-on learning approach that Purdue is famous for while serving the regional workforce needs of northwest Indiana.

What are the graduation rates at Purdue University Northwest?

The four-year graduation rate is 44%, with graduates earning a median salary of $48,318 ten years after enrollment. The 67% retention rate reflects the challenges many working students face, as this regional campus serves a diverse population including many first-generation college students.

Where do students live at Purdue University Northwest?

The campus houses 776 students on campus with room and board costing $9,097 annually. Located in Hammond's large suburban setting, most of the 5,786 students commute from the greater Chicago area, with 86% coming from Indiana.

Is Purdue University Northwest a new school?

Founded in 2016, Purdue University Northwest emerged from the merger of Purdue Calumet and Purdue North Central. Despite being the newest campus in the Purdue system, it carries the engineering excellence and practical focus that the Purdue name represents.