Purdue University Northwest reports gains in fall enrollment

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) welcomed 1,816 new undergraduate students, which represents a 6% increase in the incoming undergraduate class. The First Time in College (FTIC) cohort increased 10.5%. PNW also noted a record 70.5% retention rate for returning second-year students for the 2025-26 academic year.

PNW’s core enrollment grew to 6,101. Core enrollment measures the number of students attending classes in-person on the PNW campuses. Indiana residents make up almost 83% of PNW’s total enrollment. More Northwest Indiana high school graduates are choosing Purdue Northwest, and enrollment of transfer students from Northwest Indiana Ivy Tech Community College campuses has doubled as students continue on to complete their four-year degrees at PNW.

“We are proud that students and their families trust Purdue University Northwest for their higher education goals. They value our outstanding academic programs, co-curricular opportunities, campus resources and supportive network,” said PNW Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford. “We are especially proud to note increases in first-year students from Northwest Indiana, who see PNW as a top choice to help them advance their careers. We remain committed to transforming students’ lives by providing a rigorous academic experience so they may be well-prepared to contribute to our workforce and communities.”

Among several factors positively influencing PNW’s enrollment picture, the university’s student-athlete population has grown to more than 530 now on campus. PNW’s Honors College additionally welcomed its largest cohort to date with 698 students. The Honors College provides high-achieving students with enriched academic opportunities, leadership engagement and community volunteerism.

During a challenging time period and environment for higher education, PNW reported an approximately 19% decrease in graduate student enrollment. However, the university welcomed full cohorts for its newest master’s degree programs in Applied Artificial Intelligence and Social Work.

Supporting the community

“Purdue University Northwest is an excellent place for students to find a wide variety of top-notch and innovative academic programs as well as a supportive learning and social environment,” Marie T. Mora, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, said. “As a student-centric institution, we prioritize students’ well-being so that they feel supported in and outside the classroom and know that they belong at PNW.”

PNW offers multiple resources to support students throughout their academic careers. These include, but are not limited to:

• A robust academic advising system that assigns incoming students to dedicated first-year advisors. PNW undergraduate students are then served by advisors in the academic college with their declared majors. Tutoring, peer-led group study sessions, and a writing center are among the support structures that further assist students as they persist to their degree.
• A Student Success Hub and Network, being introduced this fall, will serve as a coordinated, integrated, student-centered support system across academic and campus services.
• University College, started in fall 2023, serves as an academic home for students welcomed to PNW who have not yet declared a major.

Expanding on-campus housing

The two University Village student residence halls at PNW’s Hammond campus had waitlists for a fourth consecutive year.

Construction began during spring 2025 on PNW’s planned third student residence hall, named Calumet Hall. The three-story structure will provide 150 beds through a combination of single- and double-occupancy rooms. Additional features will include a common kitchen, laundry facilities, student study areas and a student lounge. Calumet Hall will be located at the northwest corner of 173rd Street and Woodmar Avenue. PNW expects to welcome student residents to the facility in fall 2026.

About Purdue University Northwest

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. Located in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago, PNW is recognized as a First Gen Forward Network Leader and an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. PNW advances the socioeconomic mobility of its students and positively impacts regional development. For more information, visit pnw.edu.