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UNITED STATES · HAMMOND

Purdue University Northwest

public · Founded 1965 · Languages: en, es

In short

Purdue University Northwest is a public university in Northwest Indiana offering over 70 undergraduate and graduate programs across two campuses. It emphasizes applied learning and career readiness for its diverse student population.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1965
Students: 9,000
International students: 400
Acceptance rate: 84%
Tuition (intl): €8–11k/yr
Languages: EN, ES
Location: Hammond, United States

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a public university in Northwest Indiana, part of the Purdue University system. Formed in 2016 from the merger of Purdue Calumet and Purdue North Central, PNW serves approximately 9,000 students across two campuses in Hammond and Westville. Its Hammond campus lies just 30 miles from downtown Chicago, offering students access to a major metro job market while studying at an affordable public university. PNW offers 70+ programmes in engineering technology, nursing, business, computer science, and education, with a strong emphasis on applied learning and career readiness.

Why study here

Small class sizes and supportive professors foster personalized learning and strong connections.
Emphasis on hands-on skills and applied learning prepares students for real-world careers.
Diverse student body representing 60 countries and a welcoming community.
Access to two campuses offering varied environments: urban-adjacent in Hammond and rural in Westville.
More than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs of study.
Strong career placement rates for graduates in various industries.

Student life

Purdue University Northwest offers a dynamic student life with over 90 student organizations and intramural sports, providing numerous opportunities to get involved, make friends, and create lasting memories. Students can join professional societies, volunteer, or participate in various interest-based clubs like the Spanish Club or the Society of Automotive Engineers. PNW is also home to NCAA Division II student-athletes competing in 22 sports within the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). The university fosters a supportive community where individuality is celebrated, both in and out of the classroom. Campus housing provides furnished rooms, laundry facilities, 24-hour service, versatile study spaces, outdoor patios, and year-round events, all within walking distance of campus buildings and the fitness center.

Fees

InternationalFor Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, undergraduate international students taking 12-18 credit hours per semester can expect tuition and fees of $10,094.95 per semester, totaling $20,190 annually. Graduate international students taking 8 credit hours per semester face estimated tuition and fees of $12,349 per year. Living expenses vary based on living situation: On-Campus Housing and Food is estimated at $9,077, Off-Campus Housing and Food at $9,577, and At Home (with parents) at $3,481. Additional estimated costs include $2,000 for personal expenses and $608 for books and supplies.

HomeFor Indiana residents, undergraduate tuition and fees for 12-18 credit hours per semester are $4,335.80 per semester ($8,672 annually). Non-Indiana residents pay $6,483.95 per semester ($12,968 annually) for the same credit load. Graduate Indiana residents pay $330 per credit hour, with an estimated annual tuition and fees of $5,619 for 8 credit hours. Non-Indiana graduate students pay $510.55 per credit hour, with an estimated annual tuition and fees of $8,508 for 8 credit hours. Housing and food estimates are the same for all students regardless of residency.

LivingEstimated annual living costs for all students include: On-Campus Housing and Food: $9,077; Off-Campus Housing and Food: $9,577; Living at Home: $3,481. Transportation costs are estimated at $2,212 for on-campus residents and $3,023 for off-campus or at-home residents. Personal expenses are estimated at $2,000, and books/supplies at $608.

Tuition and fees for undergraduate students taking less than 12 credits are charged per credit hour ($672.95 for international students). Students taking more than 18 credits pay the banded rate plus a per-credit-hour charge for additional credits.

Admissions

Undergraduate GPA2.0 minimum on a 4.0 scale recommended

International studentsOfficial transcripts, financial documentation, and English proficiency required

TOEFL iBT61 overall

IELTS Academic6.0 overall

Duolingo English Test100

Rankings

U.S. News & World ReportBest Regional Universities Midwest

University scholarships

PNW Donor-Funded ScholarshipsVaries — apply via Scholarship Universe

Chancellor James B. Dworkin Distinguished Scholars AwardVaries

Graduate Research ScholarshipVaries

Accreditation

Purdue University Northwest is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

Purdue University Northwest's Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Banking is designed to equip you with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the financial services industry. Developed in collaboration with the Indiana Bankers Association, this program offers an industry-driven curriculum that focuses on the unique aspects of banking. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of financial markets, institutions, and contemporary practices, preparing you for immediate employment upon graduation.

Bachelor's

Level

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated annual tuition and fees for international students at Purdue University Northwest?

For the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters, undergraduate international students can expect tuition and fees of approximately $20,190 annually. Graduate international students face estimated annual tuition and fees of $12,349.

What are the estimated living expenses for international students at Purdue University Northwest?

Annual living costs vary: On-Campus Housing and Food is estimated at $9,077, Off-Campus Housing and Food at $9,577, and At Home (with parents) at $3,481. Additional estimated costs include $2,000 for personal expenses and $608 for books and supplies.

What English proficiency scores are required for international applicants?

International applicants can demonstrate English proficiency with a TOEFL iBT score of 61, an IELTS Academic score of 6.0, or a Duolingo English Test score of 100.

What academic qualifications are recommended for undergraduate admission?

For undergraduate admission, a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale is recommended. International students will also need to submit official transcripts and financial documentation.

What makes Purdue University Northwest a good choice for international students?

PNW offers personalized learning with small class sizes, a diverse student body representing 60 countries, and a strong emphasis on applied learning for career readiness. Its location offers access to the job market of downtown Chicago.

Last updated 3 July 2026