
Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public university in Fort Wayne, Indiana, whose present identity dates to 2018. Its predecessor, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW), opened in 1964 as a joint regional campus of Indiana University and Purdue University.
The joint arrangement brought programs from both universities together for northeast Indiana students. In 2018, the institutions separated their Fort Wayne operations: Purdue University Fort Wayne became the primary successor to IPFW, while Indiana University Fort Wayne took responsibility for specified health-sciences programs. That history matters when researching a degree. An older reference to an IPFW program does not establish that Purdue Fort Wayne offers it today, and programs at Indiana University Fort Wayne belong to a different institution.
Purdue Fort Wayne offers undergraduate and graduate study across the liberal arts, sciences, business, education, engineering, technology, and performing and visual arts. Its academic organization includes the College of Arts and Sciences; the College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science; the College of Visual and Performing Arts; and the Doermer School of Business.
Representative areas of study include biology, psychology, communication, computer science, mechanical engineering, engineering technology, accounting, management, teacher education, music, and art. Students can pursue bachelor's degrees in a range of these fields, along with selected graduate degrees and other credentials. Some disciplines also have requirements beyond university admission, such as auditions, portfolios, clinical placements, or eligibility for teacher licensure.
Applicants comparing programs should use the current Purdue Fort Wayne academic catalog for the exact degree name, required courses, and campus offering. This is especially important for health-related fields because the 2018 separation left certain programs under Indiana University Fort Wayne rather than Purdue Fort Wayne.
Purdue Fort Wayne's main campus is in Fort Wayne, a northeast Indiana city. The campus is along East Coliseum Boulevard near the St. Joseph River, with classrooms, student facilities, housing, and recreation spaces in one area.
Fort Wayne provides opportunities for local employment, internships, and community activities, but transportation is a practical enrollment consideration. A substantial share of students commute, so prospective students should compare their class schedule with travel time, parking arrangements, and available transit service. Fort Wayne International Airport serves the region for longer-distance travel.
Purdue Fort Wayne states an educational mission centered on accessible higher education, student learning, scholarship, and service to its region. Its public-university role includes preparing students for professional and civic life while connecting teaching and academic work to northeast Indiana.
Those statements describe the university's priorities, not independently measured outcomes for every student. Applicants can assess how the mission operates in a particular major by looking at its curriculum, advising arrangements, experiential-learning options, and relationships with local employers or community organizations.
Name of the institution
Purdue University Fort WayneLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
5,000 - 9,999School type
Comprehensive higher education institutionMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1917Purdue University Fort Wayne is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificateData last updated on November 5, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.