
2200 169th Street, Hammond, IN 46323-2094, USA


Purdue University Northwest holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. This affiliation ensures that the institution meets rigorous standards for academic quality and institutional integrity, which is a fundamental consideration for prospective students evaluating the credibility and recognition of their potential degrees.
In addition to its overall institutional accreditation, several specific programs within the university have earned specialized accreditations that align with industry and professional standards. These targeted endorsements provide assurance regarding the quality and relevance of education in particular fields of study, enhancing graduates' preparedness for professional careers.
Admission to Purdue University Northwest requires applicants to have completed a high school diploma or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Candidates must submit their secondary school records and maintain a minimum grade point average, as this is a mandatory component of the application. Although secondary school rank is not mandatory, it is recommended to strengthen the application.
Standardized admission test scores are not explicitly required for all applicants; however, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is mandatory for those whose native language is not English. Additional tests may be recommended but are not obligatory. Recommendations and competency evaluations are also suggested to provide a fuller picture of the applicant's qualifications.
Purdue University Northwest does not practice open admission, meaning that applications are subject to evaluation rather than guaranteed acceptance. Dual credit enrollment options are not available, but the institution does recognize and grant credit for Advanced Placement (AP) and other qualifying credits.
In recent admission cycles, the university has maintained an acceptance rate of approximately 71%, placing it near the median range for selectivity. The average enrolled student has a composite SAT score around 1090, with separate math and writing scores averaging 540 and 550 respectively, situating admitted students within the lower 35th percentile nationally. The average ACT score for enrolled students is 23, indicating a performance level near the bottom 40 percent of test takers. The applicant pool size typically exceeds 6,300 individuals, with about 4,500 admitted and roughly 1,200 enrolling, reflecting a competitive but accessible admissions environment.
Purdue University Northwest requires an application fee for prospective students submitting their applications. However, the university also offers fee waivers in certain circumstances to reduce financial barriers for applicants. These waivers are typically available for students who demonstrate financial need or meet specific eligibility criteria, such as participation in designated programs or receipt of certain benefits.
Purdue University Northwest offers access to Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs through on-campus ROTC branch units as well as through partnerships with cooperating host institutions. This structure allows students to participate in ROTC training directly at Purdue University Northwest or to join programs at nearby universities that serve as host sites for specific ROTC branches. Such arrangements enable prospective students to pursue military leadership development while enrolled at Purdue University Northwest, even if certain ROTC branches are not physically present on campus.
Purdue University Northwest offers multiple enrollment periods for transfer students, accepting applications for fall, spring, and summer terms. The institution permits transfer of previously earned credits and has an age limit of 10 years for those credits.
Transfer applicants are accepted if they have completed relevant credits through the DANTES program, reflecting the university's recognition of certain military or standardized learning assessments. Additionally, the university considers recommendation letters as part of the admissions process for transfer students.
Purdue University Northwest offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance academic and cultural experiences for its students. These programs primarily focus on faculty-led short-term excursions, which combine classroom learning with immersive travel experiences. Such trips often take place during the summer or winter breaks, allowing students to earn academic credit while exploring different parts of the world.
The university encourages participation in international internships and service-learning projects, providing hands-on experience in global settings. These programs aim to develop professional skills while promoting cultural understanding and community engagement.
Additionally, Purdue University Northwest supports semester- or year-long exchange programs through partnerships with institutions overseas. These allow students to study abroad for extended periods, fully integrating into a foreign university's academic system and cultural environment.
Overall, the study abroad offerings are designed to accommodate varying academic schedules and interests, from brief faculty-led trips to longer immersive exchanges, ensuring students can find options that align with their educational and personal goals.
Median composite SAT score
1090Median composite ACT score
23High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
YesApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer