Purdue University Northwest welcomed 1,816 new undergraduate students this fall, a 6% increase in the incoming undergraduate class.

The First Time in College 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. 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,” PNW Chancellor Kenneth Holford said in a press release. “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.”

The university’s student-athlete population has grown to over 530 on campus. The Honors College welcomed its largest cohort to date with 698 students.

“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 Mora, academic affairs provost and vice chancellor, 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 is also working to expand 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. PNW expects to welcome student residents to the facility in fall 2026.