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Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, IN · Public

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70.6%
Acceptance
1030
SAT
$22,555
Sticker Price
$10,143
Net Price*
$48,318
Earnings
3 yrs
Payback
6,394
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

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What is Purdue University Northwest's acceptance rate?

Up 39.6 percentage points since 2018

With a 70.6% acceptance rate, Purdue University Northwest is considered accessible. The school has become slightly less competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Purdue University Northwest?

Purdue University Northwest received 6,394 applications in 2023, up 32% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 26% is moderate for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Purdue University Northwest?

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing leads as the most popular major at Purdue University Northwest. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023

How has tuition changed at Purdue University Northwest?

Out-of-state tuition has decreased by 14% since 2017. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown -8% from $24,456 to $22,555.

Tuition (Out-of-State) Tuition (In-State) Total Cost

How much do Purdue University Northwest graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $72,796 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Electrical, Electronics and Co... $72,796
$9,348 $128,868
Industrial Production Technolo... $67,660
$9,348 $128,868
Registered Nursing, Nursing Ad... $65,123
$9,348 $128,868
Electrical Engineering Technol... $62,409
$9,348 $128,868
Mechanical Engineering $62,260
$9,348 $128,868
Mechanical Engineering Related... $58,221
$9,348 $128,868
Civil Engineering $52,107
$9,348 $128,868
Engineering-Related Fields $42,682
$9,348 $128,868
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Purdue University Northwest Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 6,394 4,516 70.6% 26.4%
2022 5,670 4,129 72.8% 31.3%
2021 3,642 2,781 76.4% 38.4%
2020 5,301 1,605 30.3% 68.5%
2019 5,670 1,620 28.6% 76.2%
2018 4,849 1,507 31.1% 77.8%
2017 4,136 1,434 34.7% 78.5%

Is Purdue University Northwest worth it?

Calculate your personal ROI

4-Year Sticker Price --
4-Year Net Cost --
Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
Conservative (25th pct) -- --
Expected (median) -- --
Optimistic (75th pct) -- --
Payback Period --

Estimates based on College Scorecard averages. Use official calculator →

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What do Purdue University Northwest graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$48,318
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$8,900 $48,318 median $78,500

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $8,900 while the top 10% earn $78,500. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$48,439
Median Debt
$21,229
6-Year Graduation Rate
44.0%

How much does Purdue University Northwest cost?

The total cost of attendance at Purdue University Northwest is approximately $22,555 per year for out-of-state students. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

In-State Tuition
$7,164
Out-of-State Tuition
$13,956
Fees
$778
Room & Board
$7,821
Total Cost of Attendance
$22,555

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $4,256
$30-48k income $4,935
$48-75k income $10,143
$75-110k income $13,805
$110k+ income $14,972

Which majors pay the most?

  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $72,796
  • Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians $67,660
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $65,123
  • Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians $62,409
  • Mechanical Engineering $62,260

Who attends Purdue University Northwest?

Purdue University Northwest enrolls 8,679 students, with 6% from outside the United States. Women make up 54% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 8,679
Retention Rate 68%
International 6%
Women 54%
Race/Ethnicity
White 52%
Hispanic 23%
Black 10%
Asian 3%

How much financial aid is available?

53% of students receive some form of financial aid at Purdue University Northwest. About 28% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 53%
Avg: $5,987 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 28%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 27%
Avg: $6,148
School's Own Grants 68%
Avg: $2,344 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Purdue University Northwest are above the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

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