Purdue University Northwest
Purdue University Northwest is a public regional university operating two Indiana campuses and offering 70+ degree programs in cybersecurity, engineering, nursing, and computer science, with a Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation driving AI-based steel-manufacturing research and federal workforce-training grants.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersHammond, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Purdue University Northwest does
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a public regional university in Northwest Indiana, operating two campuses in Hammond and Westville as part of the Purdue University System. Founded in 2016, PNW enrolls students across more than 70 areas of study, with flagship programs in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Computer/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering (all ABET-accredited), Nursing (NLN Center of Excellence, ACEN-accredited), and Education. The university combines traditional on-campus instruction at two Indiana sites with fully online graduate programs (MSN Nurse Educator/Nurse Executive, MS Technology Leadership & Management) and a Cybersecurity Workforce Certification Training (CWCT) track that delivers short-form certificates to working professionals.
PNW generates revenue through four primary streams: tuition and fees from undergraduate and graduate students (e.g., MSN at $512.16/credit hour, $17,925.60 total for 35 credits), federal research and workforce grants (DoD $9.6M total with $3M PNW subaward, NSA $6M, DoE $25M+ via SMSVC, EDA $726K), consortium membership fees from the 16-member Steel Manufacturing Simulation and Visualization Consortium (SMSVC), and corporate training delivered through the College of Technology. The Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS) leads SMSVC research in computational fluid dynamics, AR/VR visualization, and AI-driven digital twins for iron and steelmaking — providing both grant revenue and a talent pipeline for the steel industry.
PNW's go-to-market is a hybrid of direct-to-consumer enrollment (traditional admissions via pnw.edu with campus visits) and self-serve/PLG online enrollment (graduate programs), supplemented by channel/reseller transfer-pathway partnerships with community colleges such as Kennedy-King. The university serves a diverse customer base: traditional Indiana and Midwest undergraduates, working nursing professionals seeking BSN/MSN completion, cybersecurity/engineering career seekers, transitioning military and first responders (via CWCT), and industry partners (steel consortium, hospital partners offering scholarships). Employer outcomes — including placements at Amazon, NSA, GM, Cleveland Cliffs, Capital One, AbbVie, AWS, Blue Origin, NiSource, BP, ComEd, Parker Aerospace, and Franciscan Health — correlate with reported 94-100% placement rates across PNW's major colleges.
Purdue University Northwest firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Purdue University Northwest
- Legal name
- Purdue University Northwest
- Website
- https://pnw.edu
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Purdue University Northwest is a public regional university operating two Indiana campuses and offering 70+ degree programs in cybersecurity, engineering, nursing, and computer science, with a Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation driving AI-based steel-manufacturing research and federal workforce-training grants.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Purdue University Northwest industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Cooperative Education (Co-op) Technical Universities (EDAHAEAF)
Keywords
Where Purdue University Northwest is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hammond
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Purdue University Northwest business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Tuition and Fees: PNW generates revenue primarily through student tuition and fees for undergraduate and graduate programs. The university offers financial aid, scholarships, and grants to support student enrollment.
- Federal Research Grants: PNW receives significant federal funding from agencies including U.S. Department of Defense ($9.6 million grant with $3 million subaward) and U.S. Department of Energy (over $25 million in competitive research funding for SMSVC)
- Consortium Membership Fees: The Steel Manufacturing Simulation and Visualization Consortium generates revenue through membership fees from 16 steel producer and supplier companies
- Corporate Training and Workforce Development: PNW's College of Technology offers cybersecurity workforce certification training programs funded through DoD grants targeting military, first responders, and government employees
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Online MSN Nurse Educator Program - Per Credit Hour |
| Subscription | Annual | Technology Leadership & Management MS - Per Credit Hour |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Purdue University Northwest product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Purdue University Northwest is a public regional university that delivers undergraduate and graduate academic programs across more than 70 areas of study, anchored by its two Northwest Indiana campuses (Hammond and Westville) and select fully online programs. The institution packages degree coursework with hands-on research opportunities through the Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS) and the Steel Manufacturing Simulation and Visualization Consortium (SMSVC), and supplements instruction with workforce certification programs such as the Cybersecurity Workforce Certification Training (CWCT) for military, first responders, and government employees.
Product overview
Purdue University Northwest is a regional campus of the Purdue University system offering a comprehensive portfolio of undergraduate and graduate academic programs across multiple colleges. The institution provides technology-focused degree programs including Cybersecurity (BS), Computer Science (BS), Computer Engineering (BS), Electrical Engineering (BS), and Mechanical Engineering (BS), along with healthcare programs such as Nursing (BSN) and various MSN specializations. The College of Technology offers professional certification programs including the Cybersecurity Workforce Certification Training (CWCT) with certificates in AI Literacy, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity System Administration. The institution also operates the Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS) which leads the Steel Manufacturing Simulation and Visualization Consortium (SMSVC), applying AI-driven digital twins and advanced simulation to industrial manufacturing processes. Programs are delivered across two campuses in Hammond and Westville, Indiana, with several fully online options including the MSN Nurse Educator and MS Technology Leadership & Management programs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Cybersecurity (BS) Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity preparing students to protect networks, systems, software programs, and data from criminal or unauthorized access, with applied data science and artificial intelligence content. Delivered at PNW with DHS/NSA National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation.
- Nursing (BSN) - Professional Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a Professional Nursing concentration, providing evidence-based nursing education grounded in humanistic philosophies, designated as an NLN Center of Nursing Excellence and ACEN-accredited.
- Computer Science (BS) Bachelor of Science in Computer Science teaching students to apply computer science principles to everyday problems, including software development, database management, data analysis, and data visualization.
- Computer Engineering (BS) Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering covering hardware and software that networks the world via Internet, microprocessors, virtual reality, robotics, and biomedical innovations, with specializations in computer architecture, embedded systems, networking, software engineering, VR, or intelligent systems. ABET-accredited.
- Electrical Engineering (BS) Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering developing systems that control, monitor, and communicate using physics, mathematics, and programming, spanning computers, control systems, communication systems, signal processing, microelectronics, and power/energy systems. ABET-accredited.
- Mechanical Engineering (BS) Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering preparing students for careers designing and manufacturing everything from microscale sensors to massive machinery and space systems, with focus on energy-efficient components. ABET-ETAC accredited.
- Online Nurse Educator Master's Degree (MSN) Master of Science in Nursing with Nurse Educator concentration equipping students with advanced clinical expertise and teaching skills, offered 100% online with a 12-month accelerated completion option. Total tuition $17,925.60 for 35 credits at $512.16 per credit hour.
- Technology Leadership & Management (MS) Fully online Master of Science in Technology with concentration in Leadership and Management, equipping students with strategic decision-making, project management, and organizational leadership skills for technology-driven environments.
- Cybersecurity System Administration Certificate (CS_SA) Certificate program within the Cybersecurity Workforce Certification Training (CWCT) program offering six courses on computer systems, networks, and cybersecurity with advanced topics in cyber infrastructure development and security protection.
- AI Literacy Certificate (AL) Certificate program providing foundational AI literacy training as part of the Cybersecurity Workforce Certification Training (CWCT) program, targeting military, first responders, and government employees.
- Artificial Intelligence Certificate (CS_AI) Certificate program within the Cybersecurity Workforce Certification Training focusing on AI applications in cybersecurity, preparing professionals for AI-cybersecurity workforce roles.
- Steel Manufacturing Simulation and Visualization Consortium (SMSVC) Industry consortium led by PNW's Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS) conducting research in computational fluid dynamics, augmented reality/virtual reality visualization, and AI-driven digital twins for iron and steelmaking processes; 16 member companies, nearly 200 research projects, $25+ million in federal funding.
Quantifiable outcome
- 97% nursing undergraduate placement rate (2023-24)
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Purdue University Northwest
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Purdue University Northwest technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability10 records
Feature5 records
Purdue University Northwest partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Dart Warranty GroupminorAuto Warranty Management Platform collaborating with PNW for senior project showcase through Technology Day program. Students develop solutions to actual technology problems while gaining practical work experience; company gains access to emerging talent.
- Western Michigan University Haworth College of BusinessminorWMU students won PNW-hosted 2026 Digital Marketing Competition, defeating 294 teams from colleges and universities in U.S. and abroad. Competition reinforces WMU's standing as top digital marketing program globally.
- University of West FloridacorePNW received a $3 million subaward from a $9.6 million grant to UWF for AI-cybersecurity workforce certification training targeting transitioning military, first responders, and government employees. PNW designated as National CAE-CD since 2014.
- Kennedy-King CollegeminorMOU signed to enhance transfer pathways for students pursuing Construction Management careers. Partnership includes academic transfer support, scholarship opportunities, and initiatives to improve accessibility for underrepresented students in Hammond, IN and Chicago.
- Steel Manufacturing Simulation and Visualization Consortium (SMSVC) Member CompaniescorePNW leads a nationwide consortium with 16 steel producer and supplier member companies conducting nearly 200 research projects since 2016, providing over 400 student research positions and securing $25+ million in federal research funding from DOE and other agencies.
- Partner Hospitals (Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin)minorPartner hospitals in Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin offer $1,000 graduate scholarships for PNW nursing students. Scholarship applies only to nursing courses and is not retroactive.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Purdue University Northwest competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Illinois Institute of Technology: Chicago-area private tech-focused university competing for similar technology and engineering students, particularly those targeting Chicago-based tech employers.
- University of Illinois Chicago: Large public research university in the Chicago metro area competing with PNW for the same Northwest Indiana/Chicago commuter student market across engineering, CS, and nursing.
Direct peers
- Indiana State University: Indiana public university offering comparable undergraduate and graduate programs in technology, nursing, and education with similar regional student demographics.
- Purdue University Fort Wayne: Sister regional campus of the Purdue University System in Indiana, offering similar mix of technology, engineering, and nursing programs with overlapping employer networks and shared Purdue branding.
- Oakland University: Michigan regional public university with comparable program mix in engineering, nursing, and technology, serving a similar Midwest commuter/regional student base.
- University of Wisconsin-Parkside: Midwest regional public university of similar scale and mission, offering comparable technology, business, and nursing programs to a regional commuter population.
- Ball State University: Indiana public university with overlapping programs in technology, business, and education, drawing from a similar regional student pool with comparable pricing.
- University of Southern Indiana: Indiana regional public university with comparable size, nursing and engineering programs, and similar tuition-driven revenue model serving the Midwest student population.
- Indiana University Northwest: Public regional university also located in Northwest Indiana serving similar Indiana and Chicagoland student segments with comparable undergraduate programs and tuition model. Closest geographic and mission peer.
Regional players
- Valparaiso University: Private university in Northwest Indiana serving overlapping regional students with engineering and nursing programs, though operating under a private tuition model rather than public.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Purdue University Northwest social profiles
Digital presencePurdue University Northwest compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance8 records
Purdue University Northwest financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Purdue University Northwest leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Purdue University Northwest funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors3 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Purdue University Northwest M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Purdue University Northwest
What does Purdue University Northwest do?
Purdue University Northwest is a public regional university that delivers undergraduate and graduate academic programs across more than 70 areas of study, anchored by its two Northwest Indiana campuses (Hammond and Westville) and select fully online programs. The institution packages degree coursework with hands-on research opportunities through the Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS) and the Steel Manufacturing Simulation and Visualization Consortium (SMSVC), and supplements instruction with workforce certification programs such as the Cybersecurity Workforce Certification Training (CWCT) for military, first responders, and government employees.
Is Purdue University Northwest a public or private company?
Purdue University Northwest is a public company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Purdue University Northwest founded?
Purdue University Northwest was founded in 2016. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Purdue University Northwest based?
Purdue University Northwest is headquartered in Hammond, United States, in the North America region.
How does Purdue University Northwest make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Fees are the primary driver. The others are federal Research Grants, consortium Membership Fees and corporate Training and Workforce Development.
Who are Purdue University Northwest's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Illinois Institute of Technology and University of Illinois Chicago. Direct peers are Indiana State University, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Oakland University, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Ball State University, University of Southern Indiana and Indiana University Northwest. Valparaiso University is listed as a regional player.
Does Purdue University Northwest have an API?
No public API is recorded for Purdue University Northwest.
What industry is Purdue University Northwest in?
Purdue University Northwest's product category is Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAEAF, Cooperative Education (Co-op) Technical Universities. Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.