Purdue University Northwest Recognized Among 2026 Best Midwest Universities

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) earned recognitions as a top public regional university for academic quality and social mobility in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 annual Best Colleges rankings, released Tuesday, Sept. 23. PNW also received notable rankings for its undergraduate engineering and nursing programs.

PNW is ranked 37th among top public Midwest regional universities.

PNW’s undergraduate engineering programs are among the top 50 in the country for their category, ranked at No. 46 this year. In addition, PNW’s bachelor of science in nursing programs jumped significantly to No. 74 among peers.

PNW was also noted as a top performer in social mobility for its students. U.S. News & World Report recognizes institutions for social mobility as a reflection of how well they support and graduate low-income and first-generation college students.

“At Purdue University Northwest, we are proud to deliver on our mission as a student-centric institution that prioritizes our students’ needs and serves our communities,” said PNW Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford. “Our students build long-lasting relationships with our supportive network of faculty and staff members. Under their mentorship, our students earn a rigorous, comprehensive experience that will prepare them to excel in impactful, in-demand professional roles.”

Almost half of PNW’s core students identify as first-generation college students. PNW proudly supports and celebrates its first-generation students through several on-campus programming and resources, such as its office of First Generation College Student Success, mentoring, academic advising and tutoring. PNW is also recognized as a First Gen Forward Network Leader for its support of the first-generation student experience.

Undergraduate engineering and nursing programs earn top rankings

PNW’s undergraduate engineering programs, administered by its School of Engineering, ranked 46th nationally among U.S. News’ top undergraduate engineering programs without a doctorate. PNW’s ABET-accredited School of Engineering prepares students in the comprehensive and innovative application of engineering principles so they may go on to identify and communicate practical solutions in professional roles. The school is home to outstanding degree programs in the areas of Civil, Computer, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.

PNW’s undergraduate nursing program was also noted as the 74th best program nationally among best Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. PNW’s ACEN-accredited College of Nursing prepares knowledgeable and compassionate nursing students, many of whom place and qualify for important roles in the health care sector in the Chicago metro area. The college is further recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.

Other PNW undergraduate programs recognized by U.S. News & World Report in the 2026 Best Colleges rankings include Computer Science, Psychology and Business.

Visit the U.S. News and World Report website for the full 2026 Best Colleges rankings.

About Purdue University Northwest
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. Located in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago, PNW is recognized as a First Gen Forward Network Leader and an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. PNW advances the socioeconomic mobility of its students and positively impacts regional development. For more information, visit pnw.edu.