This fall’s first Purdue University Northwest class of incoming freshmen is highlighted by students who are prepared to succeed and are demonstrating an early intention to graduate on time.
PNW fall enrollment is 15,286 students. Some 9,194 are enrolled at the Hammond Campus, formerly Purdue University Calumet, with 6,092 registered at the former Purdue University North Central at Westville.
The totals represent a combination of continuing students, transfers, those new to college, others enrolled in online academic partnership programs and high school concurrent/dual credit enrollees.
First time full time freshmen
The initial PNW class of first time freshmen (1,301) includes 93 percent who are carrying full course loads and 95 percent who are age 20 or younger.
Additionally, the entering freshmen recorded a collective high school grade point average and SAT and ACT college preparation test scores that are “higher than ever before” compared to previous entering freshman classes at the former Purdue Calumet and Purdue North Central, That’s according to PNW Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Carmen Panlilio.
“We are excited about the quality of first time freshman students enrolled at PNW,” Panlilio said. “They arrived on our campuses with a track record of high school success, and they have committed to course loads that place them on track to graduate in a timely manner.”
She said that 77 percent of all Purdue Northwest undergraduate core students — those who physically attend either or both of PNW’s two campuses — carry full course loads.
Well-prepared students
“Our objective is to attract well-prepared students intent on earning a Purdue degree at either of our campuses,” PNW Chancellor Thomas Keon said. “To do that we are committed to offering outstanding academic programs and a rich, student-centered Purdue Northwest experience.”
Purdue Northwest was established via the unification of Purdue Calumet and Purdue North Central, approved last March by the Higher Learning Commission.
During their nearly seven decades of previous operation, Purdue North Central and Purdue Calumet built their reputations responding to Northwest Indiana’s diverse higher educational needs and student preparation levels. Both institutions educated a blend of full time and part time-enrolled, traditional college age and adult students.
Concurrent students, demographic breakdown
Purdue Northwest fall enrollment also includes 4,519 dual credit/concurrent students — those enrolled in courses for which they earn high school and college credit. The student total exceeds the 3,775 dual credit/concurrent enrollees at Hammond and Westville Campuses last fall.
Demographically, among core students physically attending PNW campuses, 59 percent are Caucasian, 17 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 10 percent are African-American and 8 percent are international.
Nov. 13 program offers head start in applying for financial aid
Applying for college financial aid is not complex and can be extremely beneficial.
That’s the message of College Goal Sunday, a free, financial aid application assistance program, scheduled at 2 p.m., Nov. 13 at Purdue University Northwest’s Hammond Campus (Student Union & Library, Room 200) and Westville Campus (Technology Building, Room 265).
The program is intended for all current or prospective college students and their parents who desire to be considered for financial aid during the 2017-18 academic year beginning next fall.
To be considered for federal and state grants, scholarships and student loans at most colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
“Because completing the FAFSA is sometimes perceived to be complicated and time-consuming, knowledgeable experts will be present at College Goal Sunday to help students and parents accurately complete the FAFSA,” Purdue Northwest Interim Executive Director of Financial Aid Freda Whisenton-Comer said.
Attending students, parents and guardians should bring their completed 2015 IRS 1040 tax return or draft. Other information can be obtained by visiting the Purdue Northwest financial aid web site at www.pnw.edu/finaid, e-mailing the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@pnw.edu; or calling the office at 219-989-2301 or 219-785-5460.
Wes Lukoshus is assistant vice chancellor of media relations and communication at Purdue University Northwest.
