IUN, PNW report enrollment increases for fall 2025 semester

Both Indiana University Northwest and Purdue University Northwest have reported enrollment increases for the start of the fall semester.

IUN’s changes are the first “substantial increase” the university has seen in more than a decade, according to the university’s news release.

“These increases reflect not only the trust students place in IU Northwest to provide a high-quality education, but also the resilience and dedication of our community,” Arrick Jackson, IUN chancellor, said in a news release. “Together, our new and returning students are strengthening the vibrant campus culture that makes IU Northwest such an exceptional place to learn and grow.”

IUN’s headcount has increased 7.2% year-over-year, which is the highest across IU campuses, according to the school. Enrollment has reached 3,260 students this fall compared to 3,041 last year.

The university also saw an 8.8% in credit hours, which is the “highest year-over-year percentage increase in credit hours across IU,” and there’s been an 8.6% increase in full-time equivalent students.

International student numbers increased from 14 to 17, according to IU data.

Undergraduate student enrollment increased more than 9% to 2,909 students, and freshman enrollment is up 17% to 910 students, according to IUN numbers.

“At IU Northwest, we are thrilled to welcome one of the largest groups of new students in more than a decade,” Jackson said, “and we are equally grateful to our returning students who continue to see the value of pursuing their education with us.”

At Purdue University Northwest, the school saw a 6% increase in incoming undergraduate students, with the First Time in College cohort increasing 10.5%, according to school numbers. PNW also saw a 70.5% retention rate for second-year students, which is a record for the university. Core enrollment grew to 6,101, according to university numbers.

“We are proud that students and their families trust Purdue University Northwest for their higher education goals,” Chancellor Chris Holford said in a news release. “They value our outstanding academic programs, co-curricular opportunities, campus resources and supportive network. 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. We remain committed to transforming students’ lives by providing a rigorous academic experience so they may be well-prepared to contribute to our workforce and communities.”

The university’s student athlete numbers grew to more than 530 on campus, and the honors college has welcomed 698 students, which PNW reported is the largest cohort to date, according to a news release.

A PNW spokesperson said in a Friday email that the school has 510 international students enrolled, which is a 71-student decrease from the previous academic year.

The university has offered more student support services, including University College, which for available for those who started at PNW but not yet declared a major. PNW is also building its third residence hall, Calumet Hall, which is expected to open in fall 2026.

“(PNW) 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, provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs, said in a news release. “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.”

mwilkins@chicagotribune.com