About Indiana University-Bloomington
Indiana University draws 36,571 students to Bloomington, a college town that revolves around the campus. The school has built a reputation for three standout programs: the Kelley School of Business ranks among the best public business schools, the journalism program trains students at one of the top media schools in the country, and the music school attracts serious musicians from around the world. Notable graduates include entrepreneur Mark Cuban and Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins. With an 82% acceptance rate and an average SAT of 1290, IU welcomes a wide range of students while maintaining solid academic standards.
The money picture looks reasonable for a major research university. In-state students pay about $11,790 in tuition, while out-of-state students face $40,482. After financial aid, the average student pays $15,342 net price. Graduates earn a median of $63,742 ten years after graduation and leave with $19,509 in debt, manageable numbers that suggest the degree pays off. Monthly loan payments average $207, which most graduates can handle with their starting salaries.
As a Big Ten school, IU takes sports seriously with 20 varsity teams and a passionate basketball culture. The 90% retention rate shows students generally like what they find here. With nearly 60% of students coming from Indiana, it feels like the state's flagship university while still drawing students from across the country.
The money picture looks reasonable for a major research university. In-state students pay about $11,790 in tuition, while out-of-state students face $40,482. After financial aid, the average student pays $15,342 net price. Graduates earn a median of $63,742 ten years after graduation and leave with $19,509 in debt, manageable numbers that suggest the degree pays off. Monthly loan payments average $207, which most graduates can handle with their starting salaries.
As a Big Ten school, IU takes sports seriously with 20 varsity teams and a passionate basketball culture. The 90% retention rate shows students generally like what they find here. With nearly 60% of students coming from Indiana, it feels like the state's flagship university while still drawing students from across the country.
Academics & Faculty
Indiana University-Bloomington operates as a major research university with particularly strong programs in business, journalism, and music that compete with top schools nationwide. The Kelley School of Business regularly ranks among the best public business programs, while the School of Journalism produces many working reporters and media professionals. IU's Jacobs School of Music is considered one of the finest conservatories in the country, training opera singers and classical musicians alongside future music teachers. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1 and an 81% four-year graduation rate, students get reasonable access to professors despite the large size. The 36,571 enrollment means extensive course options but requires students to be proactive about getting help.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 84.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 81.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 81.2%
- Retention Rate
- 90.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,742
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $114,366 |
| Optometry. | Doctoral | $108,370 |
| Human Computer Interaction. | Master | $80,355 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Certificate | $76,460 |
| Sociology. | Doctoral | $74,576 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $73,446 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $70,596 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $67,869 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Certificate | $66,915 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $65,832 |
Campus Life
Bloomington sits about an hour south of Indianapolis, giving you access to a real city without the daily chaos. The campus houses 12,496 students in dorms, but with 36,571 total enrollment, most upperclassmen live in off-campus apartments around town. Indiana winters mean you'll need a good coat from December through March, though spring and fall offer perfect college weather for walking between classes.
Weekend life revolves around Big Ten sports, especially basketball at Assembly Hall where the Hoosiers have won five national championships. The music school brings constant concerts and performances to campus. Students pack Kirkwood Avenue for bars, restaurants, and late-night food runs. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life like at some schools. With 59% of students from Indiana, many go home occasionally, but the campus stays active. The surrounding area offers hiking at Brown County State Park and Lake Monroe for outdoor activities. Saturday football games in Memorial Stadium draw huge crowds, creating the classic Big Ten college atmosphere that defines Indiana University culture.
Weekend life revolves around Big Ten sports, especially basketball at Assembly Hall where the Hoosiers have won five national championships. The music school brings constant concerts and performances to campus. Students pack Kirkwood Avenue for bars, restaurants, and late-night food runs. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life like at some schools. With 59% of students from Indiana, many go home occasionally, but the campus stays active. The surrounding area offers hiking at Brown County State Park and Lake Monroe for outdoor activities. Saturday football games in Memorial Stadium draw huge crowds, creating the classic Big Ten college atmosphere that defines Indiana University culture.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 12,496 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
432 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 104 | 67 | 5 | 3 |
| Rape | 30 | 26 | 2 | 0 |
| Burglary | 29 | 15 | 13 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 16 | 7 | 8 | 1 |
| Fondling | 18 | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 18 | 0 | 9 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 12 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Robbery | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–37°F
- July Avg
- 65°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- -1,539.6"
Student Demographics
Indiana University draws students who want Big Ten sports and strong career programs without breaking the bank. With 59% of students coming from Indiana, the school has deep roots in the state but also attracts students from across the country who see value in its business and journalism programs. The nearly even gender split reflects the university's broad appeal across different majors. Students here tend to be middle-class Midwesterners who want the full college experience of 36,571 students, Division I athletics, and solid job prospects after graduation.
- Men
- 50.2%
- Women
- 49.8%
- White
- 66.6%
- Black
- 4.2%
- Hispanic
- 8.4%
- Asian
- 9.9%
- In-State Students
- 59.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.7%
Location
Bloomington sits in south-central Indiana, about 50 miles southwest of Indianapolis. This classic college town of 85,000 people revolves around the university, with downtown businesses, restaurants, and cultural venues catering to the 36,571 students who make up nearly half the city's population. The area offers rolling hills and forests that are unusual for typically flat Indiana, plus plenty of lakes for outdoor activities. Limestone quarries nearby actually supplied stone for the Empire State Building and other famous structures. The campus itself feels integrated into the town rather than separated from it, creating that authentic college town atmosphere where students and locals mix freely. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Indiana University-Bloomington with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Bloomington, Indiana 47405-7000
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,742
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $66,705
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $44,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 71.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $207/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,509
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Indiana University-Bloomington?
Indiana University-Bloomington accepts 82.41% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a flagship state university. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1180-1400 on the SAT, reflecting the school's balance of accessibility and academic standards.
How much does Indiana University-Bloomington cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $15,342 after financial aid, less than the sticker price. Families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,125 on average, while the median debt at graduation is $19,509 with monthly payments around $207.
What are the strongest academic programs at Indiana University-Bloomington?
IU Bloomington is nationally recognized for its Kelley School of Business, journalism program, and strong Jacobs School of Music. With 36,571 students and an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, the university offers extensive research opportunities across its comprehensive academic offerings.
What are the career outcomes for Indiana University-Bloomington graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $63,742 ten years after graduation, with a strong 95.9% employment rate. The university maintains an impressive 81.2% six-year graduation rate, reflecting its commitment to student success in this college town setting.
Where do students live at Indiana University-Bloomington?
The campus houses 12,496 students in residence halls, creating a active college community in Bloomington. With a 90.55% freshman retention rate, students clearly connect with the campus culture that has produced notable alumni like Mark Cuban and Suzanne Collins.
Does Indiana University-Bloomington have strong athletics?
The Hoosiers compete in the strong Big Ten Conference with 774 student-athletes across 20 varsity sports. The university invests $19.2 million in athletic scholarships, maintaining its tradition as a powerhouse in college basketball and other sports.
