About Indiana University-Northwest
The financial picture tells a compelling story for working-class families. Students pay an average net price of just $5,970 after aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying only $2,164 annually. Graduates earn a median of $43,361 ten years after starting college, while carrying typical debt loads of $21,710. The monthly loan payment of $230 represents a reasonable investment given the earning potential in the region's healthcare, education, and business sectors.
The student body reflects the diverse northwest Indiana community, with 73% women and significant Hispanic (30%) and Black (17%) enrollment. Only 37% of students graduate within four years, but the 94% employment rate shows that completers find work. The RedHawks compete in seven NJCAA sports with 95 total athletes, creating a tight-knit athletic community on this commuter-friendly campus.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 47.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 37.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 36.9%
- Retention Rate
- 68.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,361
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $77,715 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,516 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $58,673 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $52,822 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $45,500 |
| Social Work. | Master | $44,755 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,240 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,119 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $36,608 |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
Campus Life
Winter coats are essential as Lake Michigan's influence brings harsh winters and lake-effect snow from November through March. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name in smaller classes. With 73.43% women, the campus has a female-majority environment driven by popular nursing and education programs. Most students balance work and school, reflected in the strong 94.4% employment rate. Weekends often involve study groups, family time, or exploring Chicago's museums and neighborhoods via the South Shore Line train that connects Gary to downtown.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–32°F
- July Avg
- 64°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 40.3"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 26.6%
- Women
- 73.4%
- White
- 45.0%
- Black
- 16.9%
- Hispanic
- 30.2%
- Asian
- 3.0%
- In-State Students
- 97.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 42.6%
Location
- Address
- Gary, Indiana 46408-1197
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,361
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,008
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 35.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $230/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,710
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Indiana University-Northwest?
Indiana University-Northwest accepts 80.31% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score of 1060 reflects the school's commitment to serving a broad range of students in the Gary area and greater Chicago region.
How much does Indiana University-Northwest cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $5,970 annually after aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $2,164. With 42.55% of students receiving Pell Grants and in-state tuition at $8,179, this IU regional campus prioritizes affordability for working-class families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Indiana University-Northwest?
The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures smaller classes typical of regional universities focused on undergraduate teaching. This IU campus is known for strong programs in nursing, education, and business that serve the diverse needs of northwest Indiana.
What are the graduation outcomes at Indiana University-Northwest?
The four-year graduation rate is 37.09%, with graduates earning a median of $43,361 ten years after enrollment. Many students attend part-time while working, reflecting the campus's role serving adult learners and first-generation college students in the industrial Gary region.
Where do most students at Indiana University-Northwest come from?
An overwhelming 97.89% of students are Indiana residents, with the campus drawing heavily from the Chicago metro area. The student body is 73.43% female and diverse, with 30.17% Hispanic and 16.92% Black students reflecting the demographics of northwest Indiana.
Does Indiana University-Northwest offer athletic programs?
The RedHawks compete in the NJCAA with 7 varsity sports and 95 total athletes receiving $201,050 in athletic scholarships. As a regional campus focused on academics and affordability, athletics play a smaller role than at the main Bloomington campus.
