About Indiana University-South Bend
Indiana University-South Bend serves as the region's primary public university option for students who want IU credentials without leaving home. The campus enrolls 3,807 students in a midsize city setting, focusing on practical degree programs that connect directly to local career opportunities. With an 86.88% acceptance rate, the school welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds who are serious about their education but may not have perfect test scores.
The financial picture tells a story of accessibility over prestige. Students pay an average net price of $8,364, while graduates earn a median of $44,947 ten years after graduation. That return on investment works out reasonably well, especially considering the modest median debt of $21,355. In-state tuition runs just $8,179, making this one of the more affordable paths to a four-year degree in Indiana.
The student body reflects the local community, with 95.40% coming from Indiana and women making up nearly two-thirds of enrollment at 64.85%. The 35.70% six-year graduation rate suggests that many students balance school with work and family responsibilities common to regional campuses. With only 386 housing spots available, most students commute from the surrounding South Bend area.
The financial picture tells a story of accessibility over prestige. Students pay an average net price of $8,364, while graduates earn a median of $44,947 ten years after graduation. That return on investment works out reasonably well, especially considering the modest median debt of $21,355. In-state tuition runs just $8,179, making this one of the more affordable paths to a four-year degree in Indiana.
The student body reflects the local community, with 95.40% coming from Indiana and women making up nearly two-thirds of enrollment at 64.85%. The 35.70% six-year graduation rate suggests that many students balance school with work and family responsibilities common to regional campuses. With only 386 housing spots available, most students commute from the surrounding South Bend area.
Academics & Faculty
Indiana University-South Bend serves as a practical gateway to higher education with an 86.88% acceptance rate that welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides meaningful interaction between professors and students in a regional campus setting. However, the 35.70% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face balancing education with other responsibilities. The campus focuses on career-oriented programs that serve the South Bend region's workforce needs, including business, education, and health sciences. As part of the broader Indiana University system, students access IU credentials while staying close to home, with 95.40% of students coming from in-state.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 59.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 35.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 35.7%
- Retention Rate
- 66.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,947
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $81,997 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $69,535 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $54,174 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $50,856 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $50,606 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $48,198 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $47,260 |
| Social Work. | Master | $43,319 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $41,711 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,856 |
Campus Life
Students at Indiana University-South Bend experience a commuter-friendly campus where only about 10% of the 3,807 students live in the 386-bed residence halls. The majority of the 95% in-state student body drives to campus daily, creating a practical, get-to-class atmosphere rather than a traditional college bubble. South Bend sits 90 miles east of Chicago, giving students access to a mid-sized city known for being home to the University of Notre Dame.
Winter coats are essential as lake-effect snow from nearby Lake Michigan creates harsh winters with significant snowfall. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where professors know your name, fitting the campus's community college feel within a university system. With 64.85% women, the campus skews female, particularly strong in education and health programs. Weekends often mean heading home or working, as many students balance jobs with classes. The Titans compete in six NAIA sports, but athletics draw modest crowds. Students frequent nearby Notre Dame events and downtown South Bend for entertainment.
Winter coats are essential as lake-effect snow from nearby Lake Michigan creates harsh winters with significant snowfall. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where professors know your name, fitting the campus's community college feel within a university system. With 64.85% women, the campus skews female, particularly strong in education and health programs. Weekends often mean heading home or working, as many students balance jobs with classes. The Titans compete in six NAIA sports, but athletics draw modest crowds. Students frequent nearby Notre Dame events and downtown South Bend for entertainment.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 386 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
35 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–31°F
- July Avg
- 63°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 49.9"
Student Demographics
This regional Indiana University campus draws almost entirely from within state borders, with 95% of students calling Indiana home. The student body skews heavily female at nearly 65%, reflecting strong programs in education, nursing, and social work that traditionally attract more women. With over 40% receiving Pell Grants, the school serves many first-generation and working-class students from the greater South Bend area. The diverse mix includes significant Hispanic representation at nearly 22%, making it more multicultural than many regional campuses. Students here typically balance academics with work and family responsibilities.
- Men
- 35.2%
- Women
- 64.9%
- White
- 60.1%
- Black
- 8.3%
- Hispanic
- 21.9%
- Asian
- 2.1%
- In-State Students
- 95.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 41.2%
Location
Indiana University-South Bend sits in South Bend, Indiana, about 90 miles east of Chicago. The city of 103,000 residents anchors the Michiana region in northern Indiana. South Bend built its identity around manufacturing, most famously as the former home of Studebaker automobile production. The University of Notre Dame sits just across town, creating a genuine college atmosphere in this mid-sized industrial city. With 95.40% of students coming from Indiana, IU South Bend serves as the local higher education center for the region. The campus draws heavily from the surrounding counties where families value affordable, accessible education close to home. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Indiana University-South Bend with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- South Bend, Indiana 46615-7111
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,947
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,395
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 49.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $226/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,355
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Indiana University-South Bend?
Indiana University-South Bend accepts 86.88% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1080. This regional campus focuses on serving local students and working professionals, making admission accessible to a broad range of learners in the South Bend community.
How much does Indiana University-South Bend cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $8,364 annually, with in-state tuition at $8,179. The school keeps costs affordable for its primarily local student body, with 95.40% of students coming from Indiana.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Indiana University-South Bend?
The student-faculty ratio is 14:1 among the 3,807 enrolled students. This smaller scale allows for more personalized attention in practical degree programs designed to meet regional workforce needs.
What are the graduation outcomes at Indiana University-South Bend?
The 6-year graduation rate is 35.70% with graduates earning a median salary of $44,947 after 10 years. Despite modest graduation rates, the school maintains strong ties to local employers and achieves a 96.3% employment rate for graduates.
Does Indiana University-South Bend have on-campus housing?
The campus offers housing for 386 students with room and board costing $11,216 annually. Most students commute from the local area, reflecting the school's role as a regional campus serving the greater South Bend community.
How diverse is the student body at Indiana University-South Bend?
The student population is 60.13% White, 21.85% Hispanic, and 8.30% Black, with women comprising 64.85% of enrollment. This diversity reflects the changing demographics of the South Bend region and the university's commitment to serving all community members.
