Indiana University Bloomington is a public research institution established in the year 1820 in Bloomington, Indiana, United States. The university is committed to meeting the changing instructive and research needs of the country, and the world. Innovation, creativity, and educational freedom are the trademarks of world-class offerings in research and the arts.
The foundation for the University was laid down on January 22, 1820, and was known as the "State Seminary" until 1828. "State Seminary" became Indiana College in 1828, which later became Indiana University in 1838. The School of law, which is now known as IU Maurier school of Law, was established in 1842. The School of Medicine was established in 1903 followed by the establishment of The Graduate School in 1904. Michael A. McRobbie became the 18th IU President in 2007. Herman B. Wells, who served as the President and later chancellor of the institute, helped in upgrading the University's position in research, the arts, and international studies.
Building on two centuries of notable achievements in education, research, and the arts, the university has established a mission to keep IU on the course of importance in the third century. Its mission is to generate, distribute, conserve, and apply knowledge. It does so through its engagements to forefront research, scholarship, arts, and creative activity, to challenging and inspired undergraduate, graduate, professional, and to significant participation outside the classroom.
The university is recognized and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commissions (HLC) to offer various degree programs on-campus and online.
About Indiana University Bloomington
Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution with a total enrollment of approximately 37,806 students. With an acceptance rate of 78.21%, Indiana University Bloomington maintains an accessible admissions process while maintaining academic standards. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1, reflecting the university's commitment to providing meaningful interaction between students and instructors.
Academically, Indiana University Bloomington demonstrates strong student outcomes. The freshman retention rate stands at 91%, indicating that the majority of first-year students return for their sophomore year — a key indicator of student satisfaction and academic support. The overall graduation rate is 80%.
Cost and Financial Aid at Indiana University Bloomington
Understanding the true cost of attendance is critical for prospective students. In-state tuition and fees at Indiana University Bloomington are approximately $12,144 per year, while out-of-state students pay approximately $41,891. After accounting for financial aid, the average net price is $16,264, which represents what students actually pay out of pocket.
Financial aid is widely available: 61% of undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance, with the average aid package totaling $11,339. Specifically, 19% of students receive federal grants, averaging $4,835 per recipient. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize their aid eligibility.
Admissions at a Glance
Prospective students should note the following admissions benchmarks for Indiana University Bloomington: SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores in the 590-690 range; SAT Math scores in the 580-710 range; ACT Composite scores between 27-33; an average GPA of 3.620. These figures represent the middle 50% of admitted students and should be used as a general guide rather than strict cutoffs.