Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
South Bend, Indiana
86% Acceptance Rate
Indiana University-South Bend — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
86%Acceptance Rate
3.24Avg GPA
1072Avg SAT
23Avg ACT
$15,984Annual Cost
$44,947Grad Salary
41.2%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
86%
Avg GPA
3.24
Avg SAT
1072
Avg ACT
23
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
970–1170
ACT Middle 50%
21–25
Avg Net Price
$8,364
Need-Based Aid
41.2% receive Pell
Indiana University-South Bend is a public, regional campus of Indiana University dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education. With a supportive and community-focused environment, the university offers a variety of programs that prepare students for professional success and regional leadership.
Indiana University-South Bend Acceptance Rate
Indiana University-South Bend (IUSB) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 86%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 86% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.24 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.04 – 3.23
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.79
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Indiana University-South Bend Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Indiana University-South Bend follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of November 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 105 days left — Priority
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
IUSB reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Priority
November 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (November 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
IUSB GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at IUSB is 3.24. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.44-3.64 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 2.94 and 3.24, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
IUSB GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at IUSB utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.24, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.24 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.04 – 3.23
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.84 – 3.03
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.83
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- General first-year admission requires no essay, no letter of recommendation, and is test-optional; Nursing application deadlines are April 1 (Fall start) and November 1 (Spring start), applied for only after completing pre-nursing prerequisites
- Dental Hygiene requires documented shadowing (4+ hours minimum) within a specific 12-month window ending at the February 1 application deadline, plus a competitive non-traditional interview using a formal rubric
- Dental Hygiene's cumulative GPA calculation includes coursework from ALL institutions attended - not just the "IU GPA" shown on an IU transcript, which excludes non-IU coursework
- Fall 2025 admitted Dental Hygiene cohort averaged a 3.67 cumulative GPA and 3.65 science GPA - published, current benchmark data for applicant self-assessment
- The Rigor Metric: At IUSB, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at IUSB
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Indiana University-South Bend's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Indiana University-South Bend (IUSB) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into IUSB Without SAT or ACT?
Indiana University-South Bend considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Indiana University-South Bend Average SAT Score: 1072
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Indiana University-South Bend is 1072 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1072 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1072 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1170 SAT or 25 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Indiana University-South Bend allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 970, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at IUSB. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 530 | 480 | 580 |
| SAT Reading | 540 | 490 | 590 |
| SAT Composite | 1072 | 970 | 1170 |
It means that if you have scored less than 970 then you are below most of the admitted students at IUSB and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1170 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into Indiana University-South Bend (IUSB) with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Indiana University-South Bend (IUSB) are good but the admission staff at IUSB tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Indiana University-South Bend (IUSB) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at IUSB is 23.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 23 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Indiana University-South Bend slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 23 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 19 | 25 |
| ACT English | 24 | 21 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 21 | 25 |
Can I get into Indiana University-South Bend with a 25 ACT?
A 25 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Indiana University-South Bend — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Indiana University-South Bend use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Indiana University-South Bend — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Indiana University-South Bend uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 25 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for IUSB
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
IUSB is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Submit your Nursing application only after completing pre-nursing prerequisites - and hit the exact April 1/November 1 split by intended start term
IU South Bend's School of Nursing application deadlines are structured specifically around completed pre-nursing prerequisites: April 1 for Fall Semester start, November 1 for Spring Semester start - and IUSB explicitly states nursing admission is "very competitive." Confirm your prerequisites are genuinely complete (not just in-progress) before your target deadline, and contact the School of Nursing directly (574-520-4571) for the specific current-cycle requirements rather than relying on general university admission information, since the nursing application is functionally a separate, competitive process layered on top of general IUSB admission.
If Dental Hygiene is your goal, plan your shadowing hours around the exact 1-year application window, not just "before applying"
IUSB's Entry-level Dental Hygiene Program requires documented shadowing of a practicing dental hygienist for a minimum of 4 hours, with observations required to have occurred within the calendar year immediately preceding the February 1 application deadline (e.g., between Feb 1, 2025 and Feb 1, 2026 for a Feb 1, 2026 deadline) - shadowing from earlier than that window doesn't count. Schedule your shadowing deliberately within this specific 12-month window on official office letterhead documentation, rather than assuming any past shadowing experience automatically satisfies the requirement.
Understand Dental Hygiene's cumulative GPA calculation includes ALL institutions attended - not just your IU transcript
IUSB explicitly states that the cumulative GPA used for Dental Hygiene admission includes all undergraduate/graduate coursework from every institution attended, and specifically that the "IU GPA" shown on an IU transcript is NOT used because it excludes non-IU coursework. If you've taken courses at another institution before or alongside IUSB, calculate your true full cumulative GPA yourself rather than relying on what your IU transcript displays, since the two numbers can differ meaningfully and the program uses the broader calculation.
Benchmark your GPA against the actual competitive cohort - recent Dental Hygiene admits averaged a 3.67 cumulative and 3.65 science GPA
IUSB publishes real outcome data: the Fall 2025 admitted Dental Hygiene cohort had an average Application GPA of 3.67 and Science GPA of 3.65 - concrete, current benchmarks rather than a vague "competitive" descriptor. Use these specific numbers to honestly assess your own competitiveness before investing in a full application cycle, and if your GPA is meaningfully below these averages, discuss your candidacy directly with an academic advisor as IUSB explicitly recommends, rather than applying without that context.
Expert Insight:
Because IUSB's general first-year admission requires no essay, no letter of recommendation, and is test-optional, applicants can significantly underestimate how selective its clinical health programs actually are. Nursing is explicitly described by the university itself as "very competitive," and Dental Hygiene publishes real average-GPA benchmarks (3.67 cumulative) well above IUSB's general admission bar - treating these programs with the same low-friction expectation as general university admission, rather than researching program-specific competitiveness data, is a common and costly miscalculation for applicants.
IUSB Profile
Full Name
Indiana University-South Bend (IUSB)
City
South Bend
State
Indiana
ZIP Code
46615-7111
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a IUSB Degree Worth It?
Getting into IUSB can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. IUSB offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at IUSB is $59,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.16%.
How much does a degree from IUSB Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Indiana University-South Bend is $15,984. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Indiana University-South Bend is $8,364.
41.2% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 36.5 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to IUSB and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Indiana University-South Bend, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist IUSB as your choice in the form.
How much does a IUSB Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $44,947. An average IUSB graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Indiana University-South Bend. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | 1044 | 24 |
| Baptist University of Florida | Graceville, FL | 1045 | 20 |
| Point University | West Point, GA | 1059 | 19 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Indiana University-South Bend. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Florida College | Temple Terrace, FL | 1068 | 19 |
| Piedmont University | Demorest, GA | 1074 | 21 |
| Shorter University | Rome, GA | 1075 | 20 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Indiana University-South Bend. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
Degree Programs at IUSB
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About IUSB Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $44,947 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $15,984 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
41.2% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Indiana University-South Bend is 86% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.24. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.94, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.94, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.84 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.24, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Indiana University-South Bend is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1072 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 970–1170.
The application deadline for Indiana University-South Bend is November 1. The institution also offers Rolling Admissions, so applying early improves your chances.
The application fee for Indiana University-South Bend is 35. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
The scholarship priority deadline is November 1, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.