Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Bloomington, Indiana
80.4% Acceptance Rate
Indiana University-Bloomington — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
80.4%Acceptance Rate
3.74Avg GPA
1308Avg SAT
30Avg ACT
$27,361Annual Cost
$63,742Grad Salary
16.7%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
80.4%
Avg GPA
3.74
Avg SAT
1308
Avg ACT
30
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1170–1400
ACT Middle 50%
27–32
Avg Net Price
$15,342
Need-Based Aid
16.7% receive Pell
Indiana University-Bloomington is the flagship campus of the Indiana University system and a premier public research university known for its commitment to academic excellence, high-impact research, and strong tradition of leadership. Offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the university fosters a vibrant campus community that encourages innovation and professional development. Its state-of-the-art facilities and reputation for excellence make it a top-tier choice for students.
Indiana University-Bloomington Acceptance Rate
Indiana University-Bloomington (IUB) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 80.4%, 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 — 80.4% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.74 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.54 – 3.73
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.29
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-Bloomington Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Indiana University-Bloomington is February 1 for Regular Decision applicants, with additional plans listed below. Admission decisions are typically released by March 15.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 196 days left — Regular Decision
Regular Decision
February 1
Decision by: March 15
Early Action
November 1
Decision by: January 15
💡 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.
IUB GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at IUB is 3.74. IUB is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.94-4.14 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.44 and 3.74, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
IUB GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at IUB utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.74, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.74 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.54 – 3.73
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.34 – 3.53
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.33
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Overall acceptance rate ~78?80%; Kelley School of Business direct admit ~25% (requires 3.8 GPA + ACT 30/SAT 1370 + separate 200?400 word essay); Jacobs School of Music by live audition (single-digit rates for competitive instruments/voice); Hutton Honors College less than 10% of each entering class.
- EA deadline November 1: priority for all scholarships including Wells Scholars Program (full tuition + fees + living stipend, 4 years; own nomination process); Hutton Honors scholarship window requires IU app by November 1 + HHC app by January 14; HHC consideration without scholarship: IU by February 1 + HHC by March 2; all notified by April 1.
- Kelley standard admission (non-direct admit): apply in second semester only; 30 credit hours required; automatic admission for all A- or better at IU; any grade below A-, withdrawal, incomplete, or X triggers comprehensive committee review; two failed attempts at one I-Core prerequisite = automatic denial; transfer students follow standard path only, not direct admit.
- Record 67,000+ applications for Class of 2028; ~47,000 undergrads; Big Ten; $65 application fee domestic; test-optional (considered if submitted); 21st Century Scholars (IN residents, Reduced Price Lunch eligible in 7th/8th grade): full tuition + Covenant covering unmet need up to COA; GPA is the single "very important" admissions factor; Kelley I-Core: two-semester immersive junior-year real-client curriculum, consistently top-10 undergraduate business program nationally.
- The Rigor Metric: At IUB, 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 IUB
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Indiana University-Bloomington'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-Bloomington (IUB) 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 IUB Without SAT or ACT?
Indiana University-Bloomington 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-Bloomington Average SAT Score: 1308
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Indiana University-Bloomington is 1308 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1308 — Competitive
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1308 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1400 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Indiana University-Bloomington allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1170, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at IUB. 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 | 645 | 580 | 710 |
| SAT Reading | 640 | 590 | 690 |
| SAT Composite | 1308 | 1170 | 1400 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1170 then you are below most of the admitted students at IUB and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1400 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 1300
Can I get into Indiana University-Bloomington (IUB) with a 1400 SAT?
With a 1400 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Indiana University-Bloomington (IUB) are good but the admission staff at IUB 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-Bloomington (IUB) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at IUB is 30.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 30 — Very Competitive
This score makes Indiana University-Bloomington very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 30 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 29 | 26 | 31 |
| ACT English | 30 | 26 | 34 |
| ACT Composite | 30 | 27 | 32 |
Can I get into Indiana University-Bloomington with a 32 ACT?
A 32 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Indiana University-Bloomington — 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-Bloomington 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-Bloomington — 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-Bloomington 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 32 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 IUB
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
IUB is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Kelley Direct Admit Is a Different Application Than IU General Admission
Getting into Indiana University Bloomington - overall acceptance rate around 78?80% - is meaningfully different from getting into the Kelley School of Business as a direct admit. Kelley Direct Admit accepts roughly 25% of business-intending applicants and requires a 3.8 unweighted GPA plus an ACT of 30 or an SAT of 1370, along with a separate 200?400 word essay. If you want Kelley, these are your actual targets, not IU's general admissions thresholds. Students who get into IU but miss Kelley Direct Admit can still reach Kelley through the standard admission path: enter as pre-business, apply in your second semester after completing 30 credit hours at IU, and earn all A- or better in your IU courses - students with a perfect record at IU are automatically admitted. But the standard path has a two-semester window; wait longer and you're ineligible. Know your path before you apply.
Apply by November 1 - It's the Only Deadline That Unlocks the Top Scholarships
The Wells Scholars Program - full tuition, mandatory fees, and a living stipend for four years, IU's most prestigious merit award - has its own nomination process and priority dates, both earlier than November 1. The Hutton Honors College scholarship window requires your IU application by November 1 and your HHC application by January 14. After February 1, Hutton Honors consideration is possible but scholarship eligibility is gone. All other IU academic scholarships are evaluated from applications completed by November 1; after that deadline, scholarship opportunities are explicitly described as "limited." A December or March application can still gain IU admission, but for a school that received 67,000+ applications for its most recent class - the largest in IU's history - applying early is the only way to maximize the financial aid outcome.
Apply to Hutton Honors College Even If You're Uncertain - Less Than 10% Get In
The Hutton Honors College is highly selective - it accepts less than 10% of each entering class - but it's accessible across all 12 of IU's schools. Accounting majors, political science specialists, aspiring opera performers, pre-med students - Hutton draws from every discipline. What it rewards is genuine enthusiasm for interdisciplinary learning and academic curiosity that goes beyond your major. Members can live in an Honors Residential Community, have designated Honors advisors, access study-abroad and extracurricular programming, and skip prerequisites or substitute courses for gen ed requirements. The HHC application is available through your IU application status portal; it doesn't require a separate platform. The cost is one additional application plus time. The upside is a small-college honors environment inside a Big Ten research university - and potentially a scholarship on top of your base merit award.
If Music Is Your Goal, the Jacobs School Is a Conservatory Inside a University
The Jacobs School of Music is consistently ranked among the top three music schools in the United States alongside Juilliard and Curtis. Admission is based primarily on a live audition; acceptance rates for specific instruments and voice programs can be in the single digits. Academic credentials matter, but musical performance is the primary filter. Jacobs administers its own merit scholarships (Dean's Scholarship, Premier Young Artist Award, Jacobs Scholar Award, Presidential Scholars) separately from IU's central awards; Jacobs applicants are not eligible for IU Achievement Scholarships but are eligible for IU Selective Scholarships including Hutton - which requires completing the IU application by November 1. Scholarship eligibility requires maintaining a 3.0 GPA at IU; falling below probation in any semester means losing aid the next semester.
Expert Insight:
The Kelley standard admission path has a hard two-semester rule: you must apply in your second semester at IU as a pre-business student. Applications submitted after two semesters are not considered - and students who have any withdrawal, incomplete, X grade, or grade below A- face comprehensive committee review rather than automatic admission. Two failed attempts at a single I-Core prerequisite, including withdrawals, result in automatic denial from Kelley regardless of other coursework. Students who enroll at IU intending to reach Kelley through the standard path sometimes fail prerequisite courses in their first semester, don't understand the eligibility implications, and find themselves cut off from Kelley - and enrolled in AMES's alternative major advising - before they've finished their first year. Understand the stakes of every IU grade from day one if Kelley is your destination.
IUB Profile
Full Name
Indiana University-Bloomington (IUB)
City
Bloomington
State
Indiana
ZIP Code
47405-7000
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a IUB Degree Worth It?
Getting into IUB 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. IUB 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 IUB is $70,100 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.77%.
How much does a degree from IUB Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Indiana University-Bloomington is $27,361. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Indiana University-Bloomington is $15,342.
16.7% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 27.5 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to IUB and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Indiana University-Bloomington, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist IUB as your choice in the form.
How much does a IUB Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $63,742. An average IUB 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-Bloomington. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Delaware | Newark, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 1277 | 27 |
| Florida Southern College | Lakeland, FL | 1263 | 28 |
| Agnes Scott College | Decatur, GA | 1296 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Indiana University-Bloomington. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| Rollins College | Winter Park, FL | 1304 | 29 |
| University of Georgia | Athens, GA | 1301 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Indiana University-Bloomington. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| University of Denver | Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
Degree Programs at IUB
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About IUB Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $63,742 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $27,361 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
16.7% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of Indiana University-Bloomington is 80.4% 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 3.74. 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 3.44, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.44, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.34 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 3.74, 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-Bloomington is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1308 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1170–1400.
The application deadline for Indiana University-Bloomington is February 1 for Regular Decision applicants. Admission decisions are released by March 15.
The application fee for Indiana University-Bloomington is 70. 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.