Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
New Albany, Indiana
83.1% Acceptance Rate
Indiana University-Southeast — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
83.1%Acceptance Rate
3.31Avg GPA
1097Avg SAT
23Avg ACT
$15,313Annual Cost
$47,596Grad Salary
33.8%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
83.1%
Avg GPA
3.31
Avg SAT
1097
Avg ACT
23
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1010–1190
ACT Middle 50%
20–26
Avg Net Price
$8,257
Need-Based Aid
33.8% receive Pell
Indiana University-Southeast is a comprehensive public regional campus of Indiana University, located in New Albany. Situated just minutes from Louisville, Kentucky, the university offers a supportive, student-centered environment that balances the resources of a major research university system with the personalized attention of a smaller campus, preparing students for professional success and regional leadership.
Indiana University-Southeast Acceptance Rate
Indiana University-Southeast (IUSE) runs an open-access admission policy. With a 83.1% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 83.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.31 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.11 – 3.30
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.86
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Indiana University-Southeast Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Indiana University-Southeast 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
⏳ 85 days left — Priority
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
IUSE 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.
IUSE GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at IUSE is 3.31. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.01–3.31 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.51–3.71.IUSE GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.31 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.11 – 3.30
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.91 – 3.10
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.90
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- IU Southeast uses a self-reported GPA on the initial application (highest value on the transcript), verified later against the final official transcript; SAT/ACT submission is optional and carries no admission penalty if omitted.
- Three automatic scholarships exist - Chancellor's Gold and Alumni Gold factor in test scores alongside GPA, while Grenadier Gold is GPA-only - none require a separate application.
- Students from eight named Kentucky reciprocity counties (Jefferson, Oldham, Bullitt, Meade, Spencer, Shelby, Henry, Trimble) qualify for Grenadier Promise and KEES Match aid, treated similarly to Indiana residents.
- Priority deadline for financial aid and automatic scholarship consideration is March 10; Indiana students are expected to be on track for Core 40, while out-of-state applicants need 26 "college prep" units.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at IUSE
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Indiana University-Southeast's verified institutional data
--%
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-Southeast (IUSE) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if IUSE is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into IUSE Without SAT or ACT?
IUSE considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Indiana University-Southeast Average SAT Score: 1097
The average SAT score of admitted students at Indiana University-Southeast is 1097 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1097 — Accessible
This average is on the lower end nationally, making a strong score here a genuine advantage.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1190 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Indiana University-Southeast allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1010, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at IUSE. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 540 | 500 | 580 |
| SAT Reading | 560 | 510 | 610 |
| SAT Composite | 1097 | 1010 | 1190 |
Below 1010, you're behind most admitted students; at 1190 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Indiana University-Southeast (IUSE) with a 1200 SAT?
A 1200 SAT puts you ahead of most of IUSE's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Indiana University-Southeast (IUSE) ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at IUSE is 23.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 23 — Slightly Competitive
This sits close to the national average ACT score.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 18 | 25 |
| ACT English | 23 | 19 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 20 | 26 |
Can I get into Indiana University-Southeast with a 26 ACT?
A 26 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of IUSE's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at IUSE.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for IUSE
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
IUSE takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Self-report your GPA precisely and to your advantage
IU Southeast has applicants self-report their own GPA (using the highest value shown on their transcript) directly on the application, verified only later against the final official transcript. Check whether your high school reports both a weighted and unweighted GPA and confirm which one is actually the highest before entering it - this is a genuine, applicant-controlled lever that most students don't realize they have discretion over.
Claim Kentucky reciprocity-county status if you qualify
Students from Jefferson, Oldham, Bullitt, Meade, Spencer, Shelby, Henry, or Trimble counties in Kentucky are treated as reciprocity residents, unlocking the Grenadier Promise (up to $2,000 for Pell-eligible students with a 2.5+ GPA) and the KEES Match scholarship. This is a real, location-specific advantage tied to IU Southeast's position near Louisville that out-of-state applicants from those exact counties often don't realize applies to them.
Submit test scores anyway if they're strong, despite test-optional status
Admission itself doesn't require SAT/ACT scores, but the Chancellor's Gold and Alumni Gold automatic scholarships explicitly factor in test scores, while the GPA-only Grenadier Gold does not. A student with a strong score should submit it purely to be evaluated for the test-inclusive scholarship tiers, since the school states scores are "considered if submitted" for aid even though they carry no admission penalty if withheld.
Hit the March 10 priority deadline and use the JCTC/Ivy Tech bridge if you're short on core credits
Automatic scholarship consideration is tied to applying by the March 10 priority deadline. If you haven't completed Indiana's Core 40 diploma (or the 26 "college prep" units required of out-of-state applicants), use the university's structured partnerships with Jefferson Community & Technical College or Ivy Tech to build toward IU Southeast rather than waiting a full year to reapply as a traditional freshman.
Expert Insight:
A real, specific failure pattern: applicants self-report a GPA that doesn't match what their final official transcript shows - often because they reported a weighted GPA when their school's official record defaults to unweighted, or the reverse - which can trigger a scholarship or admission status revision after enrollment once the final transcript is verified. Self-report using the exact figure your official transcript will show.
IUSE Profile
Full Name
Indiana University-Southeast (IUSE)
City
New Albany
State
Indiana
ZIP Code
47150
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a IUSE Degree Worth It?
Whether IUSE is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals. Here's the data to weigh it against.
The average household income among admitted students is $57,700, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3%.
How much does a degree from IUSE Cost?
The sticker price is $15,313/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is closer to $8,257.
33.8% of students receive a Pell Grant and 31.9% take federal loans at IUSE. File your FAFSA early and list IUSE as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a IUSE Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $47,596. That's about 17% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Indiana University-Southeast. 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 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Florida College | Temple Terrace, FL | 1068 | 19 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Indiana University-Southeast. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Indiana University-Southeast. 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 Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
Degree Programs at IUSE
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About IUSE Admissions
Median earnings for Indiana University-Southeast graduates sit around $47,596 a year.
At about $15,313 a year, Indiana University-Southeast is on the more affordable end.
About 33.8% receive a Pell Grant at Indiana University-Southeast. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 83.1%, Indiana University-Southeast's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Indiana University-Southeast average a 3.31 GPA.
Indiana University-Southeast doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.01 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 2.91, Indiana University-Southeast becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Indiana University-Southeast — aim above 1097, ideally within the 1010–1190 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Indiana University-Southeast is November 1. Rolling Admissions is also offered, so applying early improves your chances.
The application fee is 35. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is November 1, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.