Indiana University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Dr. Allen Grove is an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with over 20 years of experience helping students transition to college.

Indiana University Bloomington is a public research university with an acceptance rate of 78%. The flagship campus of Indiana's state university system, successful applicants tend to have grades and standardized test scores that are well above average.

The school has received numerous accolades for its academic programs and the beauty of its campus. IU has a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for the quality of it's liberal arts and sciences program, and its research strengths earned it membership in the Association of American Universities. The 2,000-acre campus is defined by its buildings constructed from local limestone and its wide array of flowering plants and trees. The university also excels in athletics, and the Indiana Hoosiers are a member of the Big Ten Conference.

Considering applying to Indiana University? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, Indiana University had an acceptance rate of 78%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 78 were admitted, making Indiana University's admissions process somewhat competitive.

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Indiana University. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

Indiana University Bloomington, which accepts over three-quarters of applicants, has a slightly selective admissions process. If your SAT/ACT scores and GPA fall within the school's average ranges, you have a strong chance of being accepted. Keep in mind that approximately half of all admitted students come from within the state of Indiana. Throughout much of the graph, you'll notice some yellow dots (waitlisted students) and red dots (rejected students) mixed in with the green and blue dots (accepted students). Some students with grades and test scores that were on target for Indiana University did not get in. On the flip side, note that some students were accepted with standardized test scores and grades that were a bit below the norm. Most admitted students had high school averages of "B" or higher, SAT scores of 1100 (ERW+M) or higher, and ACT composite scores of 22 or better. Few students with "A" averages and above-average test scores were rejected.

Indiana University looks at the rigor of your high school courses and the quality of your high school, not simply your GPA. Also, the admissions folks at Indiana University consider your IU-specific essay and participation in meaningful extracurricular activities, community service, and work experience. Grades and standardized test scores are the most important part of your application, but these other factors can make a difference in borderline cases. While a visit to the campus is not required, it is encouraged for all interested students.

You have three options for your application to Indiana University: the IU-Online Application, the Common Application, and the Coalition Application. Regardless of the platform, you'll need to write a short essay about your academic interests and career plans. This essay also provides the opportunity to explain any obstacles you've encountered when preparing for college. Unlike most other universities, the Common Application essay is optional for Indiana University applicants.