Indiana University-Northwest

IUN offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a particular emphasis on health professions, business, and public service. The most popular majors include Health Professions and Related Programs, Business, Management, and Marketing, and Public Administration. The university is organized into several schools and divisions: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business and Economics, the School of Education, and the College of Health and Human Services.

• Notable Programs: Dental Assisting, Public Health, Public Safety, Correctional Management, and Sports Management.
• Specialized Majors: Public Administration and Social Service (34 degrees awarded annually), English (16 degrees), and Psychology.
• Reputation: While IUN doesn't have the same prestige as IU's flagship Bloomington campus, its graduates are well-regarded in Northwest Indiana's healthcare and public sectors.

IUN fosters a close-knit, commuter-heavy campus environment with a strong focus on student engagement. The university supports over 45 student organizations, including fraternity and sorority life, a Student Government Association, and a Student Programming Board. While the campus lacks the vibrant residential life of larger universities, it compensates with a supportive atmosphere and opportunities for leadership development.

• Community Vibe: Described as welcoming and tight-knit, with many students balancing academics with work or family commitments.
• Activities: Regular events and clubs cater to diverse interests, though the social scene is more subdued compared to larger schools.
• Demographics: The student body is predominantly local, with 96% of students coming from Indiana, and a significant portion are first-generationFirst-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. college students (30% of the Class of 2026).

Graduation rates at IUN are below the national average, with a four-year graduation rate of 31.7% for the School of Business (up from 21.7% the previous year). The overall six-year graduation rate is 37.65%, with a 22.05% rate for part-time students. Early-career earnings for graduates average around $34,000–$36,427, which is lower than the typical benchmark for similar institutions.

• Graduation Rates: 37.65% (six-year), 22.05% (part-time).
• Early-Career Earnings: $34,000–$36,427 (median one year after graduation).
• Notable Alumni Outcomes: Many graduates find employment in Northwest Indiana's healthcare, education, and public safety sectors.

IUN is one of the more affordable options in the Indiana University system, with a net priceNet priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. of $6,553 after scholarships and grants. The average need-based scholarship for first-year students is $11,125, and 67% of first-year students receive financial aid. The university offers a Net Price Calculator to help prospective students estimate costs.

• Net Price: $6,553 (after aid).
• Average Aid Package: $10,776.
• Financial Aid Recipients: 67% of first-year students.

Indiana University-Northwest distinguishes itself as a practical, community-oriented institution with strong ties to Northwest Indiana's workforce needs. Its focus on health professions, public service, and business aligns with regional employment opportunities, making it a solid choice for students seeking career-ready degrees without the high cost of larger universities. The campus's supportive environment is particularly beneficial for first-generationFirst-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. and non-traditional students, though its graduation rates and post-graduation earnings lag behind national averages. For local students looking for an affordable, accessible education with a clear pathway to regional employment, IUN is a compelling option.