Indiana University GPA Requirements: Complete IU Admission Guide
Indiana University Bloomington, founded in 1820, stands as one of the nation's premier public research universities and the flagship campus of the Indiana University system. Known for its beautiful campus, strong academic programs, and vibrant Hoosier athletics tradition, IU Bloomington consistently ranks among the top public universities while maintaining accessible admission standards.
Quick Answer: Indiana University typically admits students with an unweighted GPA of 3.7+ and a weighted GPA of 4.0+. The middle 50% have GPAs between 3.65-3.95 (unweighted).
Indiana University GPA Requirements
Official GPA Statistics
Average Unweighted GPA
3.81
4.0 scale
Average Weighted GPA
4.12
Weighted scale
Middle 50% Range
3.65 - 3.95
Unweighted GPA
Acceptance Rate
82%
Moderately selective
GPA Requirements by School
| School/Program | Average GPA | Minimum Competitive |
|---|---|---|
| Kelley School of Business | 4.28 | 3.9 |
| College of Arts & Sciences | 4.05 | 3.5 |
| Luddy School of Informatics | 4.18 | 3.7 |
| School of Education | 3.95 | 3.3 |
| School of Public Health | 4.08 | 3.6 |
| Media School | 4.15 | 3.8 |
Academic Preparation Requirements
Core Course Requirements:
- English: 4 years (emphasis on composition and literature)
- Mathematics: 4 years (through Algebra II minimum, Calculus recommended)
- Science: 3 years (biology, chemistry, physics recommended)
- Social Studies: 3 years (including US history, world civilizations)
- Foreign Language: 2-3 years (same language preferred)
- Fine Arts: 2 years (music, art, theater, etc.)
- Additional Academic: 2-3 years (computer science, additional core courses)
Indiana University Admission Statistics
Fall 2024 Admission Data
- Applications Received: 46,287
- Students Admitted: 37,955
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Enrolled Students: 8,885
- Yield Rate: 23.4%
Academic Profile
- Average SAT: 1360
- Average ACT: 30
- Top 10% of Class: 44%
- Top 25% of Class: 77%
- Indiana Residents: 68%
In-State vs Out-of-State Admission
IU's Academic Excellence & Rankings
National Rankings:
- Public Universities: #19
- Business Programs: #9
- Kelley School of Business: #8
- Media School: #5
- Music School: #1
- Best Value Public: #12
Notable Programs:
- Business Administration: #8
- Journalism: #5
- Music Performance: #1
- Public Affairs: #15
- Computer Science: #35
- Psychology: #25
IU's Research & Innovation
R1 Research University: Indiana University is classified as "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" with over $750 million in annual research expenditures.
Research Centers:
- IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Pervasive Technology Institute
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics
- Indiana Institute for Drug Discovery
- Cyberinfrastructure for Network Science
Innovation Initiatives:
- IU Ventures startup accelerator
- Johnson Center for Innovation
- Big Red 200 student startup fund
- Innovation and Commercialization Office
- Collaborative Research Institute
GPA Analysis for Indiana University
What GPA Do You Need?
General Admission: Unweighted GPA of 3.5+ competitive for consideration
Strong Consideration: Unweighted GPA of 3.7+ for solid admission chances
Kelley Business: Weighted GPA of 4.0+ with strong test scores
Honors Programs: Weighted GPA of 4.2+ with exceptional achievements
GPA Distribution of Admitted Students
Hoosier Traditions & Campus Life
IU Traditions:
- Sample Gates and IU Arches
- Little 500 bicycle race
- Hoosier Hysteria basketball tradition
- Jordan River and campus beauty
- Cream and Crimson school spirit
- Assembly Hall basketball legacy
Notable Alumni:
- Mark Cuban (Entrepreneur, Shark Tank)
- John Mellencamp (Musician)
- Hoagy Carmichael (Composer)
- Sage Steele (ESPN Sportscaster)
- Kevin Wilson (Football Coach)
- Suzanne Collins (Author, Hunger Games)
Application Strategies for Indiana University
Special Programs and Scholarships
Premier Programs at Indiana University:
- Wells Scholars Program: Full-ride merit scholarship
- Kelley Scholars Program: Business school honors program
- Hutton Honors College: Enhanced academic experience
- Groups Scholars Program: Diversity and inclusion focus
- Media Scholars Program: Journalism and media excellence
- Informatics Fellows: Technology and innovation track
Personal Statement Strategy
Indiana University Values:
Indiana University seeks students who embody:
- Excellence: Academic achievement and intellectual curiosity
- Integrity: Honest, ethical behavior in all endeavors
- Diversity: Appreciation for different backgrounds and perspectives
- Creativity: Innovative thinking and artistic expression
- Service: Commitment to community and positive impact
- Global Perspective: Understanding of interconnected world
If Your GPA is Below 3.6
- Strong Test Scores: SAT 1400+ or ACT 31+ to demonstrate capability
- Upward Grade Trend: Show significant improvement in recent years
- Compelling Essays: Personal narratives that explain context
- Leadership Activities: Show initiative and impact in communities
- Unique Talents: Special skills, achievements, or experiences
- Early Action: Apply early for better consideration
IU-Specific Application Tips
- Hoosier Connection: Show understanding of IU culture and traditions
- "Why IU" Focus: Research specific programs and opportunities
- Midwest Values: Demonstrate integrity, work ethic, and community spirit
- School Spirit: Show appreciation for IU athletics and traditions
- Research Interest: Connect with faculty or centers in your field
- Campus Involvement: Show readiness to contribute to campus community
Big Ten Universities Comparison
| University | Average GPA | Acceptance Rate | Average SAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University | 4.32 | 7% | 1560 |
| University of Michigan | 4.25 | 18% | 1480 |
| University of Wisconsin | 3.88 | 49% | 1420 |
| Indiana University | 3.81 | 82% | 1360 |
| Ohio State University | 3.85 | 57% | 1370 |
GPA Calculator Tools
Use these calculators to calculate your GPA and assess your Indiana University chances:
Conclusion
Indiana University Bloomington offers an exceptional combination of academic excellence, beautiful campus life, and strong school traditions that create a distinctive Hoosier experience. With an 82% acceptance rate and accessible admission standards, IU provides opportunities for a wide range of students while maintaining high-quality programs, particularly in business, music, and media studies.
Success in IU admission requires solid academic preparation with a GPA of 3.7+ and well-rounded application showcasing your potential contributions to the Hoosier community. Focus on demonstrating your fit with IU's values of excellence, integrity, and service, and embrace the opportunity to join a vibrant campus community with rich traditions and strong alumni networks across diverse fields.