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Public, 4-year

Indiana University-Northwest

Gary, Indiana · northwest.iu.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

73.4%

2025

Peer median 85.8%

Out-of-state tuition

$22,811

In-state $8,424

Peer median $18,658

Undergraduates

2,778

Student-faculty ratio 15:1

Peer median 16 : 1

Graduation rate

17.9%

4-year; 6-year rate 38.0%

Peer median 29.5%

“Peers” are all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Indiana University Northwest (IU Northwest) is a vibrant campus situated in Gary, Indiana, a key part of the Chicago metropolitan area. Established in 1963, IU Northwest is known for its commitment to providing a high-quality education that is both accessible and affordable. The university offers a diverse range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as business, health sciences, education, and liberal arts. With a strong focus on student success, IU Northwest emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to engage in internships and community service that prepare them for the workforce.

The campus culture at IU Northwest is characterized by inclusivity and community engagement. The university prides itself on its diverse student body, which fosters a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. Students have access to various extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and cultural events that enhance their university experience. The campus also features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational centers that support both academic and personal growth. Additionally, IU Northwest has a dedicated faculty who are not only committed to teaching but also actively engage in research and community service, providing students with mentorship and guidance. This supportive environment, combined with the university's strategic location, positions IU Northwest as an excellent choice for students seeking a well-rounded education in a dynamic setting.

Analysis of Indiana University-Northwest Data Trends

The data from Indiana University-Northwest reveals significant trends in tuition, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates over the years.

Firstly, tuition fees have consistently increased for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. For instance, in 2014, the in-state tuition was $6,739, and by 2024, it has risen to $8,179, representing a notable increase of approximately 21.4%. Out-of-state tuition has seen an even steeper rise, going from $17,778 to $22,043, which amounts to an increase of around 23.7%. This continuous hike in tuition could pose a barrier for potential students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds, and may contribute to declining enrollment numbers.

Regarding student enrollment, there has been a significant decrease in both undergraduate and graduate student populations. From 2014, when there were 5,904 undergraduates, the number has fallen to 2,860 in 2023, a staggering drop of about 51.5%. This decline raises concerns about the university's ability to sustain its programs and maintain a vibrant campus community, potentially impacting its reputation and funding.

The graduation rates show a more positive trend, especially for on-time graduations, which increased from 5.5% in 2013 to approximately 15.1% in 2023. This improvement indicates that the university is making strides in helping students complete their degrees in a timely manner, which is essential for both student success and institutional reputation.

Retention rates have experienced fluctuations but showed a slight recovery, with the rate rising from 65% in 2017 to around 68% in 2023. This suggests that while enrollment is declining, the university is succeeding in keeping a larger proportion of its students from year to year, reflecting positively on the support systems in place.

In summary, while Indiana University-Northwest is facing challenges with rising tuition and declining enrollment, it is also making progress in graduation and retention rates. This duality highlights the need for the institution to balance financial sustainability with student support and outreach strategies to attract and retain students.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
Chicago, about 25 mi
Nearest international airport
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), about 25 mi
Gary, Indiana
Also known as
IUN, IU Northwest
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Arrick Jackson (Chancellor)
Phone
8889687486
City
Gary, Indiana
Address
3400 Broadway, Gary, IN 46408-1197

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 85.8% · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
70.0%
Women
74.8%

In 2020: men 72.9%, women 75.4%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admissions Trends at Indiana University-Northwest

The admission data for Indiana University-Northwest highlights several significant trends over the years from 2009 to 2023. The acceptance rates for both male and female applicants have shown fluctuations, with the male acceptance rate dropping from approximately 81% in 2009 to about 79% in 2023. Meanwhile, the female acceptance rate has experienced a more pronounced decline, starting at around 80% in 2009 and landing at approximately 81% in 2023.
The total enrollment numbers have generally decreased over the years, peaking at 954 in 2010 and declining to just 420 by 2023. This drop in enrollment could reflect broader demographic shifts and changes in higher education preferences, where students increasingly opt for online education or different institutions that align more closely with their academic and career goals.
Furthermore, the number of denied applications has varied significantly, with a notable increase in denials observed from 2009 to 2020, reaching a high of 631 denials in 2020. This trend may indicate a more competitive admissions process, possibly due to an increase in applications or a strategic move by the university to maintain or enhance its academic standards amidst various challenges in the educational landscape.
Overall, the data suggests that Indiana University-Northwest faces ongoing challenges in balancing enrollment numbers while managing acceptance rates, which may require strategic adjustments in their recruitment and admissions strategies moving forward.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition

Nursing School#288▼128 Business School#439▲17
Social Sciences and Humanities1 programs—

Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition

Public Affairs#202▲15

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 32% submitted SAT, 2% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted

SAT total910–1180Peer median 1080
ACT composite18–26
SAT Reading
460–600
600700800
SAT Math
450–580
600700800
ACT composite
18–26
253036

Data insights

Trends in Admission Test Scores at Indiana University-Northwest

The admission data for Indiana University-Northwest over the years reveals several noteworthy trends, particularly in standardized test scores and the number of applicants submitting those scores. From 2007 to 2023, the participation rate for the SAT has shown a fluctuation, with significant drops observed in more recent years. For example, in 2022 and 2023, only 18% and 24% of applicants submitted SAT scores, respectively, compared to over 70% in previous years. This decline aligns with a broader national trend where many universities have adopted test-optional policies, reducing the emphasis on standardized testing for admissions.

In terms of score performance, the range of SAT reading and math scores has also varied. Notably, the 25th percentile scores for SAT reading and math have remained relatively stable, while the 75th percentile scores indicate some improvements in recent years. For instance, in 2023, the higher end for SAT reading reached 600, suggesting that the quality of applicants may be increasing even as fewer students submit their scores.

The ACT scores show a similar pattern, with consistent participation rates in the earlier years, but a noticeable decline recently. Despite the reduced number of submissions, the scores themselves suggest that the university continues to attract a capable student body.

Overall, these trends highlight the evolving landscape of higher education admissions, with Indiana University-Northwest adapting to changes in testing culture while still maintaining academic standards among its admitted students. This evolution reflects the ongoing discussions surrounding the role of standardized testing in higher education, particularly in the context of equity and access.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 7 in 10

2,928 applicants in 2025, 73.4% admitted

2,149 admitted 779 not admitted Yield 23.5%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate260 international (0.0%)
Bachelor's4751 international (0.2%)
Master's612 international (3.3%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other
61
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
58
Business/Commerce, General
48
Psychology, General
45
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer
25
Health Services Administration
20
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
19
Business Administration and Management, General
18
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
15
Fine/Studio Arts, General
15

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Business/Commerce, General · Master's19 (0% international)
  • Public Administration · Master's13 (0% international)
  • Family Practice Nurse/Nursing · Master's6 (0% international)
  • Elementary Education and Teaching · Master's5 (0% international)
  • History, General · Master's3 (0% international)
  • Secondary Education and Teaching · Master's3 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Indiana University-Northwest

The graduation data from Indiana University-Northwest reveals insightful trends, particularly in the fields of health and education. Registered Nursing stands out with the highest number of graduates, totaling 69 bachelor degrees awarded. This reflects the growing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in light of the ongoing global health challenges. The nursing profession not only plays a crucial role in patient care but also addresses the pressing need for healthcare services in various communities.

In addition, the data shows a significant number of graduates in education-related fields, with several programs such as Secondary Education and Elementary Education producing notable figures. This is particularly relevant given the current emphasis on improving education quality and addressing teacher shortages across the nation. The focus on producing qualified educators is essential for fostering a robust educational system that can adapt to the needs of diverse student populations.

Interestingly, while several disciplines showed a healthy number of bachelor's degrees awarded, there were fewer master's and doctoral degrees conferred. This may indicate a potential gap in advanced educational attainment in certain fields, particularly in the arts and sciences, where only a few master's degrees were awarded. This trend suggests that while there is a solid foundation of undergraduate education, further encouragement for graduate studies may be needed to enhance expertise and research capacity in these areas.

Overall, the data underscores the importance of aligning educational programs with workforce needs, particularly in healthcare and education, to ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving job market.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 180 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist.$56,929
Health Information/Medical Records Administration/Administrator.-
Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician.-
Health and Medical Administrative Services, Other.-
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist.$58,798-$68,115
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer.$58,798-$68,115
Health Services Administration.$38,493
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$82,500-$120,257
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing.$82,500-$120,257
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Other.$82,500-$120,257
Businesshas 94 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Business/Commerce, General.$53,859-$78,558
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Accounting.-
Labor Studies.-
Liberal arts has 64 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$34,565
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other.$34,565
Psychology has 45 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Psychology, General.$37,155
Public administrationhas 32 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Public Administration.$75,509
Social Work.$41,674-$53,270
Educationhas 30 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Elementary Education and Teaching.$50,727
Secondary Education and Teaching.$50,727
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.-
Mathematics Teacher Education.-
Social Studies Teacher Education.-
Computer and information sciencehas 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-
Informatics.-
Biologyhas 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Biochemistry.-
Neuroscience.-
Visual and Performing artshas 16 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.-
Fine/Studio Arts, General.$30,190
Homeland security has 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.$38,735
Communication has 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.-
Physical scienceshas 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Chemistry, General.-
Geology/Earth Science, General.-
History has 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
History, General.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General.-
Computational Science.-
English has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
English Language and Literature, General.-
Social sciencehas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Political Science and Government, General.-
Sociology, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Mathematics, General.-
Foreign languages has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
French Language and Literature.-
Spanish Language and Literature.-
Cultural has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
African-American/Black Studies.-

Students

3,041 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 26:74 · Freshman retention 71.4%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,778)

White
1,176 · 42.3%
Hispanic
807 · 29.0%
Black
560 · 20.2%
Two or more races
125 · 4.5%
Asian
80 · 2.9%
Unknown
16 · 0.6%
International
10 · 0.4%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
1.5%
18–19
26.6%
20–21
25.7%
22–24
20.3%
25 and over
26.0%

Graduate students

Under 22
0.4%
22–24
20.2%
25–29
22.4%
30–34
14.8%
35 and over
42.2%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Indiana University-Northwest in 2023

The student composition data from Indiana University-Northwest for the year 2023 reveals significant insights into the demographics of the student body. Among the undergraduate newcomers, there are 420 students, with a striking gender distribution where 27.1% are male and 72.9% are female. This notable disparity in gender representation is consistent across other groups, such as returning undergraduates and transfer students, where the male percentages remain relatively low at 25.1% and 23.1% respectively.

Graduate students also reflect a similar trend, with 23.4% being male, indicating a persistent gender imbalance within the institution. It is essential to note that the overall gender ratios suggest a more significant enrollment of female students across all categories, which could have implications for campus culture and policies aimed at inclusivity.

Delving deeper into racial and ethnic diversity, the data specifies the breakdown of students within the undergraduate newcomers group. Among them, 175 identify as White, 83 as Asian, 141 as Hispanic, and a smaller representation from other ethnic backgrounds. This diversity is crucial as it contributes to a broader understanding of the student experience and can enhance discussions around multiculturalism on campus.

The data reflects national trends in higher education where female students increasingly outnumber their male counterparts. As universities strive for diversity and representation, it becomes critical to foster an environment that supports all students, irrespective of gender or ethnicity. This analysis serves as a foundation for further exploration into the dynamics of student life at Indiana University-Northwest.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Indiana University-Northwest

The age composition of students at Indiana University-Northwest reveals a diverse range of age groups, with notable trends among undergraduate and graduate populations. The largest demographic is students aged 18-21, comprising a significant portion of the undergraduate population. Specifically, males under 18 and in the 18-19 age bracket account for 11 and 189 students, respectively, while females in the same categories show a strong presence with 45 and 503 students.

Interestingly, the number of undergraduate females consistently surpasses that of males across all age categories, particularly in the 20-21 age group, where the female count reaches 607 compared to 187 males. This trend suggests a growing enrollment of female students in undergraduate programs, which aligns with national trends indicating an increase in female participation in higher education.

As we observe age groups beyond the typical undergraduate years, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment numbers. For instance, the 25-29 age group has 69 male and 226 female students, followed by a drop in the 30-34 age group with 36 male and 116 female students. This decline may reflect the challenges faced by older students, such as balancing work and family responsibilities with academic pursuits.

Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the representation of graduate students is relatively small, particularly among males. The age groups above 40 show a mixture of both genders, but overall, the numbers remain modest, highlighting potential barriers for older adults seeking further education.

In conclusion, the demographics of Indiana University-Northwest illustrate a youthful student body with a strong female presence, while also indicating challenges for older students and graduate enrollments. This information is crucial for the university in strategizing support services tailored to diverse age groups, encouraging lifelong learning, and enhancing overall student success.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.4%

10 in 2025 · 0.2% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.2%2017: 0.2%2018: 0.5%2019: 0.5%2020: 0.6%2021: 0.6%2022: 0.4%2023: 0.3%2024: 0.2%2025: 0.4%
2016Peer median 1.7%2025
Graduate students1.5%

4 in 2025 · 0.6% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.6%2017: 0.9%2018: 0.6%2019: 0.5%2020: 0.2%2021: 0.8%2022: 1.3%2023: 2.1%2024: 2.7%2025: 1.5%
2016Peer median 3.1%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Indiana University-Northwest

The data on international student enrollment at Indiana University-Northwest reveals notable trends over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the proportion of international undergraduate students has fluctuated significantly, peaking at 0.62% in 2021, while the graduate students' percentage reached as high as 2.07% in 2023. This growth in graduate student enrollment may reflect broader trends in higher education, where more students pursue advanced degrees in the United States.

The data indicates a concerning decline in overall student enrollment at Indiana University-Northwest, particularly since 2018. This trend could be influenced by several factors, including changes in immigration policies, increased competition from other universities, and the impact of the pandemic on international travel and education. The drop in total undergraduate enrollment from 4,476 in 2004 to 2,860 in 2023 highlights a significant challenge for the institution.

Furthermore, the fluctuating numbers of international students may suggest that while there is potential for growth, the university needs to develop more robust strategies to attract and retain these students. A diverse student body enriches the academic environment and can enhance the university's global reputation.

In conclusion, while there have been some positive trends in the enrollment of international graduate students, the overall decline in student numbers and the inconsistent representation of international undergraduates call for urgent attention and strategic planning by Indiana University-Northwest to foster a more inclusive and vibrant academic community.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$33,783

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$22,811
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$8,424
Room and board
$10,972
Graduate tuition
$20,256
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $31,000 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 24% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 53%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$56.8M

Government grants and contracts
$32.7M57.5%
Tuition and fees
$18.0M31.8%
Investment return
$3.1M5.5%
Gifts and private grants
$1.1M1.9%
Sales and services of educational activities
$612K1.1%
Auxiliary enterprises
$269K0.5%
Other
$1.0M1.8%

Expenses$55.6M

Instruction
$26.3M47.4%
Auxiliary enterprises
$7.8M14.0%
Academic support
$6.1M10.9%
Student services
$4.8M8.7%
Scholarships
$3.4M6.0%
Institutional support
$3.1M5.5%
Public service
$1.9M3.5%
Research
$1.7M3.0%
Other
$557K1.0%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$67,962peers $80,690
Professor
$87,274peers $98,841
Associate professor
$69,814peers $84,060
Assistant professor
$63,073peers $74,446
Lecturer
$50,205peers $60,351

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference

Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference: basketball, cross country

2025
NAIA Division II MENWOMEN
Soccer2427
Basketball1714
Volleyball-16
Cross Country11
2024
NAIA Division IIMENWOMEN
Soccer2423
Basketball1713
Volleyball-14
Cross Country22
2023
NAIA Division IIMENWOMEN
Soccer1622
Basketball1712
Volleyball-16
Cross Country11

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near Indiana University-Northwest:

  1. University of Chicago: Ranked 12th in the 2024 US News rankings, the University of Chicago is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty. It is located in Chicago, Illinois, and is recognized for its contributions to research and education.

  2. Northwestern University: With a rank of 9, Northwestern University is a prestigious institution located in Evanston, Illinois. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary education.

  3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: This university ranks 35th in the nation and is recognized for its innovative research and diverse academic offerings. Located in Urbana and Champaign, Illinois, it boasts a vibrant campus life and a strong commitment to public service.

  4. Purdue University-Main Campus: Ranked 43rd, Purdue University is situated in West Lafayette, Indiana. It is well-known for its engineering and technology programs and has a strong reputation for producing graduates who excel in their fields.

  5. DePaul University: With a ranking of 151, DePaul University is located in Chicago, Illinois. It offers a variety of degree programs and is known for its commitment to inclusivity and student success.

These institutions represent a diverse array of academic opportunities and are recognized for their contributions to higher education.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.7 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Stalking
5
Aggravated assault
3
Drug arrests
2
Robbery
1
Motor vehicle theft
1
Weapons arrests
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Crime Trends at Indiana University-Northwest

The crime statistics from Indiana University-Northwest reflect a fluctuating landscape of campus safety over the years. Notably, there was a significant spike in criminal incidents in 2017, with a rate of 7.51 per 1,000 students, which is alarming compared to the preceding years. This spike suggests that the campus may have faced particular challenges that year, which could have been influenced by various factors, including increased enrollment, changes in campus policies, or even broader social issues affecting the community.

In the years following 2017, the crime rates gradually decreased, returning to levels similar to those seen in earlier years. For instance, the rates in 2022 and 2023 were recorded at 2.89 and 1.56 per 1,000 students, respectively. This downward trend is encouraging and may indicate that the university has implemented effective measures to enhance safety on campus.

Moreover, the data reveals that gun-related arrests and incidents of domestic violence have been present, albeit in varying numbers. The presence of such serious offenses highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and preventive strategies within the campus community. It is essential for university officials and local law enforcement to collaborate closely to foster a safe environment for students and staff alike.

Overall, while the fluctuations in crime rates can be concerning, the recent decline suggests progress in addressing safety issues. Continuous efforts in education, prevention, and community engagement will be vital for maintaining and improving campus safety in the future. For more information on how crime rates are calculated, you can visit this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Indiana University-Northwest include Pete Visclosky (Former US Representative from Indiana), Linda Lawson (Former Indiana state representative) and Mara Candelaria Reardon (Member of the Indiana House of Representatives).

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.