Founded in 1820, Indiana University Bloomington is the flagship campus of IU’s seven campuses and two regional centers statewide. Innovation, creativity, and academic freedom are hallmarks of its world-class contributions in research and the arts.
History
The Indiana legislature established the institution in 1820, one of the first public universities west of the Allegheny Mountains. Indiana University (IU) hosted its first international student in 1842 and organized its first study abroad program in 1879.
Education
Indiana University is a comprehensive public research university with campuses around the state of Indiana. Bloomington is IU’s flagship campus, and it is home to world-class business and music schools. IU also has the world’s first school of philanthropy, the nation’s first school of informatics and largest medical school. Forty graduate programs and four schools at Indiana University are ranked among the top 25 in the country. IU has robust and diverse academic programs in the arts and sciences, education, law, international studies, journalism, nursing, public health, and public affairs.
Research
Momentous IU breakthroughs and inventions—like the structure of DNA and the fluoride in our toothpaste—are part of a legacy of transforming how we live through research. IU researchers study an enormous range of interests, tackling the big questions in one of the most respected and exciting environments for discovery. It’s no wonder IU is ranked among the world’s most innovative universities.
Through research opportunities that are as infinite as the cosmos, you’ll be inspired by new perspectives that draw on IU’s global expertise and our passion for doing good in the world.
Career
Career preparation is built into the fabric of IU. After all, you’re here to get an education that prepares you for whatever comes next, whether that’s a job or graduate school.
You have access to career development services throughout your time as an IU student. And you’re encouraged to pursue internships, volunteer activities, and service learning opportunities to build your resume at every turn.
Indiana University BloomingtonKey Statistics & Highlights
#155Ranking
21,000Academic Staff
90,000Students
7,200Students (int'l)
Indiana University BloomingtonOverview
Indiana University BloomingtonRankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 3.2%United States
Top 2.5%Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Best Global Universities Rankings
155
By U.S. News & World Report
Climbed 8 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
2025
2026
2027
135
163
155
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
QS World University Rankings
360
By TopUniversities
Dropped 54 places compared to 2026
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
2025
2026
2027
355
306
360
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
No 2027 Ranking
By Times Higher Education
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
2025
2026
2027
189
198
-
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Academic Ranking of World Universities
No 2026 Ranking
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities
2024
2025
2026
151
101
-
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
IU offers a wide variety of resources to help students succeed in both academics and student life.
International students are an important part of the IU community, and the Office of International Services works with those students to help them transition and adjust to life.
Technology: UITS is IU’s technical support offices that service the university community. The skilled UITS staff regularly helps students and faculty with technical computer problems, internet connection, and software questions.
Housing services
IU prides itself on offering a variety of offices to assist students. A brief list of resources are listed below.
Student Medical Center
Counselling Services
Campus Security
Housing Assistance
Disability Services
Library services
Several libraries can be found around IU’s campus, the most well known being the Herman B Wells Library where students can be found studying, researching, and utilizing the library’s numerous online resources and databases.
ICT services
For more personalized assistance, contact the UITS Support Center for help via chat, phone, email, or walk-up—24 hours a day, seven days a week. IU also offers support services for technology repair.
The UITS Support Center provides IT support to all IU campuses. So that Support Center staff can efficiently assist you, be ready to provide details about your problem or question.
Medical services
There is a health center located on campus that offers a variety of services such as counseling, immunizations, a medical clinic, and a pharmacy.
For more serious injuries, Bloomington also has a hospital not far from campus.
Campus life
Our many locations and IU Online offer a learning environment for every kind of student. Wherever you study, you’ll earn an Indiana University degree and find a community where you belong.
If you’re a domestic first-time freshman or transfer student, we’ve made it easier, faster, and more affordable to apply to more than one IU campus.
IU Southeast (New Albany)
IU South Bend
IU Northwest (Gary)
IU Kokomo
IU Fort Wayne
IU East (Richmond)
IUPUC (Columbus)
IUPUI (Indianapolis)
IU Bloomington
Sports facilities
All IU students have access to the Student Recreational Sports Center, with swimming pools, workout rooms, an indoor track, basketball courts, and group exercise classes.
Student clubs
There are over 750 student organization at IU Bloomington representing professional interests, hobbies, sports and recreation, academics, religion, service, politics, and more.
Accreditation
Indiana University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission
Indiana University BloomingtonStudent Reviews & Awards
4
Based on 100 reviews
5 Star
21 Reviews
4 Star
70 Reviews
3 Star
9 Reviews
2 Star
0 Reviews
1 Star
0 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
Overall Satisfaction4.0
Student Teacher Interaction4.4
Quality of Student Life4.1
Career Development4.4
5/5
Affordable living in Bloomington
The Bloomington campus is beautiful, and it's pretty affordable in terms of living and housing. It's pretty boring outside of campus, but most people would just hang out with friends at dorms or apartments. I am an in-state student and receive scholarships, so compared to what I'm paying, the quality of education I'm receiving is 100% worth it.
Posted byAnonymous
Studied fromSep 2022 - May 2026
Posted onAug 2026
5/5
Fun College, Strong Social Scene
One of the most fun colleges in the country. A great social scene but also the great academics and amazing facilities. The campus is beautiful - its consistently been called one of the most beautiful college campuses in the US.
Posted byKatherine
Studied fromSep 2024 - Jul 2028
Posted onJul 2025
3/5
Not the right fit after graduation
Okay university. Has good music school and business school but is not a target school of many big firms. Lacks a good engineering school to enrich the majors it offers and attract engineering students. Won't recommend after graduation due to some poor experiences with teaching qualities
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
Overall Satisfaction
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Student Teacher Interaction
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Quality of Student Life
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Career Development
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