Head-to-head · 2026
Indiana University-Bloomington vs Indiana University-South Bend
Compare average net price ($16,264 at Indiana University-Bloomington; $8,653 at Indiana University-South Bend), ROI score (9.80 vs 12.99), ten-year median earnings ($63,742 vs $44,947), and admissions selectivity (78.2% acceptance at Indiana University-Bloomington; 83.8% at Indiana University-South Bend) using federal College Scorecard data. Indiana University-Bloomington has a 5-2 metric-level edge. Indiana University-South Bend leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Indiana University-Bloomington | Indiana University-South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.80 | 12.99 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,264 | $8,653 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $63,742 ✓ | $44,947 |
| Acceptance rate | 78.2% ✓ | 83.8% |
| Graduation rate | 80.2% ✓ | 40.1% |
| Median debt | $19,509 ✓ | $21,355 |
| Enrollment | 37,806 | 3,933 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1313 ✓ | 1081 |
| Metric advantages | 5 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Indiana University-Bloomington costs $7,611 more per year than Indiana University-South Bend ($16,264 vs $8,653). Indiana University-Bloomington graduates report $18,795 higher median earnings after ten years ($63,742 vs $44,947). On EduGradify's model that puts Indiana University-South Bend ahead on projected ROI (12.99 vs 9.80, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Indiana University-South Bend) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Indiana University-Bloomington is accessible at 78.2% acceptance versus 83.8% (accessible) at Indiana University-South Bend.
Frequently asked
Indiana University-Bloomington vs Indiana University-South Bend, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Indiana University-Bloomington or Indiana University-South Bend the better value?
Indiana University-South Bend has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.99 vs 9.80), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Indiana University-South Bend is cheaper — average net price $8,653 per year vs $16,264 at Indiana University-Bloomington. The annual difference of $7,611 adds up to about $30,444 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Indiana University-Bloomington reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $63,742 vs $44,947 at Indiana University-South Bend. The annual gap in the federal data is $18,795.
Which school is harder to get into?
Indiana University-Bloomington is more selective at 78.2% acceptance vs 83.8% at Indiana University-South Bend.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Indiana University-Bloomington reports a B value grade; Indiana University-South Bend reports A.