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Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

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Quick Facts

Lux et Veritas (Latin)("Light and Truth")

Wikipedia
1820
Founded
Public research university
Type
48,424
Total Students
36,833
Undergrad
10,694
Graduate
$4.0B
Endowment
(2025)
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Indiana University-Bloomington

Indiana University-Bloomington: A historic public research powerhouse with a vibrant Hoosier spirit.

Indiana University-Bloomington, the flagship campus of the Indiana University system, stands as a premier public research university in the heart of Indiana. Established in 1820, this institution has grown into a vibrant academic community, boasting over 48,000 students. Known for its picturesque campus and spirited Hoosier culture, IU Bloomington offers a comprehensive educational experience guided by its Latin motto, "Lux et Veritas" – Light and Truth.

From its early days as the State Seminary to its transformation into Indiana College and then Indiana University, the institution has continually evolved. It was notably one of the first public universities to admit women on an equal basis with men in 1867, fostering an inclusive environment that has shaped its trajectory. Under visionary leadership, particularly during the 20th century, IU expanded its physical plant and academic offerings, including the establishment of world-class schools like the Jacobs School of Music and Kelley School of Business.

Academically, IU Bloomington is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" and is a proud member of the Association of American Universities. It houses a diverse array of highly regarded professional schools, including the Kelley School of Business, the Jacobs School of Music, and the Maurer School of Law, alongside programs in Education, Public Health, Optometry, and Social Work. These schools offer rigorous programs that blend theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for impactful careers.

Beyond academics, the student experience at IU is enriched by a thriving campus life and a passionate athletic tradition. The Indiana Hoosiers compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Big Ten Conference, with a storied history that includes numerous national championships across various sports. This blend of rigorous academics, rich history, and dynamic campus life makes Indiana University-Bloomington a compelling choice for prospective students seeking a comprehensive and engaging college journey.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1820, making it one of the oldest public universities in the nation.
  • Classified as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institution.
  • Member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU).
  • Boasts a substantial endowment of $4.0 billion (system-wide) and a student body of 48,424.
  • First public university to admit women on an equal basis with men in 1867.
  • Home to 24 NCAA national championships won by the Indiana Hoosiers, who compete in the Big Ten Conference.
  • Features highly acclaimed professional schools such as the Jacobs School of Music and Kelley School of Business.

Timeline

1820
Established as the "State Seminary" in Corydon.
1829
Name changed to "Indiana College".
1838
Name changed to "Indiana University".
1867
Admitted its first woman student, Sarah Parke Morrison.
1883
Awarded its first PhD and played its first intercollegiate sport (baseball).
1920
School of Music and the School of Commerce and Finance (now Kelley School of Business) were opened.
1945
Kinsey Institute for sexual research established.
1951
School of Optometry founded.
2012
School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation renamed to IU School of Public Health-Bloomington.
🏛️
206 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

9 notable schools within Indiana University-Bloomington

💼

Kelley School of Business

Founded in 1920, it offers undergraduate, graduate, MBA, and PhD programs, and is known for unique real-world brand management experiences through partnerships with companies like Scotts Miracle-Gro and Coca-Cola.

📚

School of Education

Independent since 1923, it offers BS degrees in teacher education leading to licensure, along with MS, education specialist (EdS), and doctoral (EdD, PhD) degrees.

⚖️

Maurer School of Law

One of the oldest schools on campus, founded in 1842 and renamed in 2008, it boasts notable alumni like songwriter Hoagy Carmichael and former congressman Lee H. Hamilton.

🏫

Jacobs School of Music

Founded in the early 20th century, it focuses on voice, opera, orchestral conducting, and jazz studies, with over 1,600 students and a faculty of renowned artists and musicians.

💉

School of Nursing

Established in Indianapolis in 1914, it offers BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD degrees across multiple IU campuses, and has been recognized as a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence.

🏫

School of Optometry

Founded in 1951, it offers a Doctor of Optometry (OD) program and operates community eye care clinics, also housing the Borish Center for Ophthalmic Research.

🏛️

School of Public Health-Bloomington

Founded in 1946 and renamed in 2012, this school offers a broad range of undergraduate and advanced degrees through five departments and is accredited by the Council on Education in Public Health.

🏫

School of Social Work

Established in 1911 as the oldest professional social work education program functioning as part of a university, it merged with the Indiana University Division of Labor Studies in 2007.

🎓

University Graduate School

Works in partnership with the Graduate and Professional Student Organization (GPSG) to support graduate students through outreach, enrollment, retention, and community-building initiatives.

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Rahul Shrivastav
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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