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Indiana University-South Bend

South Bend, IN

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

1922
Founded
Public regional master's university
Type
4,326
Total Students
3,753
Undergrad
573
Graduate
$36M
Endowment
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

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

About Indiana University-South Bend

From extension to thriving regional hub, IU South Bend fosters community and academic excellence.

Indiana University-South Bend began its journey in 1922, initially offering classes as an extension of the Bloomington campus. During the challenging times of the Great Depression, its role became even more critical, providing accessible education to those who couldn't afford to travel, quickly growing its enrollment to 500 students. This strong foundation of community service and accessibility continues to define the campus, which officially became "Indiana University South Bend" in 1968 and evolved into a comprehensive Public regional master's university.

Today, IU South Bend is a vital academic center, known for its commitment to student success and regional development. It began authorizing four-year degree programs in 1965, awarding its first degrees in 1967, and conferred its first master's degrees in 1970. This rich history of expansion reflects a continuous drive to meet the educational needs of its growing student body, which once exceeded 5,000 and currently stands at 4,326.

The campus provides a modern and engaging environment for learning and student life. Prospective students will find impressive facilities such as Wiekamp Hall, which opened in 1998, offering essential classroom and lab space, and the $15.7 million Student Activities Center, completed in 2002, enhancing campus engagement. Further investments include student housing connected by a bridge across the St. Joseph River, the expansive Franklin D. Schurz Library, and a significant $22 million renovation of the Education and Arts Building, all designed to support a vibrant and enriching student experience.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Established in 1922, growing from an essential extension campus to a full-fledged regional master's university.
  • ✦Offers a robust curriculum, authorizing four-year degree programs since 1965 and master's degrees since 1970.
  • ✦Serves 4,326 students, fostering a close-knit and supportive academic community.
  • ✦Features state-of-the-art facilities including the $15.7 million Student Activities Center (completed 2002) and Wiekamp Hall (opened 1998).
  • ✦Campus expanded significantly with the acquisition of 26.5 acres and the addition of student housing, seamlessly connected by a campus bridge.
  • ✦Home to the Franklin D. Schurz Library, a key academic resource opened in 1989, supporting student research and learning.

Timeline

1922
Indiana University began offering classes in South Bend as an extension campus.
1961
The first IU South Bend building was constructed on the St. Joseph River.
1965
Four-year degree programs were authorized for the campus.
1967
The campus awarded its first degrees to 31 students.
1968
The campus was officially named "Indiana University South Bend".
1970
The first master's degrees were conferred.
1971
Enrollment exceeded 5,000 students.
1989
The Franklin D. Schurz Library opened its doors.
1998
Wiekamp Hall opened, significantly expanding classroom and lab space.
2002
The $15.7 million Student Activities Center (SAC) was completed.
🏛️
104 Years
of Excellence

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