Indiana University-Northwest
Indiana University-Northwest has an acceptance rate of 73.4%, annual tuition of $8,424, average net price of $5,130, and a national rank of #733 (Grade B), with a 39.3% graduation rate, about 2,661 undergraduates, and median earnings of $59,535 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Indiana University-Northwest is a public university in Gary, IN. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, and 71.4% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 235.3%, roughly 185.4 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
Who is Indiana University-Northwest Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Indiana University-Northwest graduates 39.3% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 71.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Indiana University-Northwest's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $8,424 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,166 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $13,989 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 42.5% of Indiana University-Northwest students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $1,419 annually, while high-income families pay $13,042. Use Indiana University-Northwest's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $10,047/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $13,042/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $59,535
- 10-Year Median Earnings $43,361
- Average Years to Graduate 4.9 years
- Average Student Debt $21,710
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 35.9%
- Employment Rate 86.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Indiana University-Northwest graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Indiana University-Northwest vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Indiana University-Northwest's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Indiana University-Northwest's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: With a 235.3% return on investment, Indiana University-Northwest delivers exceptional value. Graduates earn $59,535 median—-1% above the national average—making this a strong investment for career-focused students.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 460-600
- SAT Math 450-580
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 18-26
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,661
- Full-Time Students 76.1%
- Part-Time Students 23.9%
- Retention Rate 71.4%
- Graduation Rate 39.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into Indiana University-Northwest
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Indiana University-Northwest requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 73.4%, Indiana University-Northwest is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 73.4% acceptance rate, Indiana University-Northwest is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 910 and 1180 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Indiana University-Northwest undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, and Business/Commerce, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 13.1%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 10.1%
- Business/Commerce, General 10.1%
- Psychology, General 7.6%
- Social Work 5.5%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 5.0%
See more majors
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.8%
- Public Health 4.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $76,826
- 2. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $66,583
- 3. Computer Science $59,095
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $58,001
- 5. Business/Commerce, General $56,498
- 6. Public Health $54,133
- 7. Health and Medical Administrative Services $53,970
- 8. Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $53,880
- 9. Criminal Justice and Corrections $49,702
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $47,922
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $106,617
- 2. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $76,228
- 3. Social Work (Master's Degree) $60,585
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $76,826—60% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($47,922). Graduate: Business/Commerce, General programs lead with $106,617 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Indiana University-Northwest. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degree, 55 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 41 graduates)
- Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree, 41 graduates)
- Social Work (Bachelor's Degree, 30 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degree, 29 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (27 programs)â–¼
- Business/Commerce, General
- Psychology, General
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Public Health
- Biology, General
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer Science
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Anthropology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Mathematics
- Public Administration
- Political Science and Government
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Philosophy
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
Online Master's Degrees (5 programs)â–¼
- Business/Commerce, General
- Public Administration
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (7 programs)â–¼
- Accounting and Related Services
- Business/Commerce, General
- Public Administration
- Computer Science
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (3 programs)â–¼
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,661
- Full-Time Students 76.1%
- Part-Time Students 23.9%
- Male Students 26.2%
- Female Students 73.8%
- Caucasian 42.2%
- Asian 2.9%
- Hispanic 29.6%
- Black 19.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 42.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Indiana University-Northwest's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Indiana University-Northwest's undergraduate population. Women make up 73.8% of the student body, while men represent 26.2%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Indiana University-Northwest support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Indiana University-Northwest, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Indiana University-Northwest has a diverse student body, with 42.2% identifying as White. Women make up 73.8% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Indiana University-Northwest support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Indiana University-Northwest, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Indiana University-Northwest achieves an outstanding 235.3% return on investment, ranking among the top value institutions nationwide. While ranked #733 overall, the school's financial value proposition significantly outperforms its selectivity ranking.
Students graduate to $59,535 median earnings while paying just $5,130 annually—a combination that produces superior ROI. The 39.3% graduation rate and 71.4% retention demonstrate solid student outcomes and satisfaction.
High-Value Institution: Why Indiana University-Northwest Delivers Strong Returns
EDsmart identifies Indiana University-Northwest as a high-value institution where modest costs combine with strong earning potential.
The Value Formula: Indiana University-Northwest's 235.3% ROI stems from balancing $59,535 median post-graduation earnings against $5,130 annual costs. This ratio outperforms most selective institutions where higher earnings come with prohibitive price tags.
Ideal Candidates: Budget-conscious students seeking maximum financial return. First-generation college students and middle-class families who need affordable paths to solid careers. Students in practical fields (business, healthcare, technology) where degree cost directly impacts lifetime wealth accumulation.
Understanding the Trade-offs: Schools with 235.3% ROI typically offer less brand prestige than elite universities. Career services, research opportunities, and facilities may be less extensive. For fields where institutional reputation matters significantly (law, medicine, academia), higher-ranked alternatives might justify additional investment.
EDsmart Verdict: With a B grade and #733 ranking, Indiana University-Northwest represents smart value for students prioritizing financial outcomes. The school proves that high ROI doesn't require elite selectivity—careful program selection and cost management deliver results.
Key Takeaways
- 39.3% graduation rate sits 23.2 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 71.4% first-year retention is 5.4 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 235.3% return on investment is 185.4 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $59,535 run about 1% lower than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $5,130 is roughly $14,949 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 71.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 86.3% employment rate within three years sits 18.1 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Indiana University-Northwest, a public university in Gary, IN, secures a B grade in our latest review. It stands at #733 among 1962 schools Completion earns D+, Support B+, Career Outcomes C+, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 71.4% retention and 39.3% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures 235.3% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $5,130 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $13,989.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,859 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,710 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 42.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $59,535 at the median. That sits about 1% below the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 86.3% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about 235.3% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
73.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Indiana University-Northwest admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Indiana University-Northwest's acceptance rate?
Indiana University-Northwest's acceptance rate is 73.4%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Indiana University-Northwest cost?
At Indiana University-Northwest, listed tuition and fees are $8,424 per year, and the average net price after aid is $5,130. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Indiana University-Northwest's ranking?
Indiana University-Northwest ranks #733 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Indiana University-Northwest's graduation rate?
At Indiana University-Northwest, the graduation rate is 39.3%, and first-year retention is 71.4%.
What are Indiana University-Northwest's job outcomes?
Graduates of Indiana University-Northwest report median earnings of $59,535 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Indiana University-Northwest's student population?
Indiana University-Northwest enrolls about 2,661 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Gary, IN 46408-1197
- Website northwest.iu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$17.3M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate22.6%