U of O vs IU-Bloomington

Nestled in the heart of Eugene, Oregon, and Bloomington, Indiana, respectively, the University of Oregon (UO) and Indiana University-Bloomington (IU) stand as two distinct academic powerhouses. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence and offer a diverse range of programs, they also possess unique characteristics that set them apart. From their contrasting acceptance rates and popular majors to their distinct student body demographics and graduation outcomes, UO and IU present prospective students with a choice that hinges on their individual aspirations and preferences. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into the nuances that define these two esteemed universities and make an informed decision about your academic journey.

	Indiana University-Bloomington	University of Oregon
Overview
Location	Bloomington, Indiana	Eugene, Oregon
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Quarter
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	90.0%	87.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	85.0%	93.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $70
SAT range	1160 - 1380	N/A
ACT range	26 - 32	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	39.0%
Students submitting ACT score	23.0%
Total number of applicants	46,498	31,558
Total number of admissions given out	39,543	29,483
Admitted students who chose to enroll	9,482	4,589
Yield rate	24.0%	15.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $27,299 Out of state: $54,318	In state: $28,404 Out of state: $54,447
Average net price	$13,386	$18,556
Tuition	In state: $9,913 Out of state: $36,932	In state: $11,974 Out of state: $38,017
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,798 Meal plan: $4,300	$13,509
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	67.0% Average amount $11,608	63.0% Average amount $13,590
Students receiving federal student loan	30.0% Average amount $5,040	32.0% Average amount $5,093
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $19,336	4.0% Average amount $28,121

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	34,253 Men 50.1% Women 49.9%	18,602 Men 44.5% Women 55.5%
Graduate students	11,075 Men 53.1% Women 46.9%	3,655 Men 45.4% Women 54.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	43.6%	54.8%
International students	10.4%	4.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	13,484	5,523
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Indiana Illinois New Jersey California New York	Oregon California Washington Colorado Texas

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Public Administration and Social Service Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Computer and Information Science Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Education Business Visual & Performing Arts Social Sciences Architecture
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	20:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	80.8%	74.4%
Dropout rate	7.9%	8.7%
Transferred out	10.2%	16.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $111,595 Year 2: $114,366 Year 3: $123,644 Optometry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $95,538 Year 2: $108,370 Year 3: $115,751 Human Computer Interaction (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,640 Year 2: $80,355 Year 3: $97,668 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $101,331 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $88,260 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,263 Year 2: $70,596 Year 3: $82,012 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $73,288 Year 2: $67,869 Year 3: $81,338 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $79,011 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $79,545 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,371 Year 2: $65,832 Year 3: $78,226 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $66,745 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $75,109 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $73,446 Year 3: $74,650	Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $89,230 Year 3: $95,616 Physics (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,844 Year 2: $75,832 Year 3: $90,800 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $61,666 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $90,002 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $68,849 Year 2: $86,621 Year 3: $87,239 Chemistry (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $67,269 Year 2: $72,231 Year 3: $82,154 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $49,287 Year 2: $61,681 Year 3: $80,277 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,279 Year 2: $59,425 Year 3: $68,549 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $57,062 Year 2: $56,840 Year 3: $67,900 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $55,838 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $67,123 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,818 Year 2: $55,464 Year 3: $66,741

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Oregon (UO) and Indiana University Bloomington (IU)?

The University of Oregon (UO) and Indiana University Bloomington (IU) are both large public universities, but they differ in several key aspects. UO is located in Eugene, Oregon, known for its strong emphasis on environmental studies, journalism, and a vibrant, outdoorsy culture. IU, situated in Bloomington, Indiana, is renowned for its music school (Jacobs School of Music), business school (Kelley School of Business), and a more traditional Midwestern college town atmosphere. UO tends to be smaller and more selective overall, while IU offers a broader range of programs and a larger student body. Location also plays a significant role; Oregon offers access to the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty, while Indiana provides a more central U.S. location.
Which university is better for specific academic programs, UO or IU?

It depends on your field of study. IU is consistently ranked higher for its Jacobs School of Music, Kelley School of Business, and programs in public affairs and information science. UO excels in journalism and communication, environmental law, and sports marketing. Research each program's specific rankings, faculty, and resources to determine the best fit for your academic goals.
How do the campus environments and student life compare at UO and IU?

UO's campus in Eugene is known for its beautiful, green spaces and a strong sense of community. Student life is heavily influenced by outdoor activities, a progressive political climate, and a focus on sustainability. IU's campus in Bloomington is larger and more traditional, with a vibrant Greek life, a wide array of student organizations, and a strong emphasis on school spirit, particularly surrounding basketball. Both universities offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities, but the overall atmosphere differs significantly.
What are the typical costs of attending UO versus IU?

Tuition and fees vary depending on residency status. Generally, UO's out-of-state tuition is higher than IU's. However, in-state tuition at IU is typically lower than UO's. Be sure to factor in the cost of living, which can be higher in Eugene, Oregon, compared to Bloomington, Indiana. Both universities offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities, so explore those options to determine the most affordable choice for you.
How do the admission requirements and acceptance rates compare between UO and IU?

UO generally has a slightly lower acceptance rate than IU, making it somewhat more selective. Both universities consider factors such as GPA, standardized test scores (though many programs are test-optional), essays, and extracurricular activities. UO places a strong emphasis on demonstrated interest and a holistic review of applicants. IU, with its larger size, may have a slightly broader range of accepted academic profiles. Check each university's website for the most up-to-date admission requirements and average admitted student statistics.
What are the career opportunities and alumni networks like for graduates of UO and IU?

Both UO and IU have strong alumni networks that can provide valuable career connections. UO's location in the Pacific Northwest provides opportunities in technology, outdoor recreation, and journalism. IU's central location and strong business school offer connections to industries across the Midwest and beyond, particularly in finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Consider your desired career path and research which university's alumni network and career services align best with your goals.
How does the surrounding city impact the college experience at UO and IU?

Eugene, Oregon, is a smaller city known for its progressive politics, outdoor recreation opportunities (hiking, biking, running), and a strong arts and culture scene. It offers a more laid-back and environmentally conscious atmosphere. Bloomington, Indiana, is a classic college town with a lively downtown area, a diverse culinary scene, and a strong sense of community centered around the university. The city provides a more traditional Midwestern college experience.
Which university is better for international students, UO or IU?

Both UO and IU have a significant international student population and offer resources to support international students, including visa assistance, language support, and cultural programs. IU's larger size and more established international programs may provide a wider range of resources and a more diverse international community. However, UO's smaller size can offer a more personalized and supportive environment. Research the specific international student services and programs offered by each university to determine the best fit for your needs.
What are the strengths of the research opportunities at UO and IU?

Both universities are R1 research institutions, meaning they have very high research activity. UO has notable research strengths in areas like neuroscience, environmental science, and sports product design. IU boasts strong research programs in areas such as musicology, information science, and medicine (through its partnership with Indiana University Health). Explore the research labs, centers, and faculty at each university to find opportunities that align with your research interests.

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