IU vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana University Bloomington in Bloomington, IN with Union University in Jackson, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Indiana University Bloomington is larger than Union University based on total student enrollment (48,424 students vs. 2,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana University Bloomington is located in Bloomington, IN (Small City setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• Indiana University Bloomington is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana University Bloomington 18:1; Union University 9:1.

IU vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IU or Union University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Indiana University Bloomington than Union University ($17,270 vs. $28,452).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union University are 8.6% lower than at Indiana University Bloomington ($12,780 vs. $13,984).
• Union University is 229.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than IU (about $27,881 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $12,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.7% higher at IU than at Union University (about $1,866 more per year; $41,891.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union University than at Indiana University Bloomington (100% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union University students is 187.2% larger than aid received by Indiana University Bloomington students ($30,120 vs. $10,487).

IU vs. Union University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IU or Union University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Union University and IU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Indiana University Bloomington (1290) is 10 points higher than at Union University (1280).
• Incoming IU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Union University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University Bloomington 1170/1400; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University Bloomington 27/33; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IU - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Union University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at IU (3.74).
• IU has a higher acceptance rate (78.2%) than Union University (60.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at IU vs. 30.1% at Union University.

IU vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IU and Union University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Indiana University Bloomington's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than Union University's (61%).
• Graduates from Indiana University Bloomington earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $48,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Indiana University Bloomington graduates have a $2,340 lower median loan debt than Union University graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,840).
• Among borrowers, IU graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union University graduates ($232 vs. $256).
• More IU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union University students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 66%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.