IUPUI vs. IWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana University Indianapolis in Indianapolis, IN with Indiana Wesleyan University Marion in Marion, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Indiana University Indianapolis is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (22,534 students vs. 2,204 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana University Indianapolis is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is in Marion, IN (Distant Town setting).
• Indiana University Indianapolis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana University Indianapolis 13:1; Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 12:1.

IUPUI vs. IWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IUPUI or IWU? 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 Indianapolis than IWU ($12,228 vs. $23,402).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion are 18.3% lower than at Indiana University Indianapolis ($10,868 vs. $13,308).
• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is 200.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than IUPUI (about $21,590 more per year; $32,352.00 vs. $10,762.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.8% higher at IUPUI than at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion (about $2,539 more per year; $34,891.00 vs. $32,352.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion than at Indiana University Indianapolis (100% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Indiana Wesleyan University Marion students is 92.8% larger than aid received by Indiana University Indianapolis students ($21,405 vs. $11,104).

IUPUI vs. IWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IUPUI or IWU? 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 IWU and IUPUI.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Indiana University Indianapolis (1140) is 70 points higher than at IWU (1070).
• Incoming IUPUI students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at IWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University Indianapolis 1030/1240; Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 960/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University Indianapolis 21/29; Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IUPUI - Test optional; IWU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: IUPUI May 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at IUPUI (3.52).
• IWU has a higher acceptance rate (88.9%) than IUPUI (76.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.6% at IUPUI vs. 17% at IWU.

IUPUI vs. IWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IUPUI and IWU? 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 Wesleyan University Marion's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Indiana University Indianapolis's (33%).
• Graduates from Indiana Wesleyan University Marion earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than IUPUI graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Indiana University Indianapolis graduates have a $1,014 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($23,090 vs. $24,104).
• Among borrowers, IUPUI graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($238 vs. $249).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IUPUI students, three years after graduation. (55% vs. 53%)

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.