IU South Bend vs. Lake Superior State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana University South Bend in South Bend, IN with Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Indiana University South Bend is larger than Lake Superior State University based on total student enrollment (4,631 students vs. 1,567 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana University South Bend is located in South Bend, IN (Midsize City setting); Lake Superior State University is in Sault Ste Marie, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Indiana University South Bend is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lake Superior State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana University South Bend 15:1; Lake Superior State University 13:1.

IU South Bend vs. Lake Superior State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IU South Bend or Lake Superior State 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 South Bend than Lake Superior State University ($9,003 vs. $12,339).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana University South Bend are 11.1% lower than at Lake Superior State University ($10,184 vs. $11,459).
• Lake Superior State University is 76.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than IU South Bend (about $6,466 more per year; $14,890.00 vs. $8,424.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.2% higher at IU South Bend than at Lake Superior State University (about $7,921 more per year; $22,811.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lake Superior State University than at Indiana University South Bend (91% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lake Superior State University students is 74.8% larger than aid received by Indiana University South Bend students ($14,632 vs. $8,371).

IU South Bend vs. Lake Superior State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IU South Bend or Lake Superior State 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 Lake Superior State University and IU South Bend.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lake Superior State University (1110) is 40 points higher than at IU South Bend (1070).
• Incoming IU South Bend students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Lake Superior State University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University South Bend 950/1190; Lake Superior State University 1000/1225.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University South Bend 21/23; Lake Superior State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IU South Bend - Test optional; Lake Superior State University - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman IU South Bend students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Lake Superior State University (3.2).

IU South Bend vs. Lake Superior State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IU South Bend and Lake Superior State 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).

• Lake Superior State University's six-year graduation rate (35%) is higher than Indiana University South Bend's (22%).
• Graduates from Lake Superior State University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than IU South Bend graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have a $1,280 lower median loan debt than IU South Bend graduates ($23,250 vs. $24,530).
• Among borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IU South Bend graduates ($240 vs. $253).
• More Lake Superior State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IU South Bend students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 47%)

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.