University of Louisville vs IU Bloomington: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Louisville and Indiana University-Bloomington, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Louisville vs IU Bloomington at a glance
University of Louisville admits 79.4% of applicants and IU Bloomington 78.2% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $14,960 at University of Louisville and $16,003 at IU Bloomington. Six-year graduation rates are 60.1% and 80%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Louisville admits 79.4% of applicants and IU Bloomington 78.2%, so IU Bloomington is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $14,960 a year at University of Louisville and $16,003 at IU Bloomington; University of Louisville costs $1,043 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $12,104 at University of Louisville and $6,683 at IU Bloomington.
- 60.1% of students graduate within six years at University of Louisville, against 80% at IU Bloomington.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $60,032 for University of Louisville and $70,105 for IU Bloomington; IU Bloomington is $10,073 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at University of Louisville and $19,000 at IU Bloomington.
- University of Louisville enrolls 14,727 students (large city) and IU Bloomington 37,806 (small city).
Side by side
University of Louisville and IU Bloomington in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | University of Louisville | IU Bloomington |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 79.4% | 78.2% |
| Applicants | 15,455 | 46,498 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1040–1270 | 1170–1400 |
| ACT middle 50% | 19–27 | 27–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $14,960 | $16,003 |
| Tuition, in state | $13,390 | $12,144 |
| Tuition, out of state | $29,736 | $42,295 |
| Cost of attendance | $30,975 | $30,517 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $12,104 | $6,683 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $11,100 | $6,890 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $12,680 | $10,091 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $16,542 | $18,227 |
| Over $110,000 | $23,040 | $27,092 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 60.1% | 80% |
| First-year retention | 81.5% | 91.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $60,032 | $70,105 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $19,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $216 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 14,727 | 37,806 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Small |
| Location | Louisville, KY | Bloomington, IN |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
University of Louisville reports 53 bachelor's programs and IU Bloomington 75; 35 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of Louisville vs IU Bloomington
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Louisville or IU Bloomington?
IU Bloomington is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Louisville admits 79.4% of applicants and IU Bloomington admits 78.2%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Louisville 1040–1270; IU Bloomington 1170–1400.
Which is cheaper, University of Louisville or IU Bloomington?
University of Louisville has the lower average net price after grants: $14,960 a year at University of Louisville against $16,003 at IU Bloomington. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $12,104 and $6,683. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Louisville or IU Bloomington graduates earn more?
IU Bloomington graduates earn more at the median: $60,032 ten years after entry for University of Louisville and $70,105 for IU Bloomington. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $19,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Louisville or IU Bloomington?
IU Bloomington does: 60.1% of University of Louisville students graduate within six years, against 80% at IU Bloomington.
How big are University of Louisville and IU Bloomington?
University of Louisville has 14,727 students in Louisville, KY and IU Bloomington has 37,806 students in Bloomington, IN.