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Arizona State University vs Indiana University Bloomington

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

88.0% ASU acceptance
80.0% IU acceptance
$25,928 ASU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

ASU
Tempe, Arizona
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
83,446
Setting
Urban
IU
Bloomington, Indiana
Public
Founded
1820
Enrollment
47,527
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition ASU saves $7,984
ASU
$31,200
IU
$39,184
Acceptance Rate IU more selective
ASU
88.0%
IU
80.0%
Graduation Rate IU higher
ASU
69%
IU
80%
Avg SAT Score IU higher
ASU
1230
IU
1240
Starting Salary ASU higher
ASU
$60,100
IU
$58,900

Detailed Comparison

Metric ASU IU Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,200$39,184ASU
Tuition (In-State)$12,479$11,614IU
Room & Board$14,000$12,498IU
Acceptance Rate88.0%80.0%IU
Graduation Rate69%80%IU
Average SAT12301240IU
Student-Faculty Ratio18:115:1IU
Enrollment83,44647,527-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$13,900IU
Starting Salary$60,100$58,900ASU
Endowment$1.5B$3.6BIU
Campus Size1,695 acres1,940 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

ASU
$180,800
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
IU
$206,728
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: ASU = $131,200 | IU = $151,128. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

ASU Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringPsychologyBiologySupply Chain

IU Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPublic HealthInformaticsMedia

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ASUUrban
IUSuburban
Campus Size
ASU1,695 ac
IU1,940 ac
Athletics
ASUNCAA D1
IUNCAA D1
Region
ASUWest
IUMidwest
Founded
ASU1885
IU1820
Enrollment
ASU83,446
IU47,527

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ASU or IU harder to get into?+
IU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 80.0% compared to 88.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, ASU or IU?+
At sticker price, ASU costs less over 4 years ($180,800 vs $206,728). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. ASU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while IU offers $13,900/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for ASU and IU?+
The average SAT score at ASU is 1230 and at IU it is 1240. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do ASU or IU graduates earn more?+
Graduates of ASU have a higher average starting salary ($60,100 vs $58,900). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
ASU has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while IU has 15:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do ASU and IU compare for campus life?+
ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona (urban setting) with a 1,695-acre campus. IU is in Bloomington, Indiana (suburban setting) with 1,940 acres. ASU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and IU in NCAA D1.