Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, IN · founded 1820 · 45,000 students · public research university · NCAA Division I (Big Ten Conference)

Known for: Renowned for its top-ranked Jacobs School of Music, Kelley School of Business, and beautiful, wooded campus. It is a major public research institution with a strong liberal arts foundation and vibrant college town atmosphere.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #73
QS World: #426
Times Higher Education: #201
ARWU Shanghai: #101
Forbes: #83

Top programmes

Music (Jacobs School)
Business (Kelley School)
Informatics and Computing
Public and Environmental Affairs
Education
Languages (especially East Asian)

Notable alumni

Hoagy Carmichael — Composer of 'Stardust'
Mark Cuban — Entrepreneur, owner of the Dallas Mavericks
Kevin Kline — Academy Award-winning actor
Joshua Bell — Grammy-winning violinist
Jane Pauley — Broadcast journalist
Jimmy Wales — Co-founder of Wikipedia
Isiah Thomas — NBA Hall of Famer
Michael Uslan — Executive producer of the Batman film franchise

Traditions

Little 500 bicycle race
Singing 'Indiana, Our Indiana'
Homecoming parade and bonfire
The 'Sample Gates' entrance
IU's 'The Rock' painting tradition

If Indiana University Bloomington were…

As a food: Deep-fried breadsticks from Kilroy's — A beloved, indulgent, quintessential college staple—perfect for IU’s legendary party scene and comforting Midwest charm.
As an athlete: Larry Bird — A homegrown Hoosier legend who blended raw talent with unassuming Midwestern humility—much like IU’s mix of top-tier arts and Big Ten pride.
As a person alive today: David Letterman — A witty, unconventional Midwesterner who never lost his everyman charm—embodies IU’s blend of creativity, humor, and heartland humility.
As a historical figure: Cole Porter — A sophisticated yet accessible artist who blended high culture with popular appeal—like IU’s world-class music school and vibrant social scene.
As a movie or TV show: Breaking Away — A film about Indiana kids balancing blue-collar roots with big dreams—perfect for IU’s mix of gritty Big Ten spirit and artistic ambition.
As a US president: Benjamin Harrison — A steady, understated Hoosier leader who valued education and moderation—reflecting IU’s grounded yet ambitious academic culture.
As a city: Nashville — A creative, music-obsessed hub with a party reputation and humble heartland charm—just like Bloomington’s vibe.
As an element: Calcium — Symbol: Ca, Atomic number: 20. The base of limestone—strong, foundational, and literally built into IU’s iconic campus architecture.
As a car: 1979 Jeep CJ-7 Golden Eagle — IU Bloomington is this Midwestern party legend—sporty enough for tailgates, arty enough for the Jacobs School orchestra pit, with a removable top for sunny quad days and enough room for both film students and Big Ten bas

Campus life

Offers a quintessential Big Ten college experience with a strong Greek life presence, massive school spirit, and a bustling downtown Bloomington just steps from campus. The arts scene is particularly vibrant due to the music school.