Bloomington Leader

Indiana University Bloomington has reported a surge in interest from prospective college students, with the institution receiving more than 73,400 applications for the 2024-25 academic year. This figure marks a 9% increase from the previous cycle, setting a new record for the university.

Vice Provost for Enrollment Management David Johnson attributed this growth to the university's reputation for providing both quality education and a nurturing community. "The record number of applications to IU Bloomington is a testament to the university’s ability to provide students with both a top-tier education and a supportive community where they can thrive," he said.

This increase in applications comes from across the globe, with students applying from all 92 Indiana counties, every U.S. state, and six continents. The recent growth continues a rising trend that has been observed over several years, beginning with 44,178 applications in 2019-20 and culminating in the current figure.

Provost and Executive Vice President Rahul Shrivastav expressed enthusiasm about the continued interest in IU. "It is an exciting time for Indiana University as we continue to see a strong surge in applications," he said, noting the appeal of the university's diverse programs and esteemed faculty.

Indiana University's wide range of academic offerings includes new degrees designed to meet current demands, such as health care management and policy, cybersecurity and global policy, and biotechnology. Students like junior Ashley Lara and sophomore Allyson André illustrate the diverse opportunities available at IU.

Lara, originally interested in a career as a physician assistant, shifted her focus to health care management and policy after taking a course with Chris Wayne. "I like my professors; they are so open and easy to talk to," she remarked, highlighting the impact faculty members like Wayne, Chuck Russo, and Julie Carmichael have had on her education.

André, a first-generation college student studying human biology, has utilized her Cox Scholarship to immerse herself in the campus community. Her role as a peer academic coach and intern in a biological anthropology class has been pivotal in her education. "Being offered the Cox Scholarship solidified my confidence in attending IU," André shared.

Both students have found a sense of belonging and community at IU through scholarship opportunities and campus culture. Lara noted, "Not only did IU offer me the chance to explore a different side of health care, but I knew I could also build a community with other students who share a similar background as me."

André also emphasized the importance of community, particularly through her involvement in the Women in STEM Living-Learning Center: "A lot of us took classes together, so we would all form study groups and help each other out."

As IU Bloomington continues to attract applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, the university remains committed to offering educational and community opportunities that foster both academic and personal growth.