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Life at IU Northwest

A short drive from Chicago, IU Northwest offers all the benefits of an IU education in a small campus environment, with endless opportunities to get involved, make an impact, and learn in and out of the classroom.

Students walking across IU Northwest campus on a fall day.

Picture yourself at IU Northwest

At IU Northwest, nothing is more than a five-minute walk away—and the people you see are likely to be familiar faces. This compact, 44-acre campus is a safe haven of spacious green lawns and a mix of traditional classroom buildings and ultramodern facilities, tucked away on the south side of Gary, just 30 miles from Chicago. It’s a place where you’ll quickly learn your way around, get to know other students, and be on a first-name basis with your professors.

On campus, student life thrives with a diverse student body, more than 80 student organizations, and seven varsity NAIA sports teams. Off campus, students gain practical experience in real-world workplaces and professional settings that address community needs.

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Supporting your mental health

Life can be stressful, whether it’s relationship issues, food insecurity, or school/life balance. However you’re feeling, IU has mental health resources to help.

Find mental health resources

3,045
students (undergraduate and graduate)
80+
student organizations
69%
of undergraduates are full-time students
  • All statistics are current as of fall 2023.

Choosing IU Northwest was the best decision I ever made. It’s exceeded my expectations.

Jacob Rothchild IU Northwest student

Group of undergraduate students having a discussion outside.

IU’s most diverse campus

With a student body made up of 54% minority students and 39% first-generation students, IU Northwest is the most diverse campus of Indiana University and one of the state’s most diverse college campuses. Students participate in a variety of cultural organizations, and the IU Northwest Office of Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs supports a range of programs for supporting minority students’ access to opportunities and academic success.

Office of Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs
Group of undergraduate students having a discussion outside on IU Northwest campus.

80+ student organizations

New students may be surprised to find the range of ways to get involved beyond the classroom at IU Northwest. Student organizations range from academic societies to religious groups to paintball club, Greek life to podcasting groups to volunteer organizations, local and national. Those looking to stay active can choose among informal sports clubs—like Cheer Club, Ice Hockey Club, or Run Club—intramural basketball and volleyball, or RedHawk varsity sports.

Explore student organizations at IU Northwest

I would never have expected to become President of the Student Government. I thought it would be so much effort to get involved in something, but I just decided to join one thing, and it developed from there. Because IUN is smaller, it felt really approachable, and it’s been a really positive experience.

Angad Sidhu IU Northwest student

Make IU Northwest your campus

Discover more resources, information, and opportunities for exploring and applying to IU Northwest.

IU Northwest Admissions

Phone
219-980-6991 (or toll-free: 888-YOUR-IUN (968-7486))

Fax
219-981-4219

Email
admit@iun.edu