UC-Cincinnati vs Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI)

When it comes to higher education, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus and Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI) stand out as two prominent institutions offering diverse academic opportunities. With acceptance rates of 84% and 78%, respectively, both universities welcome a substantial number of applicants. While UC-Main Campus boasts a larger student body, IUPUI offers a more diverse student population. UC-Main Campus excels in fields like engineering, business, and health professions, while IUPUI shines in nursing, social work, and public health. Both universities boast impressive graduation rates, with UC-Main Campus at 62% and IUPUI at 58%. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key aspects of these universities. Dive in to discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis	University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Overview
Location	Indianapolis, Indiana	Cincinnati, Ohio
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	69.0%	87.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	83.6%	84.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $65
SAT range	1040 - 1230	1150 - 1350
ACT range	21 - 28	24 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	33.0%	10.0%
Students submitting ACT score	10.0%	48.0%
Total number of applicants	15,194	25,775
Total number of admissions given out	12,704	21,865
Admitted students who chose to enroll	3,496	5,400
Yield rate	27.5%	24.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $25,758 Out of state: $47,815	In state: $30,420 Out of state: $45,754
Average net price	$11,550	$20,827
Tuition	In state: $8,883 Out of state: $30,940	In state: $10,920 Out of state: $26,254
Room & board	$10,588	Room/dormitory: $7,306 Meal plan: $4,982
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	82.0% Average amount $10,926	71.0% Average amount $6,980
Students receiving federal student loan	31.0% Average amount $4,615	45.0% Average amount $5,293
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $10,565	9.0% Average amount $14,902

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	19,197 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%	28,968 Men 49.4% Women 50.6%
Graduate students	8,493 Men 37.3% Women 62.7%	11,361 Men 37.3% Women 62.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	7.3%	17.4%
International students	5.5%	8.9%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	2,410	6,820
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Indiana Illinois Ohio Michigan Wisconsin	Ohio Indiana Illinois Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Public Administration and Social Service Engineering Legal Profession	Health Professions Engineering Business Visual & Performing Arts Education
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	19:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	56.6%	73.0%
Dropout rate	20.0%	9.9%
Transferred out	20.9%	15.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $201,325 Year 2: $223,678 Year 3: $212,436 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $130,179 Year 2: $128,985 Year 3: $142,073 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $110,840 Year 2: $110,432 Year 3: $111,516 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $112,156 Year 2: $103,335 Year 3: $108,015 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,482 Year 2: $98,638 Year 3: $102,422 Public Administration (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $87,191 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $85,119 Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $76,727 Year 3: $82,259 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,379 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $78,049 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,196 Year 2: $66,461 Year 3: $77,779 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,146 Year 2: $67,660 Year 3: $75,557	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $115,262 Year 3: $120,730 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $116,456 Year 3: $105,967 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,527 Year 2: $94,013 Year 3: $100,779 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,273 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $93,490 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,329 Year 2: $79,284 Year 3: $87,500 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,396 Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $84,425 Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $76,699 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,190 Year 2: $68,965 Year 3: $74,560 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,530 Year 2: $68,890 Year 3: $73,392 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,848 Year 2: $64,990 Year 3: $71,114

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between the University of Cincinnati (UC) and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)?

UC is located in Cincinnati, Ohio, offering a more traditional, self-contained campus experience with a mix of historic and modern architecture. IUPUI, situated in Indianapolis, Indiana, is an urban campus integrated within the city, providing easy access to downtown amenities and a more diverse, commuter-friendly environment.
How do the academic programs compare at UC and IUPUI?

Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. UC is particularly strong in engineering, design, and performing arts, known for its co-op programs. IUPUI excels in health sciences, business, and informatics, with a strong emphasis on research and community engagement. The specific strengths of each program will vary, so it's important to research the programs you are interested in at each university.
What is the cost of attendance like at UC versus IUPUI?

Tuition and fees vary, but generally, both universities offer competitive pricing. However, the specific costs depend on residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state) and the specific program of study. It's recommended to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information, and to explore financial aid options.
How does the student life and campus culture differ between UC and IUPUI?

UC has a more traditional college town feel, with a vibrant campus life, including a strong Greek system and a wide array of student organizations. IUPUI, being an urban campus, has a more diverse student body and a focus on community involvement. Student life at IUPUI is often centered around the city, with many students commuting and participating in city-based activities.
What are the research opportunities like at UC and IUPUI?

Both universities offer significant research opportunities. UC is a major research institution with strengths in areas like biomedical engineering and materials science. IUPUI is also a research-intensive university, particularly strong in health sciences, with numerous research centers and institutes. The availability of research opportunities will depend on your specific field of study.
How do the career services and co-op/internship programs compare?

UC is renowned for its co-op program, which provides students with extensive hands-on experience in their fields. IUPUI also offers robust career services, including internship opportunities, particularly in the Indianapolis area. Both universities are committed to helping students prepare for their careers, but the specific focus and opportunities may vary depending on the program and industry.
What are the athletic programs like at UC and IUPUI?

UC competes in NCAA Division I athletics, with a strong presence in sports like football and basketball, and is now part of the Big 12 Conference. IUPUI competes in NCAA Division I athletics, primarily in the Horizon League, but has a smaller athletic program compared to UC. The focus and level of competition differ significantly.
How does the housing situation differ at UC and IUPUI?

UC offers a variety of on-campus housing options, catering to different preferences and budgets. IUPUI also provides on-campus housing, but a larger percentage of students commute or live off-campus due to its urban setting. The availability and type of housing will influence your overall campus experience.
What are the admission requirements like at UC and IUPUI?

Admission requirements are similar, with both universities considering factors like GPA, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies are common), and extracurricular activities. Specific requirements may vary depending on the program. It's essential to review the admission guidelines on each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Which university is better for me, UC or IUPUI?

The 'better' university depends on your individual preferences and academic goals. If you prefer a traditional campus experience with a strong emphasis on co-ops and a vibrant campus life, UC might be a better fit. If you prefer an urban environment with a focus on health sciences, business, and community engagement, IUPUI might be a better choice. Consider your academic interests, career aspirations, and desired campus environment when making your decision.

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