
Indiana University, Bloomington, has seen a shift in its international student population in recent years, with Indian students now outnumbering their Chinese classmates. In 2020, there were 1,117 Indian students at Indiana University Bloomington. In 2023, the total undergraduate enrollment at Indiana University Bloomington was 36,833, with a record number of 48,424 students enrolled in 2024. The university has seen a significant increase in students of colour, including Asian and Asian-American students, with an overall rise of 95.8% in the last 10 years. While the exact number of Asian students at Indiana University is unclear, the university town has a large Asian community, with Chinese, Korean, and other Asian eateries catering to this demographic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of students enrolled at Indiana University Bloomington | 48,424 |
| Number of Asian students at Indiana University Bloomington | 27.4% of the student population |
| Number of Chinese students enrolling at Indiana University annually | 2,000 |
| Number of Indian students at Indiana University Bloomington in Fall 2020 | 1,117 |
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What You'll Learn

Asian students make up 27.4% of IU's student population
Indiana University (IU) has a large Asian student population, with Asian students making up 27.4% of the student body as of 2024. This is a notable increase from 21.39% five years ago and 16.1% ten years ago. The Asian student population at IU includes both Asian Americans and international students from Asian countries.
IU has a significant international student population, with international students making up 10.3% of the total student body. About 2,000 Chinese students enroll at IU every year, making China one of the top sources of international students. However, in recent years, the number of Chinese students at IU has decreased due to factors such as the improvement of Chinese universities and the cost of studying abroad. As a result, Indian students have become the largest group of international students at IU, outnumbering their Chinese classmates.
The large Asian student population at IU has led to the development of a vibrant Asian community on and around the campus. A grouping of Chinese, Korean, and Asian eateries, with signs in Mandarin, has sprung up near the IU Bloomington campus to cater to this community. However, political tensions between the US and China have caused concerns among Asian students, especially in light of the mysterious firing of a Chinese professor at IU Bloomington.
IU has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 130 countries. The university has a total enrollment of over 51,000 students across its campuses, with the Bloomington campus having the highest enrollment at 48,424 students as of fall 2024. The undergraduate enrollment at the Bloomington campus is 36,833, with a freshman class of 9,600 students in 2024, the second-largest in IU's history.
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There are 8.1% Asian Americans at IU Indianapolis
Indiana University has a large and diverse student population. In terms of Asian Americans, IU Indianapolis has the highest percentage of Asian American students, with 8.1%. This is in comparison to the IU Bloomington campus, which has a smaller percentage of Asian American students, at 6.1%. However, due to its larger overall student population of 48,424, the actual number of Asian American students at IU Bloomington is likely to be higher than at IU Indianapolis.
IU Bloomington is a public institution founded in 1820 with a total undergraduate enrollment of 36,833 as of fall 2023. It has seen an increase in enrollment over the years, with a record number of 9,600 freshmen starting in August 2024, the second-largest incoming class in its history. Bloomington has a mid-size Midwest city feel, and the campus spans 1,954 acres.
IU Indianapolis, on the other hand, has a smaller student population. While the exact number of students at IU Indianapolis is not readily available, we know that students come from 84 Indiana counties and 30 states. The campus offers a test-optional admission policy, allowing students to choose whether to include SAT or ACT scores in their applications.
In terms of international students, IU Bloomington attracts a significant number, with approximately 2,000 Chinese students enrolling each year. The presence of these students has contributed to the development of Asian eateries near the campus, catering to the college's large Asian community. However, recent political tensions between Washington and Beijing have led to a decrease in Chinese students coming to the US.
While the number of international students at IU Bloomington remains high, the overall number of international students across IU campuses decreased from 5,246 in 2023 to 4,984 in 2024. This decrease is attributed to various factors, including improved domestic universities in China and the high cost of international student tuition and housing at American schools.
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Around 2,000 Chinese students enrol at Indiana University annually
Indiana University has seen a shift in its international student population in recent years. While China has traditionally been the top source country for international students at IU, this is no longer the case. In 2021, around 2,000 Chinese students enrolled at Indiana University, down from 2,086 in 2020. This decline in Chinese student enrolment at IU is part of a broader trend of reduced interest from Chinese students in studying abroad. China has invested heavily in its domestic universities, improving their infrastructure and academic quality. As a result, Chinese universities have risen in international rankings, making them more attractive to domestic students. Additionally, the high cost of international student tuition and housing at American universities has likely contributed to the decline in Chinese student enrolment at IU.
At the same time, there has been a significant increase in interest in enrollment from India. In the fall of 2020, there were 1,117 Indian students at IU Bloomington, which increased to 1,637 in the fall of 2021. This surge in Indian students pushed China to the second spot in terms of international student representation at IU. The university-wide total of Indian students rose from 1,777 in 2020 to 2,367 in 2021. This shift in international student demographics is not unique to Indiana University but reflects national trends in the United States.
The changing dynamics of international student enrolment at Indiana University have had social and economic implications for the university and its surrounding communities. Midwestern colleges, including those in Indiana, have actively sought to attract international students due to the financial benefits they bring. International undergraduate students at IU pay an average of $42,000 in tuition and fees, as well as $14,000 in housing and food costs. The presence of a large Asian student community has also influenced the cultural landscape of Bloomington, with a grouping of Chinese, Korean, and Asian eateries catering to their tastes and preferences.
However, the relationship between Indiana University and its Asian students has been strained by recent events. In 2025, Xiaofeng Wang, a Chinese national and cybersecurity professor at IU, was fired by the university on the same day as an FBI raid on his homes. While Wang has not been charged with any offence, his dismissal has driven fear into the hearts of Bloomington's Asian community, with students and professors concerned about political motivations and the potential impact on their lives. This incident comes amid a backdrop of increasing scrutiny of Chinese students and academics in the United States, with some politicians believing that smaller colleges in the Midwest could be used as gateways by the Chinese Communist Party. Despite these tensions, the vast majority of Chinese students and academics in the US are legitimately contributing to research and learning.
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Indian students now outnumber Chinese students at Indiana University
Indiana University has long been a popular destination for international students, particularly those from China. However, recent years have seen a shift in the demographics of its student population, with Indian students now outnumbering their Chinese counterparts. In fall 2020, Indiana University Bloomington welcomed 1,117 students from India, a number that rose to 1,637 in fall 2021. During the same period, Chinese student enrolment decreased from 1,803 to 1,464. This trend is not limited to the Bloomington campus, but is evident across all IU campuses, with a university-wide total of 2,367 Indian students in fall 2021, compared to 1,713 Chinese students.
This shift in student demographics is attributed to various factors. Firstly, China has invested significantly in its higher education system, improving the quality and infrastructure of its universities. As a result, more Chinese students are opting to pursue their education in domestic universities. Additionally, the cost of studying abroad is a significant factor, as many Chinese families cannot afford the high tuition and living expenses associated with studying at American universities. The coronavirus pandemic may have also played a role, as some Indian students opted to delay their plans to study in the US or chose American universities with robust online programmes.
While the number of Chinese students at Indiana University is declining, they still represent a significant portion of the student body. Chinese students continue to value the prestige associated with Western universities, and Indiana University remains an attractive option for those who can afford it. The university has also seen an increase in Indian students due to its strong academic reputation, particularly in the Kelley School of Business, which appeals to Indian students from business families.
The changing demographics have led to a more diverse and culturally rich campus environment. The growing Indian student population has allowed for larger celebrations of Indian festivals and traditions, fostering a sense of community and inclusion. This diversity enriches the educational experience for all students and promotes cultural exchange.
Overall, the shift in international student demographics at Indiana University reflects broader trends in global higher education. As universities in different countries enhance their offerings, students have an increasing array of options to choose from. This competition drives universities to continuously improve their academic programmes and support services to attract top talent from around the world.
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There were 1,117 Indian students at IU Bloomington in 2020
Indiana University (IU Bloomington) is a public research university located in Bloomington, Indiana. It is the flagship campus of Indiana University and was founded in 1820. The university has a large student population, with over 48,000 students enrolled as of 2023. The campus spans 1,933 acres, offering a spacious and historic setting for its students.
In recent years, IU Bloomington has seen a shift in the makeup of its international student population. In the fall of 2020, there were 1,117 Indian students at IU Bloomington, outnumbering their undergraduate classmates from China. This change can be attributed to various factors, including the improvements in Chinese universities, the cost of studying abroad, and the appeal of the academic freedom offered by American institutions.
IU Bloomington is a highly ranked institution, recognised for its quality education and research capabilities. It is ranked 73rd in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges in the National Universities category. The university also ranks highly for specific subjects, such as communication and public administration. With its top-ranked academics and transformative research opportunities, IU Bloomington provides a supportive community for its students to thrive and discover their passions.
The international appeal of IU Bloomington is evident, with approximately 4,372 international students enrolled in 2020. The university is ranked 17th out of 1,279 colleges for its popularity with international students. This diverse student population contributes to the vibrant culture and energy of the campus. IU Bloomington's large Asian community has also influenced the surrounding community, with a variety of Asian eateries catering to their presence.
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Frequently asked questions
While there is no exact data on the number of Asian students enrolled at Indiana University, it is estimated that about 2,000 Chinese students enroll every year. Additionally, 8.1% of students at the Indianapolis campus identify as Asian American.
There are over 4,984 international students enrolled at Indiana University, with 10.3% of the student population identifying as international students.
Indiana University Bloomington has over 51,000 students enrolled, including over 10,600 graduate and professional students. In fall 2023, the total enrollment across all campuses was 47,527, which increased to 48,424 in fall 2024.
The demographic makeup of Indiana University varies across its campuses. At the Indianapolis campus, 56% of students are White, 6.7% are Hispanic/Latino, 3.4% identify with two or more races, 8.1% are Asian American, 17.4% are international students, 65.9% are Indiana residents, and 15.8% are out-of-state residents.











































