Academics
Indiana University of Pennsylvania maintains a simple way of doing things—provide students with an “inexpensive” education replete with “respected” programs. And the university has certainly delivered on those promises. Indeed, from the “good business school” to the “great writing program,” undergrads have their pick of some truly stellar academic departments. Special praise is reserved for IUP’s “fantastic” communications media program in which students have access to “a full-fledged commercial radio station (WIUP-FM), television studio (IUP-TV), two photography studios, a print studio, a full audio lab, a full motion capture/video game lab, and a huge center dedicated for media production and research (CMPR).” Beyond amazing facilities, undergrads at IUP have the privilege of learning from “great,” “knowledgeable” professors. Most instructors here work to ensure that “discussion[s are] a big part of [the classroom]...experience.” Moreover, it’s clearly evident that they’re “passionate about what they do.” As a journalism and public relations major explains, “My professors really care about their subjects and take the time to thoroughly explain concepts and ideas to students.” And a thrilled nursing major sums it up: “[Professors] feel like family and express that they genuinely care about the students outside of just the classroom situation. They see [us] as more than just students and aim to help us get the most out of IUP resources and time.”
Student Body
Many undergrads at Indiana University of Pennsylvania steadfastly assert that there’s “no typical student here.” As a geology and applied math double-major explains, “The variety of majors offered here attracts many different people with different interests and goals in life. Whatever you are looking for here, you will most likely find it.” A nutrition major concurs adding, “There is [a] large mix of personalities on campus. From jock, preppy, intellectual, band member, religious etc. Because of this, everyone can fit in with at least one type of group.” That being said, it can often feel as though the vast majority of students are “white, Christian, straight, and from an upper-middle class family in central or western PA.” A pre-med student bemoans, “IUP has very little diversity, and the towns these students come from also have very little diversity. It can be tough being different sometimes.” Thankfully, however, the majority of undergrads here are “friendly” and “helpful” and “open to meeting new people.”
Campus Life
It’s quite easy to lead a full (and busy!) life at IUP. After all, “there are many opportunities to get involved on campus.” Students can participate in “everything from National Honors Societies to sports teams, and everything in between.” While some students admit that “drinking is a large part of [social life]” at IUP, others insist that there “are great alternatives to partying.” These include “bingo on Friday nights, the incredible theatre productions, as well as multiple art galleries on campus.” We’re also told that “Indiana, PA is very much a college town.” And when students want to take a break from campus life, they often head to Philadelphia Street, “a bustling center of bars and restaurants...almost all of the businesses on Philly Street are very welcoming to students.” Many undergrads love taking advantage of “dollar bowling night” as well. And students yearning to get a little farther away can take advantage of IUP’s “really great entertainment network,” which frequently organizes trips to “Pirates games, Penguins games, Steeler[s’] games, museums, [and] concerts.” All in all, it’s easy to get out and about and Pittsburgh is only about an hour’s drive away.
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