Indiana University’s IU 2030 strategic plan, which launched in August 2023, is generating measurable progress in academic achievement, research leadership and statewide engagement. The plans three pillars — student success and opportunity, transformative research and creativity, and service to the state and beyond — guide efforts to expand access, spearhead innovation, and strengthen Indiana’s economic and civic landscape.

Released this week, the December addendum to IU 2030 Strategic Plan Progress viewbook builds on the annual report published in July, offering updated highlights and stories that reflect meaningful progress across each of the plan’s pillars. Read on for highlights from the December 2025 viewbook and IU 2030 stories.

Student success and opportunity

IU’s commitment to student success is reflected in enrollment increases, retention and expanded access.

Enrollment across all campuses is approaching 90,000 students, indicating strong continued demand for an IU education and the university’s essential role in preparing Indiana’s workforce.

Welcome Back Week at IU Kokomo on Aug. 26, 2025. Photo by Myah Halter, Indiana University

New undergraduate and graduate student enrollment across all IU campuses reached more than 25,300 in fall 2025, and enrollment of new undergraduate students (full-time, transfer and part-time) rose 6.7% over last year, to a record 16,636. More than two-thirds of IU undergraduates come from Indiana.

IU’s retention initiatives are delivering results. Fall-to-fall retention rates have risen, boosting the university’s three-year rolling average from 81% to 83.3%, as proactive advising, clearer degree pathways and tools like Stellic help more students stay on course to graduation.

“Our path always starts with students. That’s why the first pillar of IU 2030 is simple and urgent: enhancing student success and opportunity,” IU President Pamela Whitten said at the State of the University address Dec. 9. “This pillar is about action — real improvements happening now to support the students who are here today and those who will join us tomorrow.”

IU Online surpassed 10,000 students this year, enrolling a record 10,385 learners and expanding flexible, affordable pathways for students across the state and world. Philanthropic support for endowed student aid increased by 78% over the past two fiscal years, from $40.8 to $72.6 million, fostering broader access to higher education.

With more than 806,000 living members, IU’s alumni network — the country’s largest — further supports student success through connections, mentorship and advancement.

Ranked No. 1 in the state for study abroad and No. 4 nationally, IU also provides students with a global perspective that few institutions can match.

The university’s broader reach, strengthened student initiatives and expanded support systems are improving retention, increasing graduation momentum and creating opportunities for students and graduates to continue contributing to Indiana’s growing economy and shared future.

Transformative research and creativity

IU’s research enterprise continues to accelerate, supported by strategic investments, rising sponsored, private and public funding, and expanding partnerships that strengthen Indiana’s economy.

The university surpassed $1 billion in research and development expenditures in fiscal year 2025, supported by $942 million in sponsored awards — a 34% increase in research spending since 2021. The university’s rolling three-year average, spanning FY 2021-23 to FY 2023-25, for sponsored funding grew from $514.6 million to $557 million, while foundation, industry and government-sponsored research increased nearly 20% during those periods, from $107.1 million to $128.3 million.

Key partnerships are expanding IU’s research capacity. Eli Lilly and Company will invest up to $40 million over five years to advance clinical research and develop future life sciences talent. IU researchers also secured a $16.5 million NIH award to establish MAP-AD, one of only two national centers pioneering stem-cell-based therapies for Alzheimer’s disease.

IU LAB will be in the heart of the 16 Tech Innovation District. Rendering courtesy of Capital Planning and Facilities

IU is strengthening its innovation infrastructure with construction of the IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences and a new five-year collaboration with Cook Medical to expand cooperative research and training. IU cancer researchers continue to advance faster diagnoses, precision treatments and broader clinical trial access to deliver tangible benefits for patients.

These are just a few examples of IU’s impact and how the university is advancing the IU 2030 goal of accelerating transformative research and expanding IU’s influence across Indiana’s $99 billion life sciences sector.

Service to Indiana and beyond

IU’s third pillar focuses on strengthening communities, supporting statewide needs and preparing Indiana’s future workforce.

IU Southeast Chancellor Debbie Ford, center, chats at the P-12 Education Summit on Sept. 17, 2025. Photo by Office of School Partnerships Nearly two-thirds of IU students come from Indiana, and the university continues to expand programs in high-demand fields. From FY 2023 to FY 2025, P-12 school partnerships grew more than 41% to 1,370 statewide. The IU P-12 Education Summit drew a record 315 educators, policymakers and community leaders to strengthen alignment across K-12 and higher education and to develop effective career pathways.

This focus on serving Indiana extends beyond education and workforce preparation. IU is also addressing the state’s critical healthcare needs. More than 100 new physicians from the IU School of Medicine’s class of 2025 have secured in-state residencies and are serving communities across the state.

Statewide collaboration grew across sectors, with more than 10,100 partnerships — up 13% from FY 2023 to FY 2025. IU expanded efforts in entrepreneurship and small business support, community health, teacher preparation and civic engagement. The inaugural IU Economic Development Summit drew nearly 200 leaders to advance regional priorities, and IU Innovates brought a delegation of 100 entrepreneurs from six IU campuses to the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Indianapolis.

Bring on 2026

The achievements reflect a university committed to advancing student success, shaping future leaders, accelerating research that improves lives and strengthening Indiana’s economic and civic future. The IU 2030 Strategic Plan Progress viewbook details more of IU’s meaningful progress in enrollment, retention, student support, research activity and investment.

These accomplishments — made possible by the collective work of the IU community, donors, alumni, and industry, state and public partners — lay a strong foundation for continued momentum as IU looks forward to 2026.

Maria Carrasquilla is an internal communications strategist in the Office of the Vice President for Communications and Marketing.