Best Colleges in Indiana

When Indiana became a state in 1816, free public education through college was included as a tenet in the state constitution. While not all colleges in Indiana remain free to this day, the state does value higher education and boasts many good options for schooling. If you’re interested in attending college in Indiana, the first thing you need to know is that you’ll be called a Hoosier. The next thing you should be informed about is how many top schools in Indiana care about sports!

Regardless of what you want to major in and whether or not you’re into sports, the best colleges in Indiana have their fair share of perks. Let’s take a look at a handful of the on-campus options, as well as the alternative of earning a degree online (in Indiana or anywhere else).

Best Colleges in Indiana

University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame is a very well-known private university that’s constantly in the list of the top schools in the country and worldwide. It’s a Catholic institution located in Notre Dame, Indiana. Students can choose from over 200 degrees with an option to earn certificates online. The top 3 programs at the college include: Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, and their Pre-Med program. Tuition is just over $34,000 per year.

Purdue University

Purdue is a public university that is mostly known for its STEM and agricultural programs. With over 275 undergraduate and graduate level degrees, students who attend Purdue have a lot of educational opportunities. They also do a great job at producing annual campus events to make for an enriching and engaging student experience. Most students at Purdue are involved with at least one organization on campus, so the atmosphere is friendly. You can expect to pay around $13,000 per year to attend this school.

Indiana University –Bloomington

Over 48,000 students call this school home each year. On campus, there are over 17 schools and the university boasts a whopping 550 degree programs. The school itself is like a mini world as they have their own radio stations, TV stations, and even a free daily newspaper. For just under $16,000 annually, students can choose their degree program of their dreams. Some of the most popular options include Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Education.

Ball State University

Located in Muncie, Indiana, Ball State University has satellite campuses around Indiana too. Along with the 300 degrees to select from, the school’s online degrees are also expanding. There are many opportunities to get involved at Ball State University as the school has student-run media options and student government positions. The cost of tuition is just over $14,500 each year.

DePauw University

As a private liberal arts university, DePauw University has its affiliation with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Its undergraduate education provides students with a choice of 20 areas of study and the majority of their student body (80%) study abroad. 

Earlham College

In Richmond, Indiana, you’ll find Earlham College, a private school founded in 1847. The campus sits upon 20 acres of land and enrollment is just over 1,000 students. Therefore, the small college feel offers students with a highly tailored academic experience. Annual tuition and fees ring in at about $47,380.

University of Southern Indiana

Located in Evansville, Indiana, this public university is most known for its nursing programs. It also offers the option for online education. The school is a good choice for those interested in media, as well, as its student-run radio station is award-winning.

Butler University

For those interested in the city life, Butler University sprawls across 295 acres of land near downtown Indianapolis. The university has six campuses that offer a collective 65 undergraduate majors and 19 graduate degrees. With more than 150 student organizations and intramural sports teams, students have a lot of opportunities to be involved on campus.

Indiana Wesleyan University

The Christian liberal arts university is the largest private university in the state of Indiana. With a total of 100 degree offerings, the school is most known for its Master of Divinity program. The annual cost of attendance is just over $27,000.

Hanover College

As the oldest private institution in the state, Hanover College allows its students to choose from over 60 areas of study. Located nearby the Ohio River, the campus is a beautiful place to learn, or to step outside for a hike or adventure in nature. Tuition is about $25,819 annually.

Alternatives – Online University

Choosing to study at a university in Indiana is a solid choice for many students. Whether you’re a resident of the state or want to live in the scenic location, you can choose from one of the many top-rated on-campus options.

However, if you’re interested in a more flexible educational experience, you can enroll in one of the four degree programs offered at the University of the People.

Not only are our programs 100% online (which means you can learn anywhere and anytime), they are also tuition-free, making it an affordable choice for all students.

Conclusion

As you can see from this abbreviated list of top colleges in Indiana, there are many private and public institutions across the state. While some have a religious affiliation, others are completely secular. Many of the colleges are expanding their online options, too.

If you want to earn your degree in Health Science, Education, Business Administration, or Computer Science, then you can also learn more about the University of the People and apply online.