Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2024

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For prospective college students looking for schools that align with their Christian faith and demonstrate academic excellence, here are the best Christian colleges and universities in Indiana.

10 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana

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  1. University of Notre Dame
  2. Valparaiso University
  3. Earlham College
  4. University of Evansville
  5. Manchester University
  6. Indiana Wesleyan University
  7. Goshen College
  8. Saint Mary's College
  9. Taylor University
  10. Hanover College
  1. University of Notre Dame
  2. Earlham College
  3. Valparaiso University
  4. University of Evansville
  5. Manchester University
  6. Hanover College
  7. Goshen College
  8. Saint Mary's College
  9. Marian University
  10. Indiana Wesleyan University
  1. University of Saint Francis 98%
  2. Valparaiso University 94%
  3. Marian University 94%
  4. Goshen College 94%
  5. Franklin College 93%
  6. Indiana Wesleyan University 87%
  7. Grace College & Seminary 85%
  8. Saint Mary's College 84%
  9. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College 78%
  10. Huntington University 78%
  1. Grace College & Seminary 18 to 1
  2. Indiana Wesleyan University 13 to 1
  3. Marian University 13 to 1
  4. Taylor University 13 to 1
  5. Huntington University 12 to 1
  6. Manchester University 12 to 1
  7. University of Saint Francis 12 to 1
  8. University of Indianapolis 11 to 1
  9. Valparaiso University 11 to 1
  10. Hanover College 11 to 1
  1. University of Notre Dame $60,301
  2. Earlham College $50,058
  3. Saint Mary's College $49,930
  4. Valparaiso University $44,796
  5. Hanover College $41,559
  6. University of Evansville $41,336
  7. Marian University $37,600
  8. Taylor University $37,476
  9. Goshen College $36,660
  10. Franklin College $36,136
  1. University of Notre Dame $59,644
  2. University of Indianapolis $39,992
  3. Franklin College $39,114
  4. Goshen College $29,678
  5. University of Evansville $29,501
  6. Saint Mary's College $29,231
  7. Manchester University $23,435
  8. Calumet College of St. Joseph $21,240
  9. Marian University $20,138
  10. Earlham College $17,863
  1. Calumet College of St. Joseph
  2. University of Saint Francis
  3. Oakland City University
  4. Grace College & Seminary
  5. Holy Cross College
  6. University of Indianapolis
  7. Huntington University
  8. Franklin College
  9. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
  10. Marian University
  1. Calumet College of St. Joseph
  2. Holy Cross College
  3. University of Saint Francis
  4. Oakland City University
  5. Huntington University
  6. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
  7. Anderson College, Indiana
  8. Grace College & Seminary
  9. Taylor University
  10. Franklin College
  1. University of Notre Dame 13%
  2. Anderson College, Indiana 52%
  3. Oakland City University 56%
  4. Manchester University 66%
  5. Earlham College 73%
  6. Hanover College 74%
  7. Taylor University 75%
  8. Holy Cross College 76%
  9. University of Evansville 76%
  10. University of Indianapolis 76%
  1. Earlham College 6 to 1
  2. Anderson College, Indiana 9 to 1
  3. University of Notre Dame 9 to 1
  4. Goshen College 9 to 1
  5. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College 9 to 1
  6. Saint Mary's College 9 to 1
  7. University of Evansville 10 to 1
  8. Holy Cross College 10 to 1
  9. University of Indianapolis 11 to 1
  10. Valparaiso University 11 to 1
  1. Calumet College of St. Joseph $21,650
  2. Oakland City University $26,400
  3. Huntington University $28,830
  4. Grace College & Seminary $29,048
  5. Indiana Wesleyan University $29,684
  6. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College $32,700
  7. University of Saint Francis $34,050
  8. Anderson College, Indiana $34,080
  9. Holy Cross College $34,800
  10. University of Indianapolis $34,972
  1. Grace College & Seminary $7,288
  2. University of Saint Francis $8,626
  3. Oakland City University $9,000
  4. Taylor University $10,524
  5. Valparaiso University $11,700
  6. Anderson College, Indiana $11,826
  7. Huntington University $11,856
  8. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College $12,825
  9. Indiana Wesleyan University $14,112
  10. Earlham College $17,863

Key Takeaways

  • Living and housing prices are relatively low in Indiana, allowing Christian college students to worry less about money than those who attend schools in more expensive cities.
  • Christian colleges charge higher tuition and fees than their public counterparts. But the benefits of attending one outweigh the cost.
  • Some of the best Christian colleges in Indiana offer very low tuition and fees after financial aid.

Discovering Faith-based Colleges for Christians in Indiana

The Hoosier State, home to Indianapolis, otherwise known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” is also home to several Christian colleges that can compete with larger colleges because of the high caliber of education available there.

There are a number of factors that will help to determine whether the state’s Christian colleges are for you. Like with other decisions in life, there are advantages and disadvantages.

Living and Studying in Indiana: Pros and Cons

Advantages

Indiana residents enjoy low housing costs.

One benefit of attending school in Indiana is that, in comparison to other larger states, rentals are far more inexpensive for many students. Students in Indiana have a more laid-back experience regarding housing costs than those studying in New York do.

The housing shortage in Indiana is not a major issue, so finding a quality home to live in as a student is also relatively easy. Students, especially out-of-state ones, will be in a better position as renters than in larger and more populated areas where the general demand for housing is frequently considerably higher.

Living costs in Indiana are low.

For out-of-state students, the cost of living is the #1 factor affecting their decision. Attending a Christian college is expensive enough as it is, let alone in a city that has a high cost of living. You’ll be happy to know that the cost of living in the Hoosier State is very affordable compared to other states, such as New York and California.

Forbes ranked Indiana as #10 in the lowest cost of living.

Avoiding metropolitan areas in Indiana, such as Bloomington, Valparaiso, and Indianapolis, will provide a more affordable cost of living. The cheapest cities in Indiana include Winona Lake, Richmond, Huntington, and Marion.

Christian College Students in Indiana can help build a solid business network.

Indiana is a significant economic hub that allows students to establish a strong business network. This network will benefit you as you quickly advance in your profession.

Disadvantages

Indiana does not have many popular student towns.

Unlike many other states with large “student towns,” Indiana’s focus tends to be on the working population rather than on student preferences. As a result, students in Christian colleges in Indiana may have fewer fun things to do than in states with more vibrant cities focusing on young people.

The cold season can be harsh.

Winters in Indianapolis may be quite chilly, so if you don’t enjoy the cold, you may be better suited studying in a warmer location.

You might not encounter as many international students as you would in states with larger cities.

Christian colleges are less diverse than their public college counterparts, so you may not meet as many international students in Indiana.

Christian Colleges in Indiana with Online Degrees

Students sometimes work part-time jobs since attending Christian universities can be very expensive. Considering a distance learning program due to time restrictions can be worthwhile.

In the past ten years, Christian colleges in Indiana have seen an increase in the popularity and worth of their online degree programs. Online degrees from reputable universities are valued on par with traditional degrees by employers and faith-based organizations. Some of Indiana’s top Christian universities offering online degree programs include:

  • Holy Cross College
  • Taylor University
  • Franklin College
  • Hanover College
  • Earlham College
  • University Of Notre Dame
  • Manchester University at North Manchester
  • University Of Saint Francis
  • Valparaiso University

Cheapest Christian Colleges in Indiana after Financial Aid

Indiana students may choose Christian colleges with lower tuition costs and a wide range of financial aid options due to the high tuition costs at most Christian colleges. The following five Christian colleges are among the least expensive on the list, after financial aid is factored in:

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Colleges and Universities in Indiana

Prospective students searching for both brick-and-mortar and online colleges in Indiana have many excellent options, including notable institutions like University of Notre Dame, Purdue University, and Butler University. Each boasts a high graduate rate, a wide variety of traditional and online degree programs, and numerous excellent undergraduate and graduate programs. The tuition and student population vary widely between these schools.

Indiana University Bloomington is the largest public university in Indiana. The state university is also noted for its high graduation rate, its large student population of roughly 40,000 students, and an in-state tuition rate just above the national average at $11,000.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Additionally, students hoping to attend a school with a religious affiliation have nearly 30 options to choose from. Both traditional and online students at these schools can study areas like engineering, business, philosophy, religious studies, and law.

The state of Indiana offers loan forgiveness-based financial aid programs for health care workers who work in areas with labor shortages as well as for lawyers providing public legal aid. Additionally, graduates of Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law pursuing public interest law can apply for a special grant program that will help cover the cost of preparing and sitting for the bar exam.

With town names like Popcorn and Santa Claus, Indiana clearly has a quirky personality. Along with these unique towns, Indiana also hosts the famous Indianapolis 500 auto race; boasts a thriving art scene; and has been home to iconic celebrities, including Larry Bird, James Dean, and David Letterman.

Students wanting to experience all Indiana has to offer while studying have the option of attending one of Indiana’s more than 50 higher education institutes. Most offer both traditional and online degrees, as well as a full array of undergraduate programs and advanced degrees.

Explore Indiana’s more than 50 colleges and universities to find a program and future career path that’s right for you.


What are Indiana’s Colleges & Universities?

Indiana’s Best Overall

The following list of the best Christian schools consists entirely of colleges and universities that offer four-year undergraduate degrees. We’ve identified 21 Christian colleges in Indiana. In order to be included in this ranking list of best Christian colleges and universities, a school must self-identify as Christian, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor degree programs. To check out the full list of Indiana’s best colleges, check out our ranking.

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Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2023

  1. #1

    University of Notre Dame

    Notre Dame , IN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Notre Dame

    Cost of Degree: $60,301
    Expenses: $19,910
    Starting Salary: $98,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    Valparaiso University

    Valparaiso , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Valparaiso University

    Cost of Degree: $44,796
    Expenses: $16,000
    Starting Salary: $54,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #4

    University of Evansville

    Evansville , IN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1172/24

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Evansville

    Cost of Degree: $41,336
    Expenses: $17,110
    Starting Salary: $48,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #5

    Manchester University

    North Manchester , IN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Manchester University

    Cost of Degree: $35,772
    Expenses: $13,128
    Starting Salary: $43,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #7

    Goshen College

    Goshen , IN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Goshen College

    Cost of Degree: $36,660
    Expenses: $14,750
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. #8

    Saint Mary's College

    Notre Dame , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1214/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Mary's College

    Cost of Degree: $49,930
    Expenses: $16,280
    Starting Salary: $51,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. #9

    Taylor University

    Upland , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Taylor University

    Cost of Degree: $37,476
    Expenses: $14,558
    Starting Salary: $42,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #10

    Hanover College

    Hanover , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Hanover College

    Cost of Degree: $41,214
    Expenses: $15,848
    Starting Salary: $51,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Anderson College, Indiana

    Cost of Degree: $34,080
    Expenses: $15,920
    Starting Salary: $41,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. #12

    Marian University

    Indianapolis , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Marian University

    Cost of Degree: $37,600
    Expenses: $16,971
    Starting Salary: $46,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Marian University known for?

    Marian University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  11. #13

    Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

    Saint Mary of the Woods , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    960/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

    Cost of Degree: $31,750
    Expenses: $16,346
    Starting Salary: $31,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College known for?

    Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  12. #14

    Franklin College

    Franklin , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Franklin College

    Cost of Degree: $36,136
    Expenses: $15,855
    Starting Salary: $46,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  13. #15

    Huntington University

    Huntington , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Huntington University

    Cost of Degree: $28,830
    Expenses: $12,974
    Starting Salary: $39,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Huntington University known for?

    Huntington University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  14. #16

    University of Indianapolis

    Indianapolis , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Indianapolis

    Cost of Degree: $34,972
    Expenses: $16,640
    Starting Salary: $46,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Indianapolis known for?

    University of Indianapolis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  15. #17

    Holy Cross College

    Notre Dame , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Holy Cross College

    Cost of Degree: $34,800
    Expenses: $14,500
    Starting Salary: $45,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Holy Cross College known for?

    Holy Cross College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  16. #18

    Grace College & Seminary

    Winona Lake , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Grace College & Seminary

    Cost of Degree: $28,192
    Expenses: $12,276
    Starting Salary: $37,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Grace College & Seminary known for?

    Grace College & Seminary’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  17. #19

    Oakland City University

    Oakland City , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Oakland City University

    Cost of Degree: $26,400
    Expenses: $16,082
    Starting Salary: $37,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Oakland City University known for?

    Oakland City University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  18. Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/21

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Saint Francis

    Cost of Degree: $34,050
    Expenses: $15,420
    Starting Salary: $43,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Saint Francis known for?

    University of Saint Francis ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  19. Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Calumet College of St. Joseph

    Cost of Degree: $21,650
    Expenses: $12,620
    Starting Salary: $47,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Calumet College of St. Joseph known for?

    Calumet College of St. Joseph’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

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Indiana’s Best Christian Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. University of Notre Dame
  2. Earlham College
  3. Hanover College
  4. Goshen College
  5. Valparaiso University
  6. University of Evansville
  7. Indiana Wesleyan University
  8. Saint Mary's College
  9. Taylor University
  10. Manchester University
  11. University of Indianapolis
  12. Franklin College
  13. Grace College & Seminary
  14. Huntington University
  15. Marian University
  16. University of Saint Francis
  17. Anderson College, Indiana
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