Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2025

Badge for BEST IN INDIANA CHRISTIAN COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

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.

10 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana in 2025

  1. University of Notre Dame
  2. Earlham College
    +1
  3. Valparaiso University
    –1
  4. University of Evansville
  5. Manchester University
  6. Goshen College
    +1
  7. Saint Mary's College
    +1
  8. Hanover College
    +2
  9. Indiana Wesleyan University
    –3
  10. University of Indianapolis
    +6

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

The University of Notre Dame has expanded its affordability and accessibility programs, becoming the first highly selective faith-based institution in the U.S. to adopt a need-blind admissions policy for all students. The school is also implementing a no-loan policy for undergraduate students, meaning that financial aid packages consist solely of gift aid, thereby reducing the financial burden on students and their families.

Notre Dame has also launched the Just Transformations to Sustainability Initiative, inspired by Pope Francis, the program aims to integrate sustainability research and practice while emphasizing care for the most vulnerable.

The University of Indianapolis has established UIndy Online, a new initiative in cooperation with the Sease Institute, which forms a new academic unit within the university, led by a founding dean, to provide innovative educational experiences that align with Christian values.

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.

Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2025

  1. #1

    University of Notre Dame

    Notre Dame , IN
    #3 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #21 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #22 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #25 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    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: $62,693
    Expenses: $20,578
    Starting Salary: $98,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Notre Dame known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Valparaiso University

    Valparaiso , IN
    #4 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2025 #6 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024

    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: $46,588
    Expenses: $16,126
    Starting Salary: $54,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Valparaiso University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Evansville

    Evansville , IN
    #5 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2025 #10 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024
    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: $42,676
    Expenses: $17,610
    Starting Salary: $48,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Evansville known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Manchester University

    North Manchester , IN
    #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2025 #8 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Manchester University

    Cost of Degree: $37,090
    Expenses: $13,612
    Starting Salary: $43,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Manchester University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Goshen College

    Goshen , IN
    #13 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #7 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2025 #9 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2025
    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: $37,760
    Expenses: $15,470
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Goshen College known for?

    Goshen College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Saint Mary's College

    Notre Dame , IN
    #8 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2025

    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: $51,430
    Expenses: $15,750
    Starting Salary: $51,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Saint Mary's College known for?

    Saint Mary's College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Hanover College

    Hanover , IN
    #9 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2025

    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: $41,983
    Expenses: $16,258
    Starting Salary: $51,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Hanover College known for?

    Hanover College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Indiana Wesleyan University

    Marion , IN
    #17 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Indiana #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana #6 Best Online Associate Degrees in Indiana 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $31,168
    Expenses: $14,022
    Starting Salary: $56,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Indiana Wesleyan University known for?

    Indiana Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  12. #10

    University of Indianapolis

    Indianapolis , IN
    #7 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2025 #8 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2025 #16 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Indianapolis

    Cost of Degree: $36,136
    Expenses: $19,566
    Starting Salary: $46,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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

    Compare school
  13. #11

    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: $37,350
    Expenses: $17,500
    Starting Salary: $46,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Franklin College known for?

    Franklin College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    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: $39,104
    Expenses: $14,388
    Starting Salary: $42,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Taylor University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  15. #13

    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: $28,942
    Expenses: $12,712
    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

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Marian University

    Indianapolis , IN
    #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Indiana 2024 #7 Best Online Associate Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 1 Year #10 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2024 #14 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Marian University

    Cost of Degree: $39,100
    Expenses: $18,868
    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

    Compare school
  18. #15

    Anderson College, Indiana

    Anderson , IN
    #9 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2025 #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana

    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: $35,640
    Expenses: $16,950
    Starting Salary: $41,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Anderson College, Indiana known for?

    Anderson College, Indiana’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    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: $32,640
    Expenses: $18,267
    Starting Salary: $31,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 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

    Compare school
  20. #17

    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: $29,982
    Expenses: $13,500
    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:

    Compare school
  21. #18

    University of Saint Francis

    Fort Wayne , IN

    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: $35,420
    Expenses: $15,740
    Starting Salary: $43,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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:

    Compare school
  22. #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: $27,150
    Expenses: $15,815
    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

    Compare school
  24. #20

    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: $35,500
    Expenses: $16,696
    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

    Compare school
  25. #21

    Calumet College of St. Joseph

    Whiting , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Calumet College of St. Joseph

    Cost of Degree: $22,650
    Expenses: $13,620
    Starting Salary: $47,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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:

    Compare school

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:

Back to Top

Indiana’s Best Christian Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here