Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2024
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
- University of Notre Dame
- Valparaiso University
- Earlham College
- University of Evansville
- Manchester University
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- Goshen College
- Saint Mary's College
- Taylor University
- Hanover College
- University of Notre Dame
- Earlham College
- Valparaiso University
- University of Evansville
- Manchester University
- Hanover College
- Goshen College
- Saint Mary's College
- Marian University
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- University of Saint Francis 99%
- Franklin College 95%
- Valparaiso University 93%
- Goshen College 93%
- Indiana Wesleyan University 92%
- Holy Cross College 86%
- Grace College & Seminary 83%
- Saint Mary's College 83%
- Huntington University 79%
- University of Indianapolis 78%
- Grace College & Seminary 21 to 1
- Manchester University 15 to 1
- Indiana Wesleyan University 13 to 1
- University of Indianapolis 13 to 1
- Marian University 13 to 1
- Taylor University 13 to 1
- Holy Cross College 13 to 1
- Huntington University 12 to 1
- Hanover College 12 to 1
- University of Saint Francis 12 to 1
- University of Notre Dame $58,843
- Earlham College $49,323
- Saint Mary's College $48,010
- Valparaiso University $44,796
- Hanover College $40,250
- University of Evansville $39,806
- Marian University $36,600
- Taylor University $36,570
- Goshen College $35,940
- Franklin College $34,966
- University of Notre Dame $58,190
- University of Indianapolis $39,224
- Franklin College $39,114
- Goshen College $29,098
- Saint Mary's College $28,252
- Manchester University $23,100
- Marian University $20,737
- Calumet College of St. Joseph $20,640
- Earlham College $20,533
- University of Evansville $14,395
- Calumet College of St. Joseph
- University of Saint Francis
- Oakland City University
- Grace College & Seminary
- Holy Cross College
- University of Indianapolis
- Huntington University
- Franklin College
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- Marian University
- Calumet College of St. Joseph
- Holy Cross College
- University of Saint Francis
- Oakland City University
- Huntington University
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- Anderson College, Indiana
- Grace College & Seminary
- Taylor University
- Franklin College
- University of Notre Dame 15%
- Anderson College, Indiana 62%
- Earlham College 69%
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College 70%
- Oakland City University 73%
- Hanover College 73%
- Marian University 73%
- Taylor University 73%
- University of Evansville 75%
- Manchester University 76%
- Anderson College, Indiana 8 to 1
- Earlham College 8 to 1
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College 8 to 1
- University of Notre Dame 9 to 1
- Saint Mary's College 9 to 1
- Goshen College 10 to 1
- University of Evansville 10 to 1
- Valparaiso University 11 to 1
- Franklin College 11 to 1
- Huntington University 12 to 1
- Calumet College of St. Joseph $20,470
- Oakland City University $25,740
- Huntington University $28,192
- Grace College & Seminary $28,228
- Indiana Wesleyan University $28,960
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College $31,425
- Anderson College, Indiana $32,950
- University of Saint Francis $33,390
- University of Indianapolis $33,520
- Holy Cross College $34,050
- Grace College & Seminary $8,054
- Oakland City University $9,000
- Anderson College, Indiana $10,868
- Valparaiso University $11,700
- Huntington University $11,856
- University of Saint Francis $12,418
- Taylor University $12,700
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College $13,500
- Indiana Wesleyan University $13,512
- University of Evansville $14,395
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:
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?
- 8 Research Universities
- 34 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 11 Graduate Schools
- 15 Public Colleges & Universities
- 27 Private Colleges & Universities
- 21 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 29 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 16 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- Best Online Colleges
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.
Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2023
- #3 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #20 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024
- #3 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2024
- #3 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2024
- #8 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #13 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
- #14 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
- #19 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #21 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #21 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #23 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #24 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #24 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #6 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
- #9 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
15%
Graduation
96%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1475/33
Career Outlook for degree at University of Notre Dame
Cost of Degree: $60,301Expenses: $19,910Starting Salary: $98,400Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Notre Dame known for?
University of Notre Dame’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Law
- History
- Business
- Political Science
- Education
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024
Tuition + fees
$45K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
74%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/25
Career Outlook for degree at Valparaiso University
Cost of Degree: $44,796Expenses: $16,000Starting Salary: $54,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Valparaiso University known for?
Valparaiso University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #15 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #16 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$49K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
73%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1220/26
Career Outlook for degree at Earlham College
Cost of Degree: $50,058Expenses: $15,793Starting Salary: $39,200Cost Recoup Time: 21 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Earlham College known for?
Earlham College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Literature
- Biology
- Engineering
- Political Science
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2024 #10 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$40K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
69%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Evansville
Cost of Degree: $41,336Expenses: $17,110Starting Salary: $48,800Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Evansville known for?
University of Evansville’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Business
- Computer Science
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
55%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Manchester University
Cost of Degree: $35,772Expenses: $13,128Starting Salary: $43,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Manchester University known for?
Manchester University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Biology
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #15 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Indiana
- #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Indiana 2024
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana
- #6 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2024
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2024
- #10 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
- #15 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
71%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1105/24
Career Outlook for degree at Indiana Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $29,684Expenses: $13,518Starting Salary: $56,200Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Indiana Wesleyan University known for?
Indiana Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Nursing
- Psychology
- History
- Political Science
- Literature
- Education
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #8 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
65%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1057/24
Career Outlook for degree at Goshen College
Cost of Degree: $36,660Expenses: $14,750Starting Salary: $42,400Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Goshen College known for?
Goshen College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Physics
- Biology
- Religious Studies
- History
- Literature
- Communications
- Political Science
- Nursing
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$48K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
74%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1164/25
Career Outlook for degree at Saint Mary's College
Cost of Degree: $49,930Expenses: $16,280Starting Salary: $51,300Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Saint Mary's College known for?
Saint Mary's College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Physics
- Communications
- Literature
- History
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Social Work
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
77%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Taylor University
Cost of Degree: $37,476Expenses: $14,558Starting Salary: $42,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Taylor University known for?
Taylor University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Physics
- Psychology
- Literature
- Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$40K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
63%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/26
Career Outlook for degree at Hanover College
Cost of Degree: $41,214Expenses: $15,848Starting Salary: $51,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hanover College known for?
Hanover College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
62%
Graduation
63%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1055/21
Career Outlook for degree at Anderson College, Indiana
Cost of Degree: $34,080Expenses: $15,920Starting Salary: $41,300Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Anderson College, Indiana known for?
Anderson College, Indiana’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Physics
- Communications
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Business
- Mathematics
- History
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
64%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Marian University
Cost of Degree: $37,600Expenses: $16,971Starting Salary: $46,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Marian University known for?
Marian University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
62%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1025/19
Career Outlook for degree at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Cost of Degree: $31,750Expenses: $16,346Starting Salary: $31,900Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
61%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1060/22
Career Outlook for degree at Franklin College
Cost of Degree: $36,136Expenses: $15,855Starting Salary: $46,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Franklin College known for?
Franklin College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Political Science
- Economics
- Biology
- History
- Mathematics
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
69%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1085/21
Career Outlook for degree at Huntington University
Cost of Degree: $28,830Expenses: $12,974Starting Salary: $39,000Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Huntington University known for?
Huntington University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
63%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1065/21
Career Outlook for degree at University of Indianapolis
Cost of Degree: $34,972Expenses: $16,640Starting Salary: $46,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Indianapolis known for?
University of Indianapolis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Communications
- Social Work
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Business
- Computer Science
- Medical
- History
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
68%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1225/30
Career Outlook for degree at Holy Cross College
Cost of Degree: $34,800Expenses: $14,500Starting Salary: $45,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Holy Cross College known for?
Holy Cross College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
71%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1125/23
Career Outlook for degree at Grace College & Seminary
Cost of Degree: $28,192Expenses: $12,276Starting Salary: $37,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Grace College & Seminary known for?
Grace College & Seminary’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- History
- Literature
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Medical
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
63%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1024/18
Career Outlook for degree at Oakland City University
Cost of Degree: $26,400Expenses: $16,082Starting Salary: $37,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Oakland City University known for?
Oakland City University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- History
- Religious Studies
- Biology
- Business
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
56%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1060/22
Career Outlook for degree at University of Saint Francis
Cost of Degree: $34,050Expenses: $15,420Starting Salary: $43,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Saint Francis known for?
University of Saint Francis ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$20K
Graduation
24%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Calumet College of St. Joseph
Cost of Degree: $21,650Expenses: $12,620Starting Salary: $47,800Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Calumet College of St. Joseph known for?
Calumet College of St. Joseph’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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.
- University of Notre Dame
- Earlham College
- Hanover College
- Goshen College
- Valparaiso University
- University of Evansville
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- Saint Mary's College
- Taylor University
- Manchester University
- University of Indianapolis
- Franklin College
- Grace College & Seminary
- Huntington University
- Marian University
- University of Saint Francis
- Anderson College, Indiana