Best Colleges in Indiana 2026

Badge for BEST IN INDIANA COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

Here are the best colleges and universities in Indiana. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

10 Best Colleges in Indiana in 2026

  1. University of Notre Dame
    +2
  2. Purdue University
    –1
  3. Indiana University Bloomington
    –1
  4. DePauw University
    +1
  5. Indiana State University
    +4
  6. Earlham College
    +1
  7. Wabash College
    +4
  8. Ball State University
    –4
  9. Valparaiso University
    –3
  10. Butler University
    –2

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

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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We’ve identified 42 colleges and universities in Indiana that meet our criteria. This list of the top 25 colleges in Indiana below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Indiana.

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Best Colleges in Indiana 2023

  1. #1

    University of Notre Dame

    Notre Dame , IN
    #3 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #21 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #22 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #25 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $68K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1507/34

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Notre Dame

    Cost of Degree: $62,693
    Expenses: $20,578
    Starting Salary: $113,124
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
  2. #2

    Purdue University

    West Lafayette , IN
    #1 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2026 #11 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #17 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    57K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1340/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Purdue University

    Cost of Degree: $9,992
    Expenses: $14,890
    Starting Salary: $80,082
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Purdue University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Indiana University Bloomington

    Bloomington , IN
    #10 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2026 #2 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2026 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    63K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1285/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University Bloomington

    Cost of Degree: $11,790
    Expenses: $17,110
    Starting Salary: $70,105
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Indiana University Bloomington known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    DePauw University

    Greencastle , IN
    #1 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2026 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2026 #2 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2026 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/30

    Career Outlook for degree at DePauw University

    Cost of Degree: $57,070
    Expenses: $17,250
    Starting Salary: $77,170
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is DePauw University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Indiana State University

    Terre Haute , IN
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2026 #3 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2026 #4 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2026 #4 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,992
    Expenses: $15,063
    Starting Salary: $52,316
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Indiana State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Earlham College

    Richmond , IN
    #6 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #8 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2026 #2 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Earlham College

    Cost of Degree: $51,840
    Expenses: $16,538
    Starting Salary: $49,427
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Earlham College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Wabash College

    Crawfordsville , IN
    #23 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #3 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2026 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2026 #4 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1165/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Wabash College

    Cost of Degree: $49,125
    Expenses: $16,100
    Starting Salary: $71,578
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wabash College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Ball State University

    Muncie , IN
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2026 #4 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2026 #5 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2026 #5 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Ball State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,758
    Expenses: $15,976
    Starting Salary: $56,674
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Ball State University known for?

    Ball State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Valparaiso University

    Valparaiso , IN
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2026 #4 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2026 #5 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2026 #6 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Valparaiso University

    Cost of Degree: $46,588
    Expenses: $16,126
    Starting Salary: $69,661
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  12. #10

    Butler University

    Indianapolis , IN
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2026 #6 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Butler University

    Cost of Degree: $45,980
    Expenses: $21,230
    Starting Salary: $83,535
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Butler University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    University of Evansville

    Evansville , IN
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2026 #5 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2026 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2026 #7 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Evansville

    Cost of Degree: $42,676
    Expenses: $17,610
    Starting Salary: $58,943
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  14. #12

    Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis

    Indianapolis , IN
    #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2026 #5 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2026 #6 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2026 #7 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis

    Cost of Degree: $10,449
    Expenses: $16,236
    Starting Salary: $58,990
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis known for?

    Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Hanover College

    Hanover , IN
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2026 #6 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2026 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2026 #8 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Hanover College

    Cost of Degree: $41,983
    Expenses: $16,258
    Starting Salary: $59,112
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  16. #14

    Manchester University

    North Manchester , IN
    #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2026 #7 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2026 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Manchester University

    Cost of Degree: $37,090
    Expenses: $13,612
    Starting Salary: $60,682
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
  18. #15

    Saint Mary's College

    Notre Dame , IN
    #7 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2026 #8 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2026 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2026 #10 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1227/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Mary's College

    Cost of Degree: $51,430
    Expenses: $15,750
    Starting Salary: $69,044
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  19. #16

    Goshen College

    Goshen , IN
    #13 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #8 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2026 #9 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2026 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Goshen College

    Cost of Degree: $37,760
    Expenses: $15,470
    Starting Salary: $61,420
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  20. #17

    Vincennes University

    Vincennes , IN
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2026 #6 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2026 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    21K

    Career Outlook for degree at Vincennes University

    Cost of Degree: $6,886
    Expenses: $17,838
    Starting Salary: $44,999
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Vincennes University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Indiana Wesleyan University

    Marion , IN
    #10 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2026 #10 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2026 #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Indiana #5 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $31,168
    Expenses: $14,022
    Starting Salary: $65,692
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
  22. #19

    Trine University

    Angola , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Trine University

    Cost of Degree: $35,600
    Expenses: $16,960
    Starting Salary: $65,360
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Trine University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  24. #20

    University of Southern Indiana

    Evansville , IN
    #8 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2026 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2026 #8 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2026 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/24

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern Indiana

    Cost of Degree: $9,621
    Expenses: $14,448
    Starting Salary: $52,206
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Southern Indiana known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  25. #21

    Indiana University South Bend

    South Bend , IN
    #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2026 #9 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2026 #8 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2026 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University South Bend

    Cost of Degree: $8,179
    Expenses: $14,396
    Starting Salary: $50,051
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Indiana University South Bend known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  26. #22

    Taylor University

    Upland , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Taylor University

    Cost of Degree: $39,104
    Expenses: $14,388
    Starting Salary: $58,997
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  27. #23

    Marian University

    Indianapolis , IN
    #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Indiana 2026 #7 Best Online Associate Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 1 Year #9 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2026 #19 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Marian University

    Cost of Degree: $39,100
    Expenses: $18,868
    Starting Salary: $64,806
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  28. #24

    Indiana University East

    Richmond , IN
    #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2026 #10 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2026 #10 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2026 #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University East

    Cost of Degree: $8,179
    Starting Salary: $52,038
    What is Indiana University East known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  30. #25

    Anderson College, Indiana

    Anderson , IN
    #9 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2026 #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1025/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Anderson College, Indiana

    Cost of Degree: $35,640
    Expenses: $16,950
    Starting Salary: $52,590
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
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Indiana’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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. DePauw University
  3. Earlham College
  4. Purdue University
  5. Hanover College
  6. Goshen College
  7. Wabash College
  8. Indiana University Bloomington
  9. Valparaiso University
  10. University of Evansville
  11. Butler University
  12. Indiana Wesleyan University
  13. Saint Mary's College
  14. Taylor University
  15. Manchester University
  16. Ball State University
  17. University of Indianapolis
  18. Franklin College
  19. Grace College & Seminary
  20. Huntington University
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