Best Colleges in Indiana 2024

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

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  1. Purdue University
  2. Indiana University Bloomington
  3. University of Notre Dame
  4. Ball State University
  5. DePauw University
  6. Valparaiso University
  7. Earlham College
  8. Butler University
  9. Indiana State University
  10. University of Evansville
  1. Indiana University Bloomington
  2. University of Notre Dame
  3. Purdue University
  4. DePauw University
  5. Wabash College
  6. Earlham College
  7. Butler University
  8. Indiana State University
  9. Ball State University
  10. Valparaiso University
  1. Valparaiso University 94%
  2. University of Southern Indiana 94%
  3. Marian University 94%
  4. Goshen College 94%
  5. Indiana State University 92%
  6. Trine University 92%
  7. Indiana Wesleyan University 87%
  8. Indiana University South Bend 87%
  9. Saint Mary's College 84%
  10. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis 83%
  1. Vincennes University 23 to 1
  2. Indiana University Bloomington 17 to 1
  3. Trine University 16 to 1
  4. University of Southern Indiana 16 to 1
  5. Indiana State University 16 to 1
  6. Ball State University 15 to 1
  7. Purdue University 14 to 1
  8. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis 13 to 1
  9. Indiana Wesleyan University 13 to 1
  10. Indiana University East 13 to 1
  1. University of Notre Dame $60,301
  2. DePauw University $55,410
  3. Earlham College $50,058
  4. Saint Mary's College $49,930
  5. Wabash College $47,475
  6. Valparaiso University $44,796
  7. Butler University $44,460
  8. Hanover College $41,559
  9. University of Evansville $41,336
  10. Marian University $37,600
  1. University of Notre Dame $59,644
  2. Trine University $45,350
  3. Goshen College $29,678
  4. University of Evansville $29,501
  5. Saint Mary's College $29,231
  6. Manchester University $23,435
  7. Marian University $20,138
  8. Earlham College $17,863
  9. Butler University $14,750
  10. Indiana Wesleyan University $14,112
  1. University of Southern Indiana
  2. Trine University
  3. Marian University
  4. Anderson University
  5. Indiana University East
  6. Vincennes University
  7. Hanover College
  8. Indiana University South Bend
  9. Taylor University
  10. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
  1. Anderson University
  2. University of Southern Indiana
  3. Indiana University South Bend
  4. Taylor University
  5. Trine University
  6. Indiana Wesleyan University
  7. Marian University
  8. Indiana University East
  9. Vincennes University
  10. Saint Mary's College
  1. University of Notre Dame 13%
  2. Anderson University 52%
  3. Purdue University 53%
  4. Wabash College 61%
  5. Manchester University 66%
  6. DePauw University 66%
  7. Ball State University 69%
  8. Earlham College 73%
  9. Hanover College 74%
  10. Taylor University 75%
  1. Earlham College 6 to 1
  2. University of Notre Dame 9 to 1
  3. DePauw University 9 to 1
  4. Wabash College 9 to 1
  5. Goshen College 9 to 1
  6. Saint Mary's College 9 to 1
  7. Anderson University 9 to 1
  8. University of Evansville 10 to 1
  9. Hanover College 11 to 1
  10. Butler University 11 to 1
  1. Vincennes University $6,116
  2. Indiana University South Bend $7,274
  3. Indiana University East $7,274
  4. Ball State University $8,434
  5. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis $8,972
  6. University of Southern Indiana $9,095
  7. Indiana State University $9,452
  8. Purdue University $9,718
  9. Indiana University Bloomington $10,012
  10. Indiana Wesleyan University $29,684
  1. Indiana University South Bend $7,746
  2. Indiana University East $7,746
  3. Indiana State University $7,884
  4. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis $9,366
  5. Ball State University $9,636
  6. Purdue University $9,718
  7. Indiana University Bloomington $10,033
  8. University of Southern Indiana $10,117
  9. Taylor University $10,524
  10. Valparaiso University $11,700

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

    Purdue University

    West Lafayette , IN
    #1 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #11 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #16 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    55K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1335/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Purdue University

    Cost of Degree: $9,992
    Expenses: $14,890
    Starting Salary: $62,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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
  2. #2

    Indiana University Bloomington

    Bloomington , IN
    #10 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #10 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #10 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    59K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University Bloomington

    Cost of Degree: $11,790
    Expenses: $17,110
    Starting Salary: $57,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
  3. #3

    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
  4. #4

    Ball State University

    Muncie , IN
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2025 #5 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    23K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Ball State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,758
    Expenses: $15,976
    Starting Salary: $44,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
  5. #5

    DePauw University

    Greencastle , IN
    #1 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/27

    Career Outlook for degree at DePauw University

    Cost of Degree: $57,070
    Expenses: $17,250
    Starting Salary: $66,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
  7. #6

    Valparaiso University

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

    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
  9. #8

    Butler University

    Indianapolis , IN
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Butler University

    Cost of Degree: $45,980
    Expenses: $21,230
    Starting Salary: $68,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  10. #9

    Indiana State University

    Terre Haute , IN
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,992
    Expenses: $15,063
    Starting Salary: $42,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  11. #10

    University of Evansville

    Evansville , IN
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2025 #5 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2025
    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
  13. #11

    Wabash College

    Crawfordsville , IN
    #23 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #3 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1221/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Wabash College

    Cost of Degree: $49,125
    Expenses: $16,100
    Starting Salary: $64,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  17. #15

    Saint Mary's College

    Notre Dame , IN
    #7 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2025 #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
  19. #16

    Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis

    Indianapolis , IN
    #6 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #7 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis

    Cost of Degree: $10,449
    Expenses: $16,236
    Starting Salary: $50,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  20. #17

    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
  21. #18

    Indiana University South Bend

    South Bend , IN
    #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #9 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2025 #8 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2024 #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University South Bend

    Cost of Degree: $8,179
    Expenses: $14,396
    Starting Salary: $38,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
  22. #19

    Hanover College

    Hanover , IN
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2025 #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
  23. #20

    Vincennes University

    Vincennes , IN
    #5 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    19K

    Career Outlook for degree at Vincennes University

    Cost of Degree: $6,886
    Expenses: $17,838
    Starting Salary: $36,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
  25. #21

    Indiana University East

    Richmond , IN
    #6 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2025 #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University East

    Cost of Degree: $8,179
    Starting Salary: $34,800
    What is Indiana University East known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  26. #22

    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
  27. #23

    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
  28. #24

    Trine University

    Angola , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Trine University

    Cost of Degree: $35,600
    Expenses: $16,960
    Starting Salary: $49,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
  29. #25

    University of Southern Indiana

    Evansville , IN
    #8 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2025 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #10 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2025 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern Indiana

    Cost of Degree: $9,621
    Expenses: $14,448
    Starting Salary: $40,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
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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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