Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2025

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

Key Takeaways

  • Eleven schools in Indiana meet our criteria for the best grad schools in the state.
  • Earning a master’s or doctorate degree from one of the state’s best grad schools will qualify graduates to work in one of Indiana’s top industries.
  • It is important to choose a grad school in Indiana that offers opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

Best Grad Schools in Indiana in 2025

  1. Indiana University Bloomington
  2. University of Notre Dame
  3. Purdue University
  4. Indiana State University
  5. Ball State University
  6. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
  7. University of Indianapolis
  8. University of Southern Indiana
  9. Anderson University
  10. Indiana Institute of Technology

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.

In 2025, the top schools in our ranking of the best graduate schools in Indiana saw no change in ranking positions. This was a result of all the schools in the ranking making similar improvements to their curriculum, internship opportunities, and other program features.

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Indiana offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

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 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, healthcare, law, philosophy, or even religious studies. One of these degree programs give graduates the knowledge necessary to work in one of Alabama’s top industries, including:

  • Healthcare
  • Logistics and Transportation
  • Manufacturing
  • Technology
  • Public Sector

The state of Indiana also 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.


What are Indiana’s Colleges & Universities?

Indiana’s Best Overall


There are 11 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Indiana. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Indiana is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Best Grad Schools in Indiana

  1. #1

    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 Research Universities 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

    Indiana University Bloomington is a public school of higher education with research-intensive activities offering more than 400 graduate programs for certificates, master’s and PhD’s.

    What we love about IU Bloomington:

    It offers a range of services that help boost the career paths of graduate students, such as the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Career Coaching.

    IU Bloomington is ideal for students who:

    Can balance their educational goals and recreational pursuits, considering that the school’s location offers progressive and vibrant cultural scenes.

    IU Bloomington might not be the best fit for students who:

    Who find small class sizes or low student-faculty ratios too overwhelming or intimidating.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    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

    The University of Notre Dame, a private Catholic, non-profit, four-year research university, is affiliated with the Congregation of Holy Cross.

    What we love about Notre Dame:

    The University offers at least 75 graduate programs at master’s and doctoral degree levels through its six Colleges and Schools.

    Notre Dame is ideal for students who:

    Prefer universities with a global network that provides opportunities for collaboration with other universities, grassroots organizations, governments, research centers, and other entities.

    Notre Dame might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer an academic program with a more secular approach.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    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 University of Notre Dame known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Purdue University is a public research university in West Lafayette established in 1869 as a college of “agriculture and the mechanic arts.” It now offers more than 160 graduate programs with both residential and online options at various degrees.

    What we love about Purdue:

    Ranking organizations have placed the school in top positions for various categories, i.e., reputation, affordability, campus culture, and innovation.

    Purdue is ideal for students who:

    Intend to pursue a career in analytical chemistry, communication, education, or engineering fields, all of which received No. 1 rankings from U.S. News & World Report.

    Purdue might not be the best fit for students who:

    Get easily distracted from their studies when pursuing their passion for sports, as the school offers countless game days, fitness spaces, and sports clubs.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Indiana State University

    Terre Haute , IN
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2025 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    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

    Indiana State University is a four-year public institution of higher education that offers graduate programs, including fully online degrees, at certificate, licensure, master’s, doctoral and ed specialist levels.

    What we love about ISU:

    The University’s active engagement with the community prepares students for civic leadership and rewarding careers.

    ISU is ideal for students who:

    Prefer a university with a track record of more than 90% employment placement rate, and 66% of its graduates stay in Indiana.

    ISU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for a wide range of options when it comes to post-baccalaureate academic programs, as the university only offers less than 25.

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Ball State University

    Muncie , IN
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2025 #4 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024 #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

    Ball State University is a public research university offering graduate study programs at certificate, master’s, and doctoral degree levels. It also offers Specialist in Education degrees, Non-Degree Studies (courses only), and Post-Baccalaureate Licensure programs.

    What we love about Ball State:

    The University’s Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) allows undergraduate students to take degree courses to save money and time while pursuing advanced education.

    Ball State is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for a graduate school experience focused on developing their leadership and research skills to make a positive impact on their communities.

    Ball State might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a large campus located in a rural area.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis

    Indianapolis , IN
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #7 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2025 #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Indiana 2024
    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

    Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is a four-year public research university offering Undergraduate as well as professional and graduate degrees through the collaboration of Purdue University and Indiana University.

    What we love about IUPUI:

    It has landed at No. 8 as a nationally ranked university in terms of sustainability.

    IUPUI is ideal for students who:

    Prefer universities where at least 92% of the full-time faculty members hold professional or doctoral degrees.

    IUPUI might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a homogeneous campus community with cohorts or classmates having the same cultural background.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Indianapolis

    Indianapolis , IN
    #8 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2025 #10 Best Christian Colleges 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

    The University of Indianapolis is a private, non-profit school affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The school offers more than 40 graduate, five doctoral, and accelerated adult programs.

    What we love about UIndy:

    It is the only institution offering a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program in Indiana.

    UIndy is ideal for students who:

    Intend to pursue a career in the field of physical therapy, occupational therapy, business, nursing, communication, or education.

    UIndy might not be the best fit for students who:

    Find it too intimidating or uncomfortable being in small class sizes, as faculty can be intrusive.

    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of Southern Indiana

    Evansville , IN
    #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

    The University of Southern Indiana is a four-year public higher education institution that offers more than 60 graduate programs (including at least 35 concentrations) at certificate, master’s, and doctorate-degree levels.

    What we love about USI:

    The University offers its Graduate programs in various flexible modes of course delivery, such as on-campus, online, hybrid, and accelerated options.

    USI is ideal for students who:

    Prefer a midsized university in a suburban area but with proximity to an urban center.

    USI might not be the best fit for students who:

    Have lower than 2.5 undergraduate GPA, or 3.0 GPA for those with graduate credits.

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Anderson College, Indiana

    Anderson , IN
    #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

    Anderson University, formerly known as Anderson College, is a private Christian university in Indiana offering a few graduate programs in 100% online formats.

    What we love about Anderson University:

    100% of students at the University have received financial aid, making college more accessible and affordable.

    Anderson University is ideal for students who:

    Want their academic and professional growth to be influenced by Christian values.

    Anderson University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a large academic community with more than 2,000 students.

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Indiana Institute of Technology

    Fort Wayne , IN
    #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Indiana #8 Best Online Associate Degrees in Indiana 2024 #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $30,446
    Starting Salary: $49,400
    What is Indiana Institute of Technology known for?

    Indiana Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Indiana Institute of Technology is a non-profit, four-year private institution of higher education specializing in providing career-focused degree programs.

    What we love about Indiana Tech:

    It offers around 40 graduate programs at master’s, doctoral, graduate certificate, and post-graduate certificate levels in various modes of course delivery.

    Indiana Tech is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for Graduate-level academic programs available online or in evening/weekend classes.

    Indiana Tech might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a small campus outside of bustling cities.

    Compare school
  13. #11

    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

    Oakland City University is a private, non-profit, four-year Christian university affiliated with the General Association of General Baptists.

    What we love about OCU:

    The faculty members at OCU are committed to ensuring students obtain long-term success in their calling and career.

    OCU is ideal for students who:

    Seek to enhance their professional and personal growth mainly founded on Christian faith and values.

    OCU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Find it challenging to balance their studies and extracurricular activities, considering that OCU is an active campus with 13 competitive NAIA athletic teams and more than 30 student organizations.

    Compare school
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Indiana’s Best Grad School for 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

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

2023 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. Purdue University
  2. University of Notre Dame
  3. Indiana University Bloomington
  4. Ball State University
  5. University of Indianapolis
  6. Anderson College, Indiana
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