Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2025

Badge for BEST IN INDIANA LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Indiana offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.

Key Takeaways

  • Many liberal arts colleges in Indiana emphasize leadership development, community service, and global citizenship, encouraging students to actively participate in service-learning projects, internships, and leadership programs that prepare them for impactful roles in their communities and careers.
  • Indiana’s top liberal arts colleges have low student-to-faculty ratios, allowing for close relationships with professors and personalized mentorship. This intimate learning environment provides individualized academic support and greater opportunities for student engagement in classroom discussions.
  • Many liberal arts colleges in Indiana offer a broad curriculum that encourages students to explore a wide range of subjects, fostering strong critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that are applicable to various career paths.

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 ten schools in our ranking of the best liberal arts colleges in Indiana saw considerable changes in ranking positions. Vincennes University gained the most ranking positions as the university has developed their Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Program, featuring new hands-on labs equipped with cutting-edge automation and robotics technology to better prepare students for high-demand careers. The university has also enhanced its online learning platforms, offering more flexible course options and hybrid learning models to accommodate working students.

Additionally, VU has strengthened its career services, providing expanded job placement assistance, internships, and partnerships with local industries to support career readiness. These updates reflect VU’s commitment to innovation, flexibility, and workforce development.

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 34 liberal arts colleges in Indiana. To be ranked among the 30 best liberal arts colleges in Indiana, schools must fully accredited institutions.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana

  1. #1

    DePauw University

    Greencastle , IN

    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
  2. #2

    Earlham College

    Richmond , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Earlham College

    Cost of Degree: $51,840
    Expenses: $16,538
    Starting Salary: $39,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 22 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Wabash College

    Crawfordsville , IN

    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
  4. #4

    Butler University

    Indianapolis , IN

    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
  5. #5

    University of Evansville

    Evansville , IN

    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
  6. #6

    Manchester University

    North Manchester , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Manchester University

    Cost of Degree: $37,090
    Expenses: $13,612
    Starting Salary: $43,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. #7

    Goshen College

    Goshen , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Goshen College

    Cost of Degree: $37,760
    Expenses: $15,470
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #8

    Saint Mary's College

    Notre Dame , IN

    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
  9. #9

    Vincennes University

    Vincennes , IN

    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
  10. #10

    Hanover College

    Hanover , IN

    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
  11. #11

    Indiana University East

    Richmond , IN

    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

  12. #12

    Purdue Global

    West Lafayette , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    66K

    What is Purdue Global known for?

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

    Purdue Global’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Analytics
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Exceltrack™ Analytics
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Exceltrack™ Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Excel Track Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Exceltrack Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cloud Computing And Solutions
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Exceltrack™ Cloud Computing And Solutions
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Exceltrack™ Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Exceltrack™ Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Exceltrack™ Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Fire And Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Fire Science
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Legal Support And Services
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Excel Track Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Administration
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Communication
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Services In Youth/Family Services And Administration
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Addictions
    • Applied Behavior Analysis
    • Industrial/Organizational Psychology
    • Addictions
    • Applied Behavior Analysis
    • I/O Psychology
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Policy and Management
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Flight
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Exceltrack™ Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Exceltrack™ Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn-To-Bsn
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health And Wellness
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Information Management
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Science
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn-To-Bsn
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nutrition
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana Wesleyan University

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

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. #14

    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

  15. 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

  16. #16

    Franklin College

    Franklin , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Franklin College

    Cost of Degree: $37,350
    Expenses: $17,500
    Starting Salary: $46,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. 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

  18. #18

    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
  19. #19

    Grace College & Seminary

    Winona Lake , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Grace College & Seminary

    Cost of Degree: $28,942
    Expenses: $12,712
    Starting Salary: $37,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Grace College & Seminary known for?

    Grace College & Seminary’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  20. #20

    Marian University

    Indianapolis , IN

    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

  21. 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
  22. 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:

  23. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University Northwest

    Cost of Degree: $8,179
    Starting Salary: $40,400
    What is Indiana University Northwest known for?

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

  24. #24

    Martin University

    Indianapolis , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Martin University

    Cost of Degree: $12,830
    Starting Salary: $28,600
    What is Martin University known for?

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

  25. #25

    Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

    Saint Mary of the Woods , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    960/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

    Cost of Degree: $32,640
    Expenses: $18,267
    Starting Salary: $31,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College known for?

    Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  26. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University Southeast

    Cost of Degree: $8,179
    Expenses: $14,834
    Starting Salary: $41,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Indiana University Southeast known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  27. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/21

    What is Purdue University Northwest known for?

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

  28. #28

    Huntington University

    Huntington , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Huntington University

    Cost of Degree: $29,982
    Expenses: $13,500
    Starting Salary: $39,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Huntington University known for?

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

  29. Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/21

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Saint Francis

    Cost of Degree: $35,420
    Expenses: $15,740
    Starting Salary: $43,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Saint Francis known for?

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

  30. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University Kokomo

    Cost of Degree: $8,179
    Starting Salary: $40,500
    What is Indiana University Kokomo known for?

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

  31. #31

    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

  32. #32

    Holy Cross College

    Notre Dame , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Holy Cross College

    Cost of Degree: $35,500
    Expenses: $16,696
    Starting Salary: $45,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Holy Cross College known for?

    Holy Cross College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  33. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne

    Cost of Degree: $9,254
    Expenses: $17,048
    Starting Salary: $39,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  34. Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Calumet College of St. Joseph

    Cost of Degree: $22,650
    Expenses: $13,620
    Starting Salary: $47,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Calumet College of St. Joseph known for?

    Calumet College of St. Joseph’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

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Indiana’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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. DePauw University
  2. Earlham College
  3. Hanover College
  4. Goshen College
  5. Wabash College
  6. University of Evansville
  7. Butler University
  8. Indiana Wesleyan University
  9. Saint Mary's College
  10. Taylor University
  11. Manchester University
  12. Franklin College
  13. Grace College & Seminary
  14. Huntington University
  15. Trine University

Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here