Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2026

Badge for BEST IN INDIANA PRIVATE COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Updated:

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Indiana.

Key Takeaways

  • With excellent student-to-faculty ratios, colleges at one of the best private colleges in Indiana offer personalized attention, fostering close interactions between students and professors.
  • The best private colleges in Indiana provide robust alumni networks and dedicated career services, facilitating internships and job placements for students.
  • Many of the colleges in our ranking feature unique programs; for example, Earldom College is renowned for its engineering curriculum, while DePauw offers a Winter Term for immersive learning experiences.

10 Best Private Colleges in Indiana in 2026

  1. University of Notre Dame
  2. DePauw University
  3. Earlham College
  4. Wabash College
  5. Valparaiso University
  6. Butler University
  7. University of Evansville
  8. Hanover College
    +3
  9. Manchester University
    –1
  10. Saint Mary's College

This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 27 private universities in Indiana. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in Indiana, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

Below you’ll find the institutions that most consistently meet broad academic standards and undergraduate breadth. Use the list to compare options by program strength, campus size, cost, and student outcomes; look beyond rank order to match curricula, experiential opportunities, and campus culture to your goals. Where relevant, we flag distinctive programs and institutional strengths so you can quickly narrow choices for campus visits, applications, or financial planning.

Best Private Colleges in Indiana

  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

    DePauw University

    Greencastle , IN
    #1 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2026 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2026 #4 Best 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
  3. #3

    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
  4. #4

    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 #7 Best 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
  6. #5

    Valparaiso University

    Valparaiso , IN
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2026 #4 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2026 #6 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2026 #9 Best Colleges 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
  7. #6

    Butler University

    Indianapolis , IN
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2026 #10 Best 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
  8. #7

    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 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees

    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
  9. #8

    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

    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
  10. #9

    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
  12. #10

    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

    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
  13. #11

    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
  14. #12

    University of Indianapolis

    Indianapolis , IN
    #7 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2026 #8 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2026 #9 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2026 #15 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Indianapolis

    Cost of Degree: $36,136
    Expenses: $19,566
    Starting Salary: $58,791
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

    Compare school
  15. #13

    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
  16. #14

    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
  18. #15

    Franklin College

    Franklin , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Franklin College

    Cost of Degree: $37,350
    Expenses: $17,500
    Starting Salary: $61,877
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Franklin College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    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
  20. #17

    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
  21. #18

    Grace College & Seminary

    Winona Lake , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Grace College & Seminary

    Cost of Degree: $28,942
    Expenses: $12,712
    Starting Salary: $49,160
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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

    Compare school
  22. #19

    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
  24. #20

    Indiana Institute of Technology

    Fort Wayne , IN
    #10 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2026 #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Indiana #8 Best Online Associate Degrees in Indiana 2026 #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $30,446
    Starting Salary: $47,076
    What is Indiana Institute of Technology known for?

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

    Compare school
  25. #21

    Martin University

    Indianapolis , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Martin University known for?

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

    Compare school
  26. #22

    Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

    Saint Mary of the Woods , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    972/16

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

    Cost of Degree: $32,640
    Expenses: $18,267
    Starting Salary: $47,279
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Holy Cross College

    Notre Dame , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Holy Cross College

    Cost of Degree: $35,500
    Expenses: $16,696
    Starting Salary: $58,101
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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

    Compare school
  28. #24

    Huntington University

    Huntington , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1040/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Huntington University

    Cost of Degree: $29,982
    Expenses: $13,500
    Starting Salary: $46,983
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Huntington University known for?

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

    Compare school
  30. #25

    Oakland City University

    Oakland City , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Oakland City University

    Cost of Degree: $27,150
    Expenses: $15,815
    Starting Salary: $53,253
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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

    Compare school
  31. #26

    University of Saint Francis

    Fort Wayne , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    970/20

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Saint Francis

    Cost of Degree: $35,420
    Expenses: $15,740
    Starting Salary: $56,484
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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:

    Compare school
  32. #27

    Calumet College of St. Joseph

    Whiting , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Graduation

    27%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Calumet College of St. Joseph

    Cost of Degree: $22,650
    Expenses: $13,620
    Starting Salary: $50,059
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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:

    Compare school
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Indiana’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area 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. Hanover College
  5. Goshen College
  6. Wabash College
  7. Valparaiso University
  8. University of Evansville
  9. Butler University
  10. Indiana Wesleyan University
  11. Saint Mary's College
  12. Taylor University
  13. Manchester University
  14. University of Indianapolis
  15. Franklin College
  16. Grace College & Seminary
  17. Huntington University
  18. Trine University
  19. Marian University
  20. University of Saint Francis

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

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