Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2024

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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.

10 Best Private Colleges in Indiana

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  1. University of Notre Dame
  2. DePauw University
  3. Valparaiso University
  4. Earlham College
  5. Butler University
  6. University of Evansville
  7. Wabash College
  8. Manchester University
  9. Indiana Wesleyan University
  10. Goshen College
  1. University of Notre Dame
  2. DePauw University
  3. Wabash College
  4. Earlham College
  5. Butler University
  6. Valparaiso University
  7. University of Evansville
  8. Manchester University
  9. Hanover College
  10. Goshen College
  1. University of Saint Francis 99%
  2. Franklin College 95%
  3. Valparaiso University 93%
  4. Goshen College 93%
  5. Indiana Wesleyan University 92%
  6. Holy Cross College 86%
  7. Grace College & Seminary 83%
  8. Saint Mary's College 83%
  9. Butler University 81%
  10. Trine University 79%
  1. Grace College & Seminary 21 to 1
  2. Martin University 19 to 1
  3. Trine University 17 to 1
  4. Manchester University 15 to 1
  5. Indiana Wesleyan University 13 to 1
  6. University of Indianapolis 13 to 1
  7. Marian University 13 to 1
  8. Taylor University 13 to 1
  9. Holy Cross College 13 to 1
  10. Indiana Institute of Technology 12 to 1
  1. University of Notre Dame $58,843
  2. DePauw University $53,896
  3. Earlham College $49,323
  4. Saint Mary's College $48,010
  5. Wabash College $45,850
  6. Valparaiso University $44,796
  7. Butler University $43,400
  8. Hanover College $40,250
  9. University of Evansville $39,806
  10. Marian University $36,600
  1. University of Notre Dame $58,190
  2. Trine University $43,508
  3. University of Indianapolis $39,224
  4. Franklin College $39,114
  5. Goshen College $29,098
  6. Saint Mary's College $28,252
  7. Manchester University $23,100
  8. Marian University $20,737
  9. Calumet College of St. Joseph $20,640
  10. Earlham College $20,533
  1. Calumet College of St. Joseph
  2. University of Saint Francis
  3. Oakland City University
  4. Grace College & Seminary
  5. Holy Cross College
  6. Martin University
  7. University of Indianapolis
  8. Huntington University
  9. Franklin College
  10. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
  1. Calumet College of St. Joseph
  2. Holy Cross College
  3. University of Saint Francis
  4. Oakland City University
  5. Huntington University
  6. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
  7. Martin University
  8. Indiana Institute of Technology
  9. Anderson College, Indiana
  10. Grace College & Seminary
  1. University of Notre Dame 15%
  2. Wabash College 62%
  3. Anderson College, Indiana 62%
  4. Indiana Institute of Technology 65%
  5. DePauw University 65%
  6. Earlham College 69%
  7. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College 70%
  8. Oakland City University 73%
  9. Hanover College 73%
  10. Marian University 73%
  1. Anderson College, Indiana 8 to 1
  2. DePauw University 8 to 1
  3. Earlham College 8 to 1
  4. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College 8 to 1
  5. University of Notre Dame 9 to 1
  6. Saint Mary's College 9 to 1
  7. Wabash College 9 to 1
  8. Goshen College 10 to 1
  9. University of Evansville 10 to 1
  10. Valparaiso University 11 to 1
  1. Martin University $13,200
  2. Calumet College of St. Joseph $20,470
  3. Oakland City University $25,740
  4. Huntington University $28,192
  5. Grace College & Seminary $28,228
  6. Indiana Institute of Technology $28,840
  7. Indiana Wesleyan University $28,960
  8. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College $31,425
  9. Anderson College, Indiana $32,950
  10. University of Saint Francis $33,390
  1. Grace College & Seminary $8,054
  2. Oakland City University $9,000
  3. Indiana Institute of Technology $10,026
  4. Anderson College, Indiana $10,868
  5. Martin University $11,700
  6. Valparaiso University $11,700
  7. Huntington University $11,856
  8. University of Saint Francis $12,418
  9. Taylor University $12,700
  10. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College $13,500

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

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Indiana's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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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.

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Best Private Colleges in Indiana

  1. #1

    University of Notre Dame

    Notre Dame , IN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    15%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1475/33

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Notre Dame

    Cost of Degree: $60,301
    Expenses: $19,910
    Starting Salary: $98,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    DePauw University

    Greencastle , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/25

    Career Outlook for degree at DePauw University

    Cost of Degree: $55,410
    Expenses: $16,800
    Starting Salary: $66,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Valparaiso University

    Valparaiso , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Valparaiso University

    Cost of Degree: $44,796
    Expenses: $16,000
    Starting Salary: $54,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #5

    Butler University

    Indianapolis , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Butler University

    Cost of Degree: $44,460
    Expenses: $19,720
    Starting Salary: $68,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #6

    University of Evansville

    Evansville , IN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Evansville

    Cost of Degree: $41,336
    Expenses: $17,110
    Starting Salary: $48,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. #7

    Wabash College

    Crawfordsville , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Wabash College

    Cost of Degree: $47,475
    Expenses: $15,350
    Starting Salary: $64,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. #8

    Manchester University

    North Manchester , IN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Manchester University

    Cost of Degree: $35,772
    Expenses: $13,128
    Starting Salary: $43,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #10

    Goshen College

    Goshen , IN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1057/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Goshen College

    Cost of Degree: $36,660
    Expenses: $14,750
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #11

    Saint Mary's College

    Notre Dame , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1164/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Mary's College

    Cost of Degree: $49,930
    Expenses: $16,280
    Starting Salary: $51,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. #12

    Taylor University

    Upland , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Taylor University

    Cost of Degree: $37,476
    Expenses: $14,558
    Starting Salary: $42,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. #13

    Hanover College

    Hanover , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Hanover College

    Cost of Degree: $41,214
    Expenses: $15,848
    Starting Salary: $51,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  12. Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Anderson College, Indiana

    Cost of Degree: $34,080
    Expenses: $15,920
    Starting Salary: $41,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  13. #15

    Marian University

    Indianapolis , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Marian University

    Cost of Degree: $37,600
    Expenses: $16,971
    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

  14. #16

    Trine University

    Angola , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Trine University

    Cost of Degree: $34,890
    Expenses: $16,520
    Starting Salary: $49,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

    $29K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $29,560
    Starting Salary: $49,400
    What is Indiana Institute of Technology known for?

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

  16. #18

    Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

    Saint Mary of the Woods , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1025/19

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

    Cost of Degree: $31,750
    Expenses: $16,346
    Starting Salary: $31,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 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

  17. #19

    Franklin College

    Franklin , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Franklin College

    Cost of Degree: $36,136
    Expenses: $15,855
    Starting Salary: $46,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. #20

    Huntington University

    Huntington , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Huntington University

    Cost of Degree: $28,830
    Expenses: $12,974
    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:

  19. #21

    University of Indianapolis

    Indianapolis , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/21

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Indianapolis

    Cost of Degree: $34,972
    Expenses: $16,640
    Starting Salary: $46,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

  20. #22

    Martin University

    Indianapolis , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Martin University

    Cost of Degree: $13,200
    Starting Salary: $28,600
    What is Martin University known for?

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

  21. #23

    Holy Cross College

    Notre Dame , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Holy Cross College

    Cost of Degree: $34,800
    Expenses: $14,500
    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

  22. #24

    Grace College & Seminary

    Winona Lake , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Grace College & Seminary

    Cost of Degree: $28,192
    Expenses: $12,276
    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

  23. #25

    Oakland City University

    Oakland City , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1024/18

    Career Outlook for degree at Oakland City University

    Cost of Degree: $26,400
    Expenses: $16,082
    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

  24. Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/22

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Saint Francis

    Cost of Degree: $34,050
    Expenses: $15,420
    Starting Salary: $43,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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:

  25. Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Calumet College of St. Joseph

    Cost of Degree: $21,650
    Expenses: $12,620
    Starting Salary: $47,800
    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:

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Indiana’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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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