Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2024
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
- University of Notre Dame
- DePauw University
- Valparaiso University
- Earlham College
- Butler University
- University of Evansville
- Wabash College
- Manchester University
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- Goshen College
- University of Notre Dame
- DePauw University
- Wabash College
- Earlham College
- Butler University
- Valparaiso University
- University of Evansville
- Manchester University
- Hanover College
- Goshen College
- University of Saint Francis 99%
- Franklin College 95%
- Valparaiso University 93%
- Goshen College 93%
- Indiana Wesleyan University 92%
- Holy Cross College 86%
- Grace College & Seminary 83%
- Saint Mary's College 83%
- Butler University 81%
- Trine University 79%
- Grace College & Seminary 21 to 1
- Martin University 19 to 1
- Trine University 17 to 1
- Manchester University 15 to 1
- Indiana Wesleyan University 13 to 1
- University of Indianapolis 13 to 1
- Marian University 13 to 1
- Taylor University 13 to 1
- Holy Cross College 13 to 1
- Indiana Institute of Technology 12 to 1
- University of Notre Dame $58,843
- DePauw University $53,896
- Earlham College $49,323
- Saint Mary's College $48,010
- Wabash College $45,850
- Valparaiso University $44,796
- Butler University $43,400
- Hanover College $40,250
- University of Evansville $39,806
- Marian University $36,600
- University of Notre Dame $58,190
- Trine University $43,508
- University of Indianapolis $39,224
- Franklin College $39,114
- Goshen College $29,098
- Saint Mary's College $28,252
- Manchester University $23,100
- Marian University $20,737
- Calumet College of St. Joseph $20,640
- Earlham College $20,533
- Calumet College of St. Joseph
- University of Saint Francis
- Oakland City University
- Grace College & Seminary
- Holy Cross College
- Martin University
- University of Indianapolis
- Huntington University
- Franklin College
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- Calumet College of St. Joseph
- Holy Cross College
- University of Saint Francis
- Oakland City University
- Huntington University
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- Martin University
- Indiana Institute of Technology
- Anderson College, Indiana
- Grace College & Seminary
- University of Notre Dame 15%
- Wabash College 62%
- Anderson College, Indiana 62%
- Indiana Institute of Technology 65%
- DePauw University 65%
- Earlham College 69%
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College 70%
- Oakland City University 73%
- Hanover College 73%
- Marian University 73%
- Anderson College, Indiana 8 to 1
- DePauw University 8 to 1
- Earlham College 8 to 1
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College 8 to 1
- University of Notre Dame 9 to 1
- Saint Mary's College 9 to 1
- Wabash College 9 to 1
- Goshen College 10 to 1
- University of Evansville 10 to 1
- Valparaiso University 11 to 1
- Martin University $13,200
- Calumet College of St. Joseph $20,470
- Oakland City University $25,740
- Huntington University $28,192
- Grace College & Seminary $28,228
- Indiana Institute of Technology $28,840
- Indiana Wesleyan University $28,960
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College $31,425
- Anderson College, Indiana $32,950
- University of Saint Francis $33,390
- Grace College & Seminary $8,054
- Oakland City University $9,000
- Indiana Institute of Technology $10,026
- Anderson College, Indiana $10,868
- Martin University $11,700
- Valparaiso University $11,700
- Huntington University $11,856
- University of Saint Francis $12,418
- Taylor University $12,700
- 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?
- 8 Research Universities
- 34 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 11 Graduate Schools
- 15 Public Colleges & Universities
- 27 Private Colleges & Universities
- 21 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 29 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 16 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- Best Online Colleges
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.
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.
Best Private Colleges in Indiana
- #3 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #20 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024
- #3 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2024
- #3 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2024
- #8 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #13 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
- #14 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
- #19 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #21 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #21 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #23 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #24 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #24 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #6 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
- #9 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
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: $60,301Expenses: $19,910Starting Salary: $98,400Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Notre Dame known for?
University of Notre Dame’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Law
- History
- Business
- Political Science
- Education
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degree
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: $55,410Expenses: $16,800Starting Salary: $66,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is DePauw University known for?
DePauw University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Political Science
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Communications
- History
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024
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: $44,796Expenses: $16,000Starting Salary: $54,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Valparaiso University known for?
Valparaiso University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #15 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #16 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$49K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
73%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1220/26
Career Outlook for degree at Earlham College
Cost of Degree: $50,058Expenses: $15,793Starting Salary: $39,200Cost Recoup Time: 21 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Earlham College known for?
Earlham College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Literature
- Biology
- Engineering
- Political Science
- History
Most Influential Alumni
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: $44,460Expenses: $19,720Starting Salary: $68,900Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Butler University known for?
Butler University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2024 #10 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$40K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
69%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Evansville
Cost of Degree: $41,336Expenses: $17,110Starting Salary: $48,800Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Evansville known for?
University of Evansville’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Business
- Computer Science
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #23 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2024
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: $47,475Expenses: $15,350Starting Salary: $64,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wabash College known for?
Wabash College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Biology
- Philosophy
- History
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
55%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Manchester University
Cost of Degree: $35,772Expenses: $13,128Starting Salary: $43,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Manchester University known for?
Manchester University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Biology
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #15 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Indiana
- #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Indiana 2024
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana
- #6 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2024
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2024
- #10 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
- #15 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
71%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1105/24
Career Outlook for degree at Indiana Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $29,684Expenses: $13,518Starting Salary: $56,200Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Indiana Wesleyan University known for?
Indiana Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Nursing
- Psychology
- History
- Political Science
- Literature
- Education
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #7 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024
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: $36,660Expenses: $14,750Starting Salary: $42,400Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Goshen College known for?
Goshen College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Physics
- Biology
- Religious Studies
- History
- Literature
- Communications
- Political Science
- Nursing
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024
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: $49,930Expenses: $16,280Starting Salary: $51,300Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Saint Mary's College known for?
Saint Mary's College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Physics
- Communications
- Literature
- History
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Social Work
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
77%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Taylor University
Cost of Degree: $37,476Expenses: $14,558Starting Salary: $42,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Taylor University known for?
Taylor University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Physics
- Psychology
- Literature
- Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
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: $41,214Expenses: $15,848Starting Salary: $51,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hanover College known for?
Hanover College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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: $34,080Expenses: $15,920Starting Salary: $41,300Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Anderson College, Indiana known for?
Anderson College, Indiana’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Physics
- Communications
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Business
- Mathematics
- History
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
64%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Marian University
Cost of Degree: $37,600Expenses: $16,971Starting Salary: $46,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Marian University known for?
Marian University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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: $34,890Expenses: $16,520Starting Salary: $49,600Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Trine University known for?
Trine University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Chemistry
- Medical
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Psychology
- Education
- Communications
- Literature
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2024 #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Indiana #8 Best Online Associate Degrees in Indiana 2024 #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
39%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Indiana Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $29,560Starting Salary: $49,400What is Indiana Institute of Technology known for?
Indiana Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential 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: $31,750Expenses: $16,346Starting Salary: $31,900Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
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: $36,136Expenses: $15,855Starting Salary: $46,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Franklin College known for?
Franklin College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Political Science
- Economics
- Biology
- History
- Mathematics
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
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: $28,830Expenses: $12,974Starting Salary: $39,000Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Huntington University known for?
Huntington University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential 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: $34,972Expenses: $16,640Starting Salary: $46,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Indianapolis known for?
University of Indianapolis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Communications
- Social Work
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Business
- Computer Science
- Medical
- History
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$13K
Graduation
25%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Martin University
Cost of Degree: $13,200Starting Salary: $28,600What is Martin University known for?
Martin University’s faculty and alumni have been influential 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: $34,800Expenses: $14,500Starting Salary: $45,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Holy Cross College known for?
Holy Cross College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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: $28,192Expenses: $12,276Starting Salary: $37,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Grace College & Seminary known for?
Grace College & Seminary’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- History
- Literature
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Medical
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
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: $26,400Expenses: $16,082Starting Salary: $37,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Oakland City University known for?
Oakland City University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- History
- Religious Studies
- Biology
- Business
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
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: $34,050Expenses: $15,420Starting Salary: $43,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Saint Francis known for?
University of Saint Francis ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$20K
Graduation
24%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Calumet College of St. Joseph
Cost of Degree: $21,650Expenses: $12,620Starting Salary: $47,800Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Calumet College of St. Joseph known for?
Calumet College of St. Joseph’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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.
- University of Notre Dame
- DePauw University
- Earlham College
- Hanover College
- Goshen College
- Wabash College
- Valparaiso University
- University of Evansville
- Butler University
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- Saint Mary's College
- Taylor University
- Manchester University
- University of Indianapolis
- Franklin College
- Grace College & Seminary
- Huntington University
- Trine University
- Marian University
- 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.