Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2023

Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2023
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Indiana provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

10 Best Public Colleges in Indiana

  1. Purdue University
  2. Indiana University Bloomington
  3. Ball State University
  4. Indiana State University
  5. Purdue University Global
  6. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
  7. Indiana University South Bend
  8. Vincennes University
  9. Indiana University East
  10. University of Southern Indiana

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 Public Colleges Badge
Download Badge

This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 15 public universities in Indiana. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Indiana, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.

Back to Top

Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2022

  5. #5

    Purdue University Global

    West Lafayette , IN
    #12 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2023 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2023 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    49K

    What is Purdue University Global known for?

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

    Purdue University 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
  8. #7

    Indiana University South Bend

    South Bend , IN
    #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1035/20

    What is Indiana University South Bend known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  10. #9

    Indiana University East

    Richmond , IN
    #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/21

    What is Indiana University East known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  11. #10

    University of Southern Indiana

    Evansville , IN
    #8 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2023 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/22

    What is University of Southern Indiana known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  13. #11

    Purdue University Northwest

    Hammond , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/22

    What is Purdue University Northwest known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. #12

    Indiana University Southeast

    New Albany , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/20

    What is Indiana University Southeast known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  15. #13

    Indiana University Northwest

    Gary , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    990/20

    What is Indiana University Northwest known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  16. #14

    Indiana University Kokomo

    Kokomo , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    3K

    What is Indiana University Kokomo known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  17. #15

    Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne

    Fort Wayne , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/22

    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

Back to Top

Indiana’s Best Public College in 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
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. Purdue University
  2. Indiana University Bloomington
  3. Ball State University
  4. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis

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

This website uses cookies to enhance the user experience. Read the Privacy Policy for more.