Best Research Universities in Indiana 2024

Badge for BEST IN INDIANA RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Interested in attending a STEM school in Indiana? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.

10 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2024

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  1. Purdue University
  2. Indiana University Bloomington
  3. University of Notre Dame
  4. Ball State University
  5. Valparaiso University
  6. Indiana State University
  7. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
  8. University of Indianapolis
  1. Indiana University Bloomington
  2. University of Notre Dame
  3. Purdue University
  4. Indiana State University
  5. Ball State University
  6. Valparaiso University
  7. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
  8. University of Indianapolis
  1. Valparaiso University 94%
  2. Indiana State University 92%
  3. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis 83%
  4. Indiana University Bloomington 82%
  5. University of Indianapolis 76%
  6. Ball State University 69%
  7. Purdue University 53%
  8. University of Notre Dame 13%
  1. Indiana University Bloomington 17 to 1
  2. Indiana State University 16 to 1
  3. Ball State University 15 to 1
  4. Purdue University 14 to 1
  5. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis 13 to 1
  6. Valparaiso University 11 to 1
  7. University of Indianapolis 11 to 1
  8. University of Notre Dame 9 to 1
  1. University of Notre Dame $60,301
  2. Valparaiso University $44,796
  3. University of Indianapolis $34,972
  4. Indiana University Bloomington $10,012
  5. Purdue University $9,718
  6. Indiana State University $9,452
  7. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis $8,972
  8. Ball State University $8,434
  1. University of Notre Dame $59,644
  2. University of Indianapolis $39,992
  3. Valparaiso University $11,700
  4. Indiana University Bloomington $10,033
  5. Purdue University $9,718
  6. Ball State University $9,636
  7. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis $9,366
  8. Indiana State University $7,884
  1. University of Indianapolis
  2. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
  3. Indiana State University
  4. Valparaiso University
  5. Ball State University
  6. University of Notre Dame
  7. Indiana University Bloomington
  8. Purdue University
  1. University of Indianapolis
  2. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
  3. Valparaiso University
  4. Ball State University
  5. Indiana State University
  6. Purdue University
  7. University of Notre Dame
  8. Indiana University Bloomington
  1. University of Notre Dame 13%
  2. Purdue University 53%
  3. Ball State University 69%
  4. University of Indianapolis 76%
  5. Indiana University Bloomington 82%
  6. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis 83%
  7. Indiana State University 92%
  8. Valparaiso University 94%
  1. University of Notre Dame 9 to 1
  2. Valparaiso University 11 to 1
  3. University of Indianapolis 11 to 1
  4. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis 13 to 1
  5. Purdue University 14 to 1
  6. Ball State University 15 to 1
  7. Indiana State University 16 to 1
  8. Indiana University Bloomington 17 to 1
  1. Ball State University $8,434
  2. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis $8,972
  3. Indiana State University $9,452
  4. Purdue University $9,718
  5. Indiana University Bloomington $10,012
  6. University of Indianapolis $34,972
  7. Valparaiso University $44,796
  8. University of Notre Dame $60,301
  1. Indiana State University $7,884
  2. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis $9,366
  3. Ball State University $9,636
  4. Purdue University $9,718
  5. Indiana University Bloomington $10,033
  6. Valparaiso University $11,700
  7. University of Indianapolis $39,992
  8. University of Notre Dame $59,644

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

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

Indiana's Best Colleges and Universities Badge
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A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 8 research universities in Indiana. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

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Best Research Universities in Indiana 2023

  1. #1

    Purdue University

    West Lafayette , IN
    #10 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #11 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #13 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #21 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    55K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1335/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Purdue University

    Cost of Degree: $9,992
    Expenses: $12,930
    Starting Salary: $62,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Purdue University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Indiana University Bloomington

    Bloomington , IN
    #14 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #23 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    59K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University Bloomington

    Cost of Degree: $11,447
    Expenses: $16,010
    Starting Salary: $57,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Indiana University Bloomington known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Notre Dame

    Notre Dame , IN
    #3 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #22 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #23 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    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
    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
  5. #5

    Valparaiso University

    Valparaiso , IN
    #2 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/28

    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
    What is Valparaiso University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Indiana State University

    Terre Haute , IN
    #4 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,732
    Expenses: $14,930
    Starting Salary: $42,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Indiana State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis

    Indianapolis , IN
    #6 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Indiana 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis

    Cost of Degree: $10,144
    Expenses: $14,636
    Starting Salary: $50,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of Indianapolis

    Indianapolis , IN
    #7 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2024 #16 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    6K

    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

    Compare school
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Find the Best Research Universities in Indiana for 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 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. Purdue University
  3. Indiana University Bloomington
  4. Valparaiso University
  5. Ball State University
  6. University of Indianapolis

Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.

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