Best Research Universities in Indiana 2024
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
- Purdue University
- Indiana University Bloomington
- University of Notre Dame
- Ball State University
- Valparaiso University
- Indiana State University
- Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
- University of Indianapolis
- Indiana University Bloomington
- University of Notre Dame
- Purdue University
- Indiana State University
- Ball State University
- Valparaiso University
- Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
- University of Indianapolis
- Valparaiso University 94%
- Indiana State University 92%
- Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis 83%
- Indiana University Bloomington 82%
- University of Indianapolis 76%
- Ball State University 69%
- Purdue University 53%
- University of Notre Dame 13%
- Indiana University Bloomington 17 to 1
- Indiana State University 16 to 1
- Ball State University 15 to 1
- Purdue University 14 to 1
- Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis 13 to 1
- Valparaiso University 11 to 1
- University of Indianapolis 11 to 1
- University of Notre Dame 9 to 1
- University of Notre Dame $60,301
- Valparaiso University $44,796
- University of Indianapolis $34,972
- Indiana University Bloomington $10,012
- Purdue University $9,718
- Indiana State University $9,452
- Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis $8,972
- Ball State University $8,434
- University of Notre Dame $59,644
- University of Indianapolis $39,992
- Valparaiso University $11,700
- Indiana University Bloomington $10,033
- Purdue University $9,718
- Ball State University $9,636
- Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis $9,366
- Indiana State University $7,884
- University of Indianapolis
- Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
- Indiana State University
- Valparaiso University
- Ball State University
- University of Notre Dame
- Indiana University Bloomington
- Purdue University
- University of Indianapolis
- Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
- Valparaiso University
- Ball State University
- Indiana State University
- Purdue University
- University of Notre Dame
- Indiana University Bloomington
- University of Notre Dame 13%
- Purdue University 53%
- Ball State University 69%
- University of Indianapolis 76%
- Indiana University Bloomington 82%
- Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis 83%
- Indiana State University 92%
- Valparaiso University 94%
- University of Notre Dame 9 to 1
- Valparaiso University 11 to 1
- University of Indianapolis 11 to 1
- Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis 13 to 1
- Purdue University 14 to 1
- Ball State University 15 to 1
- Indiana State University 16 to 1
- Indiana University Bloomington 17 to 1
- Ball State University $8,434
- Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis $8,972
- Indiana State University $9,452
- Purdue University $9,718
- Indiana University Bloomington $10,012
- University of Indianapolis $34,972
- Valparaiso University $44,796
- University of Notre Dame $60,301
- Indiana State University $7,884
- Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis $9,366
- Ball State University $9,636
- Purdue University $9,718
- Indiana University Bloomington $10,033
- Valparaiso University $11,700
- University of Indianapolis $39,992
- 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?
- 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
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
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).
Best Research Universities in Indiana 2023
- #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
- #24 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
- #1 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2024
- #1 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024
- #3 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2024
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Indiana 2024
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana
- #5 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
- #8 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
- #10 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
- #15 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
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: $9,992Expenses: $12,930Starting Salary: $62,200Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Purdue University known for?
Purdue University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
- #2 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2024
- #2 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024
- #1 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs
- #1 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
- #1 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English Programs
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana
- #2 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
- #2 Best Online Degree Completion Programs for Returning Students
- #3 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
- #5 Top 10 Most Affordable English PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
- #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2024
- #6 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
- #6 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #13 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
- #18 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
- #24 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
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: $11,447Expenses: $16,010Starting Salary: $57,800Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Indiana University Bloomington known for?
Indiana University Bloomington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Communications
- Anthropology
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Biology
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2024
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2024
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2024
- #3 Best Colleges 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
- #4 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
$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: $60,301Expenses: $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
- #3 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Indiana
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2024
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Indiana 2024
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana
- #3 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
- #5 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
- #6 Best Online Degree Completion Programs for Returning Students
- #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Information Technology
- #15 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
- #15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
64%
Student body
23K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/25
Career Outlook for degree at Ball State University
Cost of Degree: $10,440Expenses: $15,240Starting Salary: $44,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Ball State University known for?
Ball State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Economics
- Psychology
- Education
- Communications
- Business
- History
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $44,796Expenses: $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
- #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
- #9 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024
- #2 Top 10 Best Online PhD of Information Technology Programs (Doctorates)
- #3 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Indiana
- #5 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
- #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana
- #6 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
- #9 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
44%
Student body
11K
Career Outlook for degree at Indiana State University
Cost of Degree: $9,732Expenses: $14,930Starting Salary: $42,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Indiana State University known for?
Indiana State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Communications
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Biology
- History
- Anthropology
- Psychology
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $10,144Expenses: $14,636Starting Salary: $50,700Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis known for?
Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Political Science
- Nursing
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $34,972Expenses: $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
Find the Best Research Universities in Indiana for Your Area of Interest
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.
Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.