Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2024

Badge for BEST IN INDIANA GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Indiana offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

10 Best Grad Schools in Indiana

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  1. Purdue University
  2. Indiana University Bloomington
  3. University of Notre Dame
  4. Ball State University
  5. Indiana State University
  6. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
  7. Anderson College, Indiana
  8. University of Southern Indiana
  9. Indiana Institute of Technology
  10. University of Indianapolis
  1. Indiana University Bloomington
  2. University of Notre Dame
  3. Purdue University
  4. Indiana State University
  5. Ball State University
  6. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
  7. University of Indianapolis
  8. University of Southern Indiana
  9. Anderson College, Indiana
  10. Indiana Institute of Technology
  1. University of Southern Indiana 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. Indiana Institute of Technology 65%
  8. Oakland City University 56%
  9. Purdue University 53%
  10. Anderson College, Indiana 52%
  1. Indiana University Bloomington 17 to 1
  2. University of Southern Indiana 16 to 1
  3. Indiana State University 16 to 1
  4. Ball State University 15 to 1
  5. Indiana Institute of Technology 15 to 1
  6. Purdue University 14 to 1
  7. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis 13 to 1
  8. University of Indianapolis 11 to 1
  9. Oakland City University 11 to 1
  10. Anderson College, Indiana 9 to 1
  1. University of Notre Dame $60,301
  2. University of Indianapolis $34,972
  3. Anderson College, Indiana $34,080
  4. Indiana Institute of Technology $29,560
  5. Oakland City University $26,400
  6. Indiana University Bloomington $10,012
  7. Purdue University $9,718
  8. Indiana State University $9,452
  9. University of Southern Indiana $9,095
  10. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis $8,972
  1. University of Notre Dame $59,644
  2. University of Indianapolis $39,992
  3. Anderson College, Indiana $11,826
  4. Indiana Institute of Technology $10,224
  5. University of Southern Indiana $10,117
  6. Indiana University Bloomington $10,033
  7. Purdue University $9,718
  8. Ball State University $9,636
  9. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis $9,366
  10. Oakland City University $9,000
  1. Oakland City University
  2. University of Indianapolis
  3. Indiana Institute of Technology
  4. University of Southern Indiana
  5. Anderson College, Indiana
  6. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
  7. Indiana State University
  8. Ball State University
  9. University of Notre Dame
  10. Indiana University Bloomington
  1. Oakland City University
  2. Indiana Institute of Technology
  3. Anderson College, Indiana
  4. University of Southern Indiana
  5. University of Indianapolis
  6. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
  7. Ball State University
  8. Indiana State University
  9. Purdue University
  10. University of Notre Dame
  1. University of Notre Dame 13%
  2. Anderson College, Indiana 52%
  3. Purdue University 53%
  4. Oakland City University 56%
  5. Indiana Institute of Technology 65%
  6. Ball State University 69%
  7. University of Indianapolis 76%
  8. Indiana University Bloomington 82%
  9. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis 83%
  10. Indiana State University 92%
  1. Anderson College, Indiana 9 to 1
  2. University of Notre Dame 9 to 1
  3. University of Indianapolis 11 to 1
  4. Oakland City University 11 to 1
  5. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis 13 to 1
  6. Purdue University 14 to 1
  7. Ball State University 15 to 1
  8. Indiana Institute of Technology 15 to 1
  9. University of Southern Indiana 16 to 1
  10. Indiana State University 16 to 1
  1. Ball State University $8,434
  2. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis $8,972
  3. University of Southern Indiana $9,095
  4. Indiana State University $9,452
  5. Purdue University $9,718
  6. Indiana University Bloomington $10,012
  7. Oakland City University $26,400
  8. Indiana Institute of Technology $29,560
  9. Anderson College, Indiana $34,080
  10. University of Indianapolis $34,972
  1. Indiana State University $7,884
  2. Oakland City University $9,000
  3. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis $9,366
  4. Ball State University $9,636
  5. Purdue University $9,718
  6. Indiana University Bloomington $10,033
  7. University of Southern Indiana $10,117
  8. Indiana Institute of Technology $10,224
  9. Anderson College, Indiana $11,826
  10. University of Indianapolis $39,992

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


Indiana's Best Grad Schools Badge
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There are 11 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Indiana. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Indiana is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2023

  1. #1

    Purdue University

    West Lafayette , IN
    #10 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #11 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #12 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #13 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 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 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 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 #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

    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
  7. #6

    Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis

    Indianapolis , IN
    #6 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #7 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2024 #6 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
  8. #7

    Anderson College, Indiana

    Anderson , IN
    #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/21

    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
    What is Anderson College, Indiana known for?

    Anderson College, Indiana’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of Southern Indiana

    Evansville , IN
    #10 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern Indiana

    Cost of Degree: $9,695
    Expenses: $13,558
    Starting Salary: $40,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Southern Indiana known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Indiana Institute of Technology

    Fort Wayne , IN
    #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

    $30K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    37%

    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:

    Compare school
  11. #10

    University of Indianapolis

    Indianapolis , IN
    #8 Best Research Universities in Indiana 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
  13. #11

    Oakland City University

    Oakland City , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/20

    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

    Compare school
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Indiana’s Best Grad School 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

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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. University of Notre Dame
  3. Indiana University Bloomington
  4. Ball State University
  5. University of Indianapolis
  6. Anderson College, Indiana
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