Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN INDIANA

Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in Indiana. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024

Sort by:
  1. Purdue University
  2. Indiana University Bloomington
  3. Ball State University
  4. Indiana State University
  5. Purdue Global
  6. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
  7. Indiana University South Bend
  8. Vincennes University
  9. Indiana University East
  10. University of Southern Indiana
  1. Indiana University Bloomington
  2. Purdue University
  3. Indiana State University
  4. Ball State University
  5. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
  6. Vincennes University
  7. Indiana University East
  8. Purdue Global
  9. Indiana University South Bend
  10. University of Southern Indiana
  1. University of Southern Indiana 94%
  2. Indiana State University 92%
  3. Indiana University South Bend 87%
  4. Indiana University Kokomo 86%
  5. Indiana University Southeast 85%
  6. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis 83%
  7. Indiana University Bloomington 82%
  8. Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne 81%
  9. Indiana University Northwest 80%
  10. Indiana University East 78%
  1. Purdue Global 26 to 1
  2. Vincennes University 23 to 1
  3. Indiana University Bloomington 17 to 1
  4. University of Southern Indiana 16 to 1
  5. Indiana State University 16 to 1
  6. Ball State University 15 to 1
  7. Purdue University Northwest 15 to 1
  8. Purdue University 14 to 1
  9. Indiana University Kokomo 14 to 1
  10. Indiana University East 13 to 1
  1. Martin University $13,200
  2. Purdue Global $10,080
  3. Indiana University Bloomington $10,012
  4. Purdue University $9,718
  5. Indiana State University $9,452
  6. University of Southern Indiana $9,095
  7. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis $8,972
  8. Ball State University $8,434
  9. Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne $7,815
  10. Indiana University East $7,274
  1. Martin University $11,700
  2. University of Southern Indiana $10,117
  3. Indiana University Bloomington $10,033
  4. Purdue University $9,718
  5. Ball State University $9,636
  6. Purdue Global $9,472
  7. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis $9,366
  8. Indiana State University $7,884
  9. Indiana University East $7,746
  10. Indiana University South Bend $7,746
  1. Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne
  2. Indiana University Kokomo
  3. Indiana University Northwest
  4. Martin University
  5. Indiana University Southeast
  6. Purdue University Northwest
  7. University of Southern Indiana
  8. Indiana University East
  9. Vincennes University
  10. Indiana University South Bend
  1. Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne
  2. Indiana University Kokomo
  3. Purdue University Northwest
  4. Indiana University Southeast
  5. Martin University
  6. Indiana University Northwest
  7. University of Southern Indiana
  8. Indiana University South Bend
  9. Purdue Global
  10. Indiana University East
  1. Purdue University 53%
  2. Ball State University 69%
  3. Purdue University Northwest 73%
  4. Indiana University East 78%
  5. Indiana University Northwest 80%
  6. Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne 81%
  7. Indiana University Bloomington 82%
  8. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis 83%
  9. Indiana University Southeast 85%
  10. Indiana University Kokomo 86%
  1. Martin University 6 to 1
  2. Indiana University South Bend 12 to 1
  3. Indiana University Southeast 12 to 1
  4. Indiana University Northwest 12 to 1
  5. Indiana University East 13 to 1
  6. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis 13 to 1
  7. Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne 13 to 1
  8. Purdue University 14 to 1
  9. Indiana University Kokomo 14 to 1
  10. Ball State University 15 to 1
  1. Vincennes University $6,116
  2. Purdue University Northwest $7,038
  3. Indiana University East $7,274
  4. Indiana University South Bend $7,274
  5. Indiana University Southeast $7,274
  6. Indiana University Kokomo $7,274
  7. Indiana University Northwest $7,274
  8. Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne $7,815
  9. Ball State University $8,434
  10. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis $8,972
  1. Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne $5,945
  2. Purdue University Northwest $6,021
  3. Indiana University East $7,746
  4. Indiana University South Bend $7,746
  5. Indiana University Southeast $7,746
  6. Indiana University Kokomo $7,746
  7. Indiana University Northwest $7,746
  8. Indiana State University $7,884
  9. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis $9,366
  10. Purdue Global $9,472

Key Takeaways

  • The most affordable colleges in Indiana provide a high caliber of education at reasonable costs.
  • The most affordable institutions in Indiana have an average tuition and fee cost of $9K. Indiana colleges and universities offer several financial aid packages.
  • Indiana has many programs, including graduate degree options, online degrees, and undergraduate majors in numerous academic disciplines. Local and international students are welcome to apply.

Indiana’s Inexpensive College Options

Indiana has a lot to offer prospective college students, from well-known universities like Ball State University Muncie and Purdue University to small private colleges known for specialized study. Indiana is home to a large number of well-regarded universities that provide students with a wide range of engaging programs.

Indiana has it all: small campuses, engineering specialist schools, and religious colleges!

College Cost in Indiana

According to recent data, the average yearly cost of tuition for in-state students attending public colleges in Indiana was $9,268; for out-of-state students attending public colleges, it was $29,533; and for students attending private educational institutions, it was $34,263.

The average annual cost of public education for in-state students in Indiana is $19,985, considering costs like room and board. At a private university, a bachelor’s degree costs $46,504 a year, including room and board.

You can get the lowest tuition by going to school in your home state and winning scholarships, and attending school online can help you save on costs such as housing and transportation.

Financial Aid in Indiana

College affordability is the responsibility of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, which manages finances for students attending public and private institutions in the state. You can apply for scholarships, check application deadlines, and appeal financial assistance decisions via the organization’s website.

The state funds organizations and secondary schools that assist low-income kids in obtaining inexpensive college preparation grants. These monies can be used by groups and schools for a variety of activities, including FAFSA support, SAT preparation, and college visits.

10 of the cheapest colleges with the some of the largest financial aid packages include:

  • Indiana University Bloomington
  • Purdue University Main Campus
  • Indiana University Purdue University - Indianapolis
  • Ball State University
  • Indiana University Northwest
  • Indiana University East
  • Purdue University Northwest
  • Indiana University Southeast
  • Indiana University South Bend
  • Indiana University Kokomo

Indiana Government Aid

The state of Indiana has reduced the cost of attending college for many students, particularly teachers, veterans, and their dependents.

Some of the best programs provided by the state include:

Back to Top

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 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities Badge
Download Badge

There are 16 colleges and universities in Indiana with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Indiana is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges. To check out the full list of Indiana’s best colleges, check out our ranking.

Back to Top

Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2023

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. #1

    Purdue University

    West Lafayette , IN
    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
  2. 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
  3. #5

    Purdue Global

    West Lafayette , IN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    66K

    What is Purdue Global known for?

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

    Purdue 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
  4. 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

  5. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University South Bend

    Cost of Degree: $7,941
    Expenses: $12,514
    Starting Salary: $38,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Indiana University South Bend known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  6. #8

    Vincennes University

    Vincennes , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    19K

    Career Outlook for degree at Vincennes University

    Cost of Degree: $6,654
    Expenses: $15,910
    Starting Salary: $36,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University East

    Cost of Degree: $7,941
    Starting Salary: $34,800
    What is Indiana University East known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  8. 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

  9. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/21

    What is Purdue University Northwest known for?

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

  10. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University Southeast

    Cost of Degree: $7,941
    Expenses: $14,336
    Starting Salary: $41,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Indiana University Southeast known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  11. #13

    Martin University

    Indianapolis , IN

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Martin University

    Cost of Degree: $13,200
    Starting Salary: $28,600
    What is Martin University known for?

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

  12. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University Northwest

    Cost of Degree: $7,941
    Starting Salary: $40,400
    What is Indiana University Northwest known for?

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

  13. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University Kokomo

    Cost of Degree: $7,941
    Starting Salary: $40,500
    What is Indiana University Kokomo known for?

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

  14. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne

    Cost of Degree: $8,985
    Expenses: $14,853
    Starting Salary: $39,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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 Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive
  1. Vincennes University
  2. Indiana University Kokomo
  3. Indiana University South Bend
  4. Indiana University East
  5. Indiana University Southeast
  6. Indiana University Northwest
  7. University of Southern Indiana
  8. Indiana State University
  9. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
  10. Ball State University
  11. Purdue University
  12. Indiana University Bloomington
  13. Martin University
  14. International Business College
  15. Purdue Global
  16. Calumet College of St. Joseph
Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here