Best Colleges in Indiana for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

Indiana College Guide – What You Need to Know

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Indiana has many strengths as a state, but it is outstanding in the field of post-secondary education. An Indiana bachelor's degree is one to be proud of. Students cross state lines to attend the University of Indiana, clamor for a Notre Dame Degree, and are thrilled to attend Purdue. Those are only three examples of the educational titans that live in the Hoosier State.

The state has a well-deserved reputation for University excellence and students from the state's colleges and universities go on to power the economies in Indianapolis, Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland, among many other important Midwestern cities. When you study hard in an Indiana university, you are sure to graduate with recruiters and hiring executives knocking at your door.

What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Indiana?

Since Indiana has so many top universities, you can study nearly any field you are interested in. These days, some of the hottest growth areas are in healthcare, business, and engineering. Indiana has those fields, and many more, covered. Below you'll find the most popular majors, but each university offers many variations on them and even various departments you might not even be considering at the moment. Make sure that your educational experience involves ample exploration so that you are sure to find the major that interests you.

Top Majors in Indiana

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation


NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*

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Best Associate Degrees in Indiana


The best two-year associate degree programs in Indiana are available through an extensive network of over 40 community college campus locations with over 100 certificate and degree programs available. Many schools in the state offer popular two-year programs that can help you get into a career quickly or provide you with a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree. These include business and management, marketing, computer and information sciences, education, criminal justice and corrections, and health professions.

Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis
College Type
2-year, Private for-profit
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
940
Graduation Rate
53%
Net Price
$21,747
Grads Salary
$42,700
Ivy Tech Community College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
72,689
Graduation Rate
28%
Net Price
$7,208
Grads Salary
$33,300
Vincennes University
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
17,239
Graduation Rate
28%
Net Price
$10,824
Grads Salary
$38,900
Ancilla College
College Type
2-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
386
Graduation Rate
21%
Net Price
$20,942
Grads Salary
$30,700

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Best Bachelor's Degrees in Indiana


In Indiana, the most notable bachelor’s degrees are available from some particularly well known, four-year higher learning institutions, such as Notre Dame. However, no matter which of the following schools you attend, you are guaranteed to have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education in a wide variety of majors. The bachelor’s degree options vary greatly from one school to another but include economics, digital communication, media, multimedia, psychology, nursing, business, education, criminal justice, and many others.

Purdue University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
46,655
Graduation Rate
83%
Net Price
$12,294
Grads Salary
$77,300
University of Notre Dame
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
12,683
Graduation Rate
97%
Net Price
$29,981
Grads Salary
$83,000
Indiana University-Bloomington
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
43,064
Graduation Rate
80%
Net Price
$13,191
Grads Salary
$69,300
Wabash College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
867
Graduation Rate
75%
Net Price
$24,412
Grads Salary
$77,000
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
2,038
Graduation Rate
83%
Net Price
$43,606
Grads Salary
$86,400
Goshen College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
907
Graduation Rate
63%
Net Price
$17,679
Grads Salary
$72,700
Indiana University-East
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
3,766
Graduation Rate
45%
Net Price
$8,675
Grads Salary
$73,000
DePauw University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,972
Graduation Rate
87%
Net Price
$30,183
Grads Salary
$69,100
Saint Mary's College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,580
Graduation Rate
81%
Net Price
$27,121
Grads Salary
$68,000
Indiana Wesleyan University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
3,165
Graduation Rate
72%
Net Price
$21,827
Grads Salary
$68,000
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Best Master's Degrees in Indiana


Individuals in search of the best graduate degrees in Indiana have the option to consider various fields such as English, psychology, small business development and entrepreneurship, communication, social work, business, and more. No matter your focus, whether you want to make your way into academia, need to earn continuing education credits, or if you are looking to expand your career horizons and earn promotions and a higher salary, these master's degree schools and programs have you covered. Learn more about MBA programs in Indiana.

Purdue University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
46,655
Graduation Rate
83%
Net Price
$12,294
Grads Salary
$77,300
University of Notre Dame
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
12,683
Graduation Rate
97%
Net Price
$29,981
Grads Salary
$83,000
Indiana University-Bloomington
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
43,064
Graduation Rate
80%
Net Price
$13,191
Grads Salary
$69,300
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
2,038
Graduation Rate
83%
Net Price
$43,606
Grads Salary
$86,400
Goshen College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
907
Graduation Rate
63%
Net Price
$17,679
Grads Salary
$72,700
Indiana University-East
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
3,766
Graduation Rate
45%
Net Price
$8,675
Grads Salary
$73,000
Saint Mary's College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,580
Graduation Rate
81%
Net Price
$27,121
Grads Salary
$68,000
Indiana Wesleyan University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
3,165
Graduation Rate
72%
Net Price
$21,827
Grads Salary
$68,000
Taylor University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
2,173
Graduation Rate
78%
Net Price
$25,991
Grads Salary
$68,200
Oakland City University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,435
Graduation Rate
57%
Net Price
$12,481
Grads Salary
$66,000
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Cost of Indiana College Education & Salaries


When you decide that pursuing an Indiana bachelor's degree is the path for you, you should perform a cost analysis to square away some practical details. For starters, consider the overall cost of education versus your long-term earnings. It's almost certain that you will have some outstanding student loans upon graduation and that you will also be entering the job market with an entry-level salary. To help defray these costs, look into the student loan deferment program that allows you to work for either a non-profit organization, state, or federal government for a period of time without paying the loans. While your paychecks might not add up to those of your peers, your lack of student loan debt will more than make up for the shortfall.

You should also try to find an in-state public college or university. These schools are generally more affordable than private or out-of-state schools. In fact, sometimes out-of-state students pay as much as three times the tuition of their fellows. Thus, only consider out-of-state programs if they offer something truly unique that will make a significant difference in your long-term earnings.

You can also reduce the cost of your Indiana bachelor's degree by taking core courses from a local community college. Community college instructors are frequently just as well-trained as their University colleagues and they generally lead smaller classes. Thus, you can get the same or better instruction for less money. However, make sure that your community college credits will transfer to your destination university. Even when you attend an in-state community college, the credits don't always transfer, and you might end up re-taking courses or making up a shortfall in some other way.

Finally, when considering the cost of an Indiana bachelor's degree, seek out grants and scholarships. You can often receive grants via your FAFSA application, which don't need to be repaid. Then, seek out other forms of financing that don't come with interest-bearing debt. Further, even if a scholarship only pays for a fraction of your costs, it is an achievement to win and you can add that to your resume.

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College Cost Analysis - Indiana vs National


Average Indiana Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $9,225

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State – $43,762

National Average – $27,437

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Financial Aid Indiana Nationally
Received Federal Grants 59% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $9,686 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a post-secondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Scholarships for Indiana


To make your Indiana college education more affordable, consider applying for grants and scholarships. These can help you pay for books, tuition, and sometimes your room and board. Though many won't cover a full year of tuition, much less your other expenses, it is worth it to apply. For one thing, the money won't hurt, another benefit is that they look great on your resume. If you recruit your family members in the task of researching and applying, you might be able to put a significant dent in your expenses and avoid many student loan payments later on. Do your future-self a favor and apply for as many scholarships as you possibly can.

IUDS

Indiana University's Dean's Scholarships

https://scholarships.indiana.edu/scholarships/achievement/index.html
Amount: $1,000-$11,000
Deadline: November 1
First time first-year students are encouraged to apply for this prestigious scholarship. To qualify, you must demonstrate high academic achievement and likely you will stand out if you also have outstanding extra-curricular activities as well. For instance, you might have a 3.5 GPA and a list of volunteer positions, sporting activities, or even awards from scouting. Awards range from $1-11,000.

PS

Provost's Scholarship

https://scholarships.indiana.edu/scholarships/achievement/index.html
Amount: $1,000-$8,000
Deadline: November 1
This award is also for first-year students at Indiana University. You must demonstrate high academic performance, stellar extra-curricular activities, and impeccable character. While the stated standards only indicate academic performance, if you can show all three you will stand out over others who only have good grades. This scholarship will cover $1-8,000 of your college costs.

FADS

Freshmen Art & Design Scholarship

https://www.usi.edu/liberal-arts/art/scholarships-and-aid/freshman/
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: May 7
This scholarship is for the University of Southern Indiana and is for incoming first-year students wishing to major in Art or Education. To qualify you must submit a portfolio of 8-12 photographs compiled in a single pdf. This scholarship pays $2,500 and is the sort of award that will distinguish your resume for years to come.

HASP

Horatio Alger State Scholarship – Indiana

https://scholars.horatioalger.org/about-our-scholarship-programs/state-scholarships/
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: October 25 or March 15
If you have overcome significant hardships, can demonstrate financial need, and are a good student, you could win this scholarship. The award is $10,000, which would cover most of a year in an Indiana state university.

FWISP

Ft. Wayne Indiana Scholarship Program

https://scholarships.uncf.org/Program/Details/2e7baffe-27ba-4311-9a1a-fb3dc50523f6
Amount: Up to $3,000
Deadline: October 27
If you a resident of the state of Indiana, enrolled as a full-time student in one of the state's four-year institutions, and are preferably studying natural sciences, a business-related field, or high technology, you could win this $3,000 award. Your cumulative GPA should be at least 2.5 and your application should include academic transcripts, an essay, and a letter of recommendation.

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