Indiana is famous for hosting one of the biggest single-day events in the world called the Indy 500 motor race, which brings spectators from far and wide. It also has humongous sandwiches, tasty fillings, and other types of food. Asides from this, Indiana has an impressive number of colleges in Indiana that provide proper education to all their students. They have won awards, are renowned for their methods of teaching, and applauded for taking students one step at a time. We have done all the research to find the 10 best colleges in the state.
2024’s Best Colleges in Indiana
- University of Notre Dame
- Purdue University-Main Campus
- Indiana University-Bloomington
- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Goshen College
- DePauw University
- Earlham College
- Ball State University
- Wabash College
- Butler University
University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame is a prestigious private institution in the US that was founded in 1842. It is affiliated with the Catholic church and is animated by a faith that pushes them to seek knowledge and improve mankind. It is internationally recognized as a university that offers students a sound education using a rigorous curriculum to achieve the best results. Notre Dame has tight-knit alumni and faculty that help students learn better and get internship and work opportunities. Additionally, it has a highly ranked School of Architecture, School of Law, and Mendoza College of Business. Students at Notre Dame enjoy a thriving social life and over 20 varsity NCAA divisions I athletic teams to be a part of. Although only freshmen are compelled to live on campus, many other students prefer to live on the vast campus instead of off campus.
It is undoubtedly the best college in Indiana and the 19th in national universities. Notre Dame ranks 25th in best value schools and 11th in best undergraduate teaching. Additionally, it ranks 36th in best undergraduate engineering programs among schools whose highest degree is a doctorate.
It has a 16% acceptance rate and a 95% graduation rate. Applicants may choose whether or not to submit their standardized test scores because the university is test-optional for the 2022 and 2013 application cycles.
Students pay $58,843 for tuition and fees annually. 53% of students receive need-based financial aid and freshmen receive an average financial aid package of $47,029.
- Africana studies
- Computer science
- International economics
- Medieval studies
- Neuroscience and behavior
- Sociology
- Theology
Purdue University-Main Campus
Purdue is a world-renowned public land grant research university that was founded in 1869. It makes the list of best colleges in Indiana because of its top-notch engineering school, a great nursing program, among other outstanding programs that set it apart from other colleges. Purdue convenes a coveted Convocation program annually that brings performers from all over the country, respected scholars, and speakers to entertain and educate students. It has a thriving Greek culture with numerous fraternities and sororities. Additionally, students can participate in clubs and organizations, carry out research, and go on internships to improve their skills.
Purdue ranks 17th among public institutions and 53rd among all institutions in the US. It comes 5th in the list of most innovative schools in the US. In 2020, it was 4th among colleges in the US that pay off the most.
It has a 60% acceptance rate of applicants and a 76% graduation rate of students. Purdue has a test-optional policy for Spring 2022, Summer 2022, and Fall 2022.
Indiana residents pay $9,992 while non-residents pay $28,794 for fees and tuition in a year. Up to 59% of students at Purdue graduate without debt. About 44% of freshmen receive financial aid and the average amount is $19,416, which is mostly in the form of scholarships and grants.
These are a few of the programs available for undergraduate students who decide to pursue an education at Purdue:
- Actuarial science
- Fermentation science
- Hospitality and tourism management
- Linguistics
- Neurobiology and physiology
- Retail management
- Soil and water sciences
- Wildlife
Indiana University-Bloomington
IU Bloomington is the flagship campus of the public research university that was founded in 1820. It has earned its place among Indiana university rankings for being a school that offers its students a strong educational foundation. Students get opportunities to explore a bevy of programs and are inspired to follow their dreams. IU Bloomington has more than 380 study abroad programs that expose students to other cultures and knowledge from various parts of the world. It has over 750 student organizations to promote interaction, physical exercise, and communication. IU Bloomington has expert educators and staff who guide students in research work and encourage creative genius in them.
It ranks 68th in national universities, 26th in top public schools, and 8th in business programs. Indiana University also ranks 71st in best undergraduate teaching and 145th in best value schools.
It has a 78% acceptance rate of applicants and a 76% graduation rate of students. IU Bloomington has a test-optional policy that lets students choose to or not submit test scores during the application process.
Indiana residents pay $11,332 while non-residents pay $38,352 for fees and tuition annually. 71% of students received some form of financial aid in the 2019/2020 academic year. Additionally, IU Bloomington awarded $272 million in grants and scholarships to its students within the same year.
Asides from its thriving and diverse community, IU Bloomington offers over 550 academic programs, some of which are:
- Addiction intervention
- Biochemistry
- Double bass
- Environmental health
- Fashion design
- Informatics
- Marketing
- Water resources
- Youth development
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
It is a private university that focuses on science, mathematics, and engineering. It was founded in 1874 and has since produced graduates who are well-versed with science and technology. Its faculty has won multiple awards for excellence. Rose-Hulman alumni are changing the world one step at a time through innovative programs, mind-reforming speeches, and inspiring achievements. Students have access to top-notch facilities with educators to guide them. The study and recreation areas are designed to inspire students to study and be creative. Research and innovation are a key part of the school’s curriculum. What makes it one of the top colleges in Indiana is its desire for excellence in and out of the classroom that also reflects in the community.
It has ranked the top engineering school for undergraduates for 22 consecutive years.
It has a 74% admission rate and an 82% graduation rate. Applicants have to submit standardized test results because it is not a test-optional school.
Students have to pay $50,619 for fees and tuition annually. The average need-based financial aid package awarded to freshmen in the form of grants or scholarships is $38,185. The school publishes a financial aid newsletter and students are encouraged to apply for financial aid.
97% Class of 2020 placement and it is 28th out of 962 colleges on PayScale’s 20 year ROI.
Here are some of the programs available at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology:
- Biomathematics
- Computer science
- Data science
- Economics
- International studies
- Optical engineering
- Software engineering
Goshen College
It is a Christian liberal arts college in Indiana that was founded in 1894. Goshen College is affiliated with the Mennonite church and is one of the best colleges in Indiana. It is renowned for its emphasis on peace and social justice. It welcomes students from all faiths and backgrounds and teaches them a culture of service. Christ-centeredness, compassionate peacemaking, and passionate learning are some of the values it instills in students. It focuses on integrative, interdisciplinary, and international learning. The goal is to cultivate every student’s passion for learning and instill in them a spirit of faith-filled global citizenship in whatever field of study they choose. Being a small school, students are privy to personal classes and access to educators to lend them a helping hand.
Goshen ranks 8th in best universities in Midwest, 6th in best value schools, and 5th in best undergraduate teaching.
It has a 63% acceptance rate and a 67% graduation rate. First-year applicants into Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022, or Fall 2022 semesters are not obliged to submit test scores because it recognizes the challenges the coronavirus has brought.
Tuition costs $35,230 for students annually. The good news is that 99% of students at Goshen receive financial aid as grants, scholarships, loans, or work-study.
Its undergraduate and graduate programs prepare its students to become global learners. Here are some examples:
- Accounting
- Deaf studies
- Molecular biology and biochemistry
- Nursing
- Public health
- Sustainability studies
- Theatre
DePauw University
DePauw University is a private liberal arts institution that was founded in 1837. It is renowned for its educational methods, exceptional results, and for having one of America’s Schools of Music. DePauw provides a great community and environment to live, learn, and work. It offers an inclusive and diverse space with a rigorous curriculum and learning based on observing and practicing. It is committed to every student’s success earning it a spot among the best Indiana universities.
DePauw ranks 46th in national liberal arts colleges and 49th in best value schools. It also ranks 80th in top performers on social mobility.
It has a 64% acceptance rate of applicants and an 85% graduation rate of students. First-year domestic and international students who are enrolled in a charter, private or public school can choose whether or not to apply with their test scores.
DePauw students are expected to pay $52,900 for tuition and $916 for mandatory fees in the 2021/2022 academic year. On the bright side, up to 90% of students do not pay the full amount because of financial aid.
Listed below are some of DePauw’s programs:
- Actuarial science
- Cellular and molecular biology
- Film studies
- Kinesiology
- Mathematics
- Peace and conflict studies
- Physics
- Romance languages
- Theatre
Earlham College
It is a private liberal arts college that was founded in 1847. Earlham is a Christ-centered school that focuses on commitment to peace and social justice, community decision-making, integrity, and mutual respect. Students learn early on the importance of living and learning in a community that values diversity, inclusion, and equity. Little wonder it is on the list of good colleges in Indiana since it ranks 16th in best value schools. Earlham is one of those schools that support technological innovation and the creation of futuristic learning spaces. Students and faculty are hardworking, have a shared purpose, and strive to reach their individual potential through the freedom of expression.
Earlham ranks 92nd in national liberal arts colleges, 42nd in most innovative schools, and 48th in best undergraduate teaching. Earlham also ranks 20th in best study abroad programs and 135th in top performers on social mobility.
Earlham has a 63% acceptance rate of applicants and a 70% graduation rate of students. The school has a test-optional policy that lets students choose whether or not to submit test scores.
Tuition for the 2021/2022 academic year costs $48,253, but students can apply for need-based financial aid. Earlham awards merit-based financial aid in the form of scholarships.
Some of the majors at Earlham include:
- Art, nature, & conservation
- Creative writing
- Data science
- Global management
- Japanese studies
- Physics and astronomy
- Religion
- Women’s, gender, sexuality studies
Ball State University
Ball State University is a public research university in Indiana that was founded in 1918. It has over 21,000 enrolled students studying undergraduate and graduate programs. It is considered among the top universities in Indiana because of the push it gives students towards success and becoming high achievers. It is renowned for its entrepreneurship program that compels those in the program to write a business plan that will be judged by seasoned business professionals. This panel will decide whether or not their business plan is worth it or needs to be fixed.
Ball has a 77% acceptance rate of applicants and a 57% graduation rate of students. Ball gives students the liberty to choose whether or to not submit standardized test scores. Those who choose to submit them have to do so through an official high school transcript or a testing agency.
Ball State University ranks 202nd in national universities, 49th in first-year experiences, and 70th in most innovative schools. It ranks 104th in top public schools,148th in nursing, and 120th in top performers on social mobility.
Indiana residents pay $8,284 while non-residents pay $25,518 for tuition in the 2021/2022 academic year. 80% of students receive need-based/or merit-based financial aid. Furthermore, Ball offers incoming students 500 scholarships, and it has 329 employers on campus who are looking to hire students.
These are a few majors out of the more than 180 undergraduate majors Ball offers students:
- Advertising
- Business administration
- Economics
- Finance
- Health education and promotion
- Landscape architecture
- Physics education
- Speech-language pathology
- Urban planning and development
- Zoology
Wabash College
Wabash college is a private liberal arts college for men that was founded in 1832. It has the best alumni network in the US and features at the top of school rankings in Indiana. The drive for excellence and love for greatness is what sets Wabash faculty and students apart. Aside from the rigorous educational curriculum and programs it offers, Wabash students have a strong competitive spirit, go on internships, and share new ideas. This creates an environment where every student feels accepted and prompted to do their utmost. Wabash has an active and vibrant community that highly encourages recreation and sports activities.
This is why it ranks 6th among schools where everyone plays intramural sports. It also ranks 6th among colleges with lots of Greek life because of its fraternities. Additionally, Wabash ranks 4th in most accessible to professors, 7th in best career services, and 3rd in best internship opportunities.
Wabash has a 64% acceptance rate and a 72% graduation rate. Students are not compelled to submit standardized test results.
Students have to pay $45,000 for tuition. However, those who have financial constraints can visit the financial aid office to apply for aid.
Here are some majors at Wabash College:
- Art
- Computer science
- English
- Financial economics
- Greek
- Latin
- Modern languages
- Philosophy
- Rhetoric
- Theatre
Butler University
Butler University is a private institution that was founded in 1855. It offers one of the best education among Indiana universities and colleges. Butler University ranks 1st in undergraduate because of its well-read educators who use advanced methods to help students properly comprehend their work. The innovative nature of Butler’s faculty and staff is evident, and that is why Butler is ranked the 1st in most innovative schools.
Students are encouraged to think more, experiment, and come up with discoveries. It also ranks 1st in regional universities in the Midwest and 36th in best value schools. Furthermore, veterans have a special place in Butler and that’s why it is the 1st in best colleges for veterans. Despite all this, Butler students still have time to be part of sports and other activities to relax their bodies and free their minds.
Butler University has a 73% acceptance rate and a 76% graduation rate. Applicants no longer have to submit standardized tests during the application process.
Students have to pay $42,360 for tuition in a year. However, 92% of undergraduate students at Butler receive financial aid in the form of scholarships or grants and the average undergraduate gets $20,697.
Here are some majors at Butler University:
- Art history
- Business
- Classics
- Education
- Health sciences
- Individualized major
- Organizational communication and leadership
- Pre-occupational therapy
- Risk management and insurance
Why Study in Indiana?
Indiana is a spectacular state if you are looking for beautiful scenery, engaging events, and bubbly people. It is an agricultural state that considers food to be a part of its culture. Indiana is the perfect state to study if you are a sports junkie and are fascinated by sporting events. It also has highly-rated colleges in the U.S. that are known for producing professionals in every sector. Attending college in Indiana is an exciting experience because there is so much to see and much more to do.
Conclusion
All colleges in Indiana offer students education in a unique way. The best of them are not only affordable, but they also offer students high amounts of financial aid. It comes in the form of institutional, government, or outside financial aid. It helps students finance their education and keeps others out of debt when they graduate. Whatever it is you seek, at least one of these schools has it in store for you, you just have to carefully go through the school’s website, read what it offers, and apply if it is in line with your goals and ambitions.
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