Best Colleges in Indiana

“The Crossroads of America,” Indiana, is a Midwestern state with more than 50 colleges within its 35,000+ square feet. Colleges in Indiana are largely private not-for-profit institutions or public universities, the largest 4-year by enrollment being Indiana University. The most nationally prestigious in The Hoosier State is the University of Notre Dame. Indiana experiences cold winters and hot, wet summers, and its largest industries are in advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, energy, and aerospace and aviation. Indiana has the second-largest automotive industry in the nation and is also home to the Indy 500. The Indiana Dunes, Conner Prairie, and Amish country are popular attractions in this state.

How Were the Top Schools in Indiana Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

Explore the Best Universities in Indiana with Appily!

Create a Appily account to start saving schools to your personal list. Wondering where you stand when applying to the best universities in the USA? You can also see your chances of acceptance and get insights into your target, reach, and likely schools.

Franklin College

Founded in 1834, Franklin College is a private liberal arts and sciences college located in Franklin, Indiana, about 20 miles from downtown Indianapolis. Franklin's 207-acre campus features 50 majors to choose from that uphold the FC common set of...

“…

Franklin College is providing me with an amazing experience. The professors have proven to want to help me be better at what I want to do in my career. I have zero complaints about the college.

” – Timothy from Camby, IN
University of Indianapolis

Originally founded as Indiana Central University, the University of Indianapolis is a 4-year private school affiliated with the United Methodist Church. UIndy confers undergraduate degrees in over 100 academic fields of study including the only...

“…

University of Indianapolis has challenged me academically but has given me the resources I need to succeed at a higher level.

” – kimberly from Sellersburg, IN
College placeholder image

Trine University is a private, 4-year institution established in Angola, Indiana. The college features a number of special academic opportunities, such as the Lifetime Guarantee program which promises graduation within 4 years, the Four Plus One...

Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is the result of a merger between Indiana University and Purdue University and offers degrees from both institutions. IUPUI hosts 17 schools granting degrees in over 350 areas of study. Additionally...

“…

I am learning so much from being at IUPUI. Learning new things from my major as well as new ways do do things from subjects I have already taken in high school. Aside from the classroom learning, I have learned so much about others background since...

” – Ian from Gary, IN
Indiana Institute of Technology

Indiana Tech, is a 4-year college located in Fort Wayne, IN, that was founded in 1930. Indiana Tech offers 58 career-focused degree programs through their seven academic divisions, as well as a Discovery Track for students who aren’t quite sure which...

“…

The professors get to know you and help you out a lot. Which you will most likely not find at a larger school.

” – Justin from Markleville, IN
Oakland City University

Oakland City University is a Christian college in southwest Indiana and the only college affiliated with the General Baptist Church in the nation. OCU hosts schools of Religious Studies, Business, Arts & Sciences, and Education granting undergrad...

“…

Many major's

” – Ryan from Carmi, IL
College placeholder image

Indiana University East is a regional campus of IU in Richmond. IUE grants bachelor’s degrees across eight departments as well as 14 online completion programs. Student life centers around over two dozen clubs and organizations ranging from social...

“…

Going to Indiana University East has its advantages; the teachers are wonderful and very smart. Generally, if you ask a question they will answer it and explain their reasons, letting the student better understand. If you are struggling in classes...

” – Lara
College placeholder image

The University of Saint Francis is a private, Christ-centered institution located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The campus features a number of historic facilities, such as the Brookside Mansion, which once was home to the entire college, and now hosts...

“…

The courses at the University are in a word: Fantastic. The class sizes are of course small in comparison to a larger University but its not necessarily the size that accounts for the quality of the education. The professors are the one's who make a...

” – Kyle from Monroe, IN
IUPUC
Columbus, IN
IUPUC

Located in Columbus, IN, IUPUC is an Indiana University campus and an extension of IUPUI founded in 1970. The institution offers 11 degrees from Indiana University and 2 from Purdue University, the newest being Criminal Justice and a Community Health...

College placeholder image

Indiana University Kokomo is a public, 4-year institution established on a 51-acre campus in Howard County. As a branch campus of Indiana University, the college offers over 60 IU academic programs, which primarily award bachelor’s degrees. The...

“…

At IUK the class sizes are small, and students and professors get to interact more than those at larger schools. Because of this, students get personalized learning. The professors are always available to give extra help outside of class. The classes...

” – Sharlie from Denver, IN
University of Southern Indiana

With campus a short distance from the Ohio River, the University of Southern Indiana is a 4-year public school in southwest Indiana. USI confers bachelor’s degrees in 87 areas of study featuring a community-focused curriculum with an emphasis on...

“…

You learn a lot about yourself. It sounds cheesy, but it's true. You discover just what you're capable of doing and how much effort you're willing to put out there for what you want.

” – Shannon from Bloomington, IN
Indiana State University

With campus a short walk from the Wabash River, Indiana State University is a 4-year public institution in western Indiana. ISU confers bachelor’s degrees in over 100 academic majors and makes over 70 degree-granting programs available entirely...

“…

Within just my first year at ISU, I gained the skills I need to succeed. My professors, teacher assistants, college advisor and employer have provided my with the knowledge required inside and out of the classroom. The teaching staff was extremely...

” – Nursing Student
Indiana University-South Bend

Indiana University-South Bend is a public university and regional campus of Indiana University Bloomington. The school operates a main campus in South Bend, an education center in Elkhart, and offers online classes. IU South Bend provides...

“…

The professors at IUSB are very knowledgeable about the subjects that they teach. I feel as if I learned more in one semester at IUSB than I did in four years of high school. However, I experienced classes that it was hard to follow along with the...

” – Katelyn from Nappanee, IN
College placeholder image

Indiana University Southeast is a public, 4-year university established on a suburban, 180-acre campus in New Albany. Students can choose from 50 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates, as well a number of minors and licenses. IU...

“…

The teachers here are generally really nice and easy to talk to. Sure, there are those certain professors you watch out for, but so does every college. The professors I've had so far are really easy-going for the most part, and made transitioning...

” – Allison from Seymour, IN
Indiana University-Northwest

Just a few miles from the Indiana/Illinois border, Indiana University-Northwest is a regional campus of IU located in the industrial city of Gary, IN. While IU-Northwest is affiliated with The Hoosier State’s biggest public university, it maintains a...

“…

IUN offers a wide variety of classes, and has some of the best teacher I have ever had.

” – Stephanie from East Chicago, IN
Purdue University Northwest

Formed by the unification of two Purdue campuses, Purdue University Northwest is a 4-year university in northwest Indiana. Located a short drive from Chicago, Purdue Northwest grants bachelor’s and graduate degrees in over 70 academic programs. For a...

Grace College and Theological Seminary

Grace College is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Winona Lake, Indiana. Students enrolled at Grace College are required to attend chapel three days each week. The college features a unique core curriculum, which is built upon...

“…

grace college is a great place for a student to grow with god and in academic excellence. whatever your major is there are classes that you will take to strengthen and grow you relationship with god. the faculty are very diligent in helping students...

” – Ty from Cedar Rapids, IA
Bethel University

Established in 1947, Bethel University is a private, Christ-centered institution located in Mishawaka, Indiana. Bethel offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 50 fields of study, with classes available during the day, evening, and online...

“…

Ever since I stepped on campus my professors have expected excellence from me. If you forget an assignment, many of the professors will still let you turn it in. I am learning a lot both educationally and religiously and I have found success in...

” – Scott from Elkhart, IN
College placeholder image

Indiana University-Purdue University-Fort Wayne is a public institution affiliated with both Indiana University and Purdue University. IPFW offers health sciences degrees from Indiana University and all other degrees from Purdue University. Favored...

“…

First of all, I love IPFW because of the endless free gifts, free academic help, and free food that they are constantly offering us because what college student doesn't love free stuff? Additionally, another important detail of my school is that my...

” – Keiki from Fort Wayne, IN
College placeholder image

Veritas Baptist College is an online Christian college with a focus on training students for ministry. VBC offers bachelor’s and associate degrees in Ministry and Christian Education as well as a 1-year certificate-granting Bible program. The college...