Our Research
This list features some of the best online schools in Indiana. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. We included liberal arts colleges and research universities as well as small, midsize, and large institutions. Next, we compared this comprehensive list to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is a federally recognized regional accreditor that accredits all the schools on this list. The HLC’s accreditation process is based on five principles, which include mission, integrity, excellence in teaching and learning, and overall institution excellence. This organization uses peer review to guarantee quality accreditation.
We evaluated each school on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for online students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Online College Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Top 50 Online Colleges in Indiana
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Frequently Asked Questions: Online Colleges in Indiana
Does Indiana have good online colleges and universities?
Yes, Indiana’s online bachelor’s and graduate degree programs are generally well-regarded. For instance, U.S. News & World Report ranks Indiana University Online as No. 21 in the country for best online bachelor’s degree programs (Ball State University and Purdue University Northwest are ranked No. 25 and No. 42, respectively). At the graduate level, many online programs at institutions in Indiana also rank highly, especially the online master’s degree options for business and education majors at Indiana University Online.
That said, there are many excellent online college programs available in other states as well. If you’re open to attending a school that’s located in another state, check out our guide to the best accredited online colleges. In addition to showing you the top 30 options in the entire United States for remote learning, this guide offers expert advice on how to choose a college and complete the application process.
Do online college credits in Indiana cost more than in-person classes?
The answer to this question depends on which college you attend. Some colleges offer discounted rates for online courses regardless of where you live, while others charge an additional fee for online courses to help cover the cost of software licenses, technical support, etc. At Indiana universities, online out-of-state students tend to pay more than online in-state students. Likewise, at the community college level, out-of-state students pay more than in-state students.
Why should you choose Indiana for online higher education?
Indiana has online bachelor’s and graduate degree programs that consistently rank at the top of nationwide comparisons, particularly at the graduate level. This tells you that as an online student, you will get a flexible education that does not sacrifice anything in the way of quality. Indiana’s wide range of online degree programs also means it’s more likely you’ll find an affordable option.
The Cost of Online College in Indiana
How much does an online degree in Indiana cost?
The cost of an online degree in Indiana depends on which institution you attend as well as the type of degree you choose to pursue. For example, undergraduate courses are usually more affordable than graduate degrees. Also, you may find yourself paying more for your degree if you major in a STEM field rather than the humanities.
Regardless of the cost per credit, you should also consider that you may be able to save a lot of money on indirect expenses, such as transportation and housing, by earning your college degree online.
To give you a sense of exactly how much you should expect to pay for your online education, we’ve listed the current rates for earning an online bachelor’s degree in Indiana below:
Most affordable online college in Indiana: University of Southern Indiana, $281 per credit
Most expensive online college in Indiana: Marian University (IN), $880 per credit
Source: Education Data Initiative
How long do you have to live in Indiana to get in-state tuition rates?
Establishing Indiana residency typically requires you to have resided in Indiana for at least 12 months prior to declaring Indiana residency. You must prove you are in the state for a reason other than education.
Who qualifies for reduced tuition costs in Indiana?
Indiana offers several ways to reduce your tuition costs. One is through participation in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), which caps tuition for out-of-state Midwest students at 150% of in-state tuition at public universities in participating Midwestern states. This can save you thousands, if not tens of thousands, on your degree. The state also sponsors the Frank O’Bannon Grant, which awards need-based aid to Indiana students who attend accredited public, private, or technical colleges in the state. Eligibility is determined based on FAFSA application data, so it’s important to file early and accurately. The FAFSA will also show if you are eligible for Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and other financial aid awards.
College Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Grant Programs in Indiana
In addition to MSEP tuition reciprocity agreements and the Frank O’Bannon Grant, there are a number of other programs available that can help you cover the cost of college. Some of these programs are also based on financial need, while others are awarded based on factors such as demographics or academic merit. We’ve reviewed a few of the most prominent financial aid options for you below:
Workforce Ready Grant
This state-sponsored grant covers the cost of tuition and fees for Indiana students enrolled in eligible high-value certificate programs at Ivy Tech Community College, Vincennes University, Indiana Institute of Technology, or other approved providers.
Who’s eligible? Indiana residents who are U.S. citizens and enrolled in an eligible certificate program in one of the following fields: Advanced Manufacturing, Building & Construction, Health Sciences, IT & Business Services, or Transportation & Logistics.
Contact information: [email protected] | 888-528-4719
Indiana Department of Transportation Engineering Scholarship
Sponsored by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), this scholarship program awards $3,125 per semester, paid summer internships, and priority hiring within the agency after graduation to students majoring in engineering at an accredited university in Indiana.
Who’s eligible? Engineering students at an accredited college or university in Indiana who maintain an average GPA of at least 2.8 and have completed at least one year of college.
Contact information: [email protected] | 317-234-7930
Association for Iron & Steel Technology Midwest Member Chapter Scholarships
This program offers 14 different engineering-related scholarships you can apply for using one application. The award amount is usually $3,000 per year.
Who’s eligible? Members of the AIST Midwest chapter or dependents of members of the AIST Midwest chapter. Applicants must be studying or plan to study engineering at an accredited North American college or university.
Contact information: [email protected] | 724-814-3000
William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship
This state-sponsored program awards funding to minority (Black and/or Hispanic/Latinx) students planning to teach in an accredited school in Indiana upon graduation. The scholarship must be reapplied for each year, and participants must agree in writing to teach at an Indiana public school for at least three years after graduation.
Who’s eligible? Indiana residents who are minority students and commit to becoming teachers in the state of Indiana for at least three years. You must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and attend college full time.
Contact information: [email protected] | 888-528-4719
Top 5 Fast-Growing Industries in Indiana
If you’re still in the process of assessing your college options, you may also be undecided on your major. When selecting a major, one of the most important factors to consider is your future employability. Thinking about which industries and careers are growing the fastest in Indiana can make it easier to find a job once you graduate, and being in demand should also help you earn a higher salary.
By consulting the U.S. Department of Labor’s Long-Term Occupational Projections (2020–2030), we’ve determined that the following five careers have some of the highest projected growth rates in Indiana:
Nurse Practitioners
NPs are advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in diagnosing and treating patients with an emphasis on preventative care and health education. They are quickly becoming many Americans’ preferred primary care professionals. NPs tend to be well-compensated; in Indiana they earn an average salary of $121,730.
- Growth: 54.5%
- Degree options: Master’s in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Science
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) support occupational therapists in their patient care, helping people regain the ability to carry out their daily activities. OTAs typically have at least an associate degree and earn an average yearly salary of $55,390 in Indiana.
- Growth: 40.8%
- Degree options: Associate in Occupational Therapy Assistance
Personal Care Aides
As Indiana’s population ages and chronic and acute medical conditions become more prevalent, the state is in increasing need of personal care aides to assist patients, often older adults or disabled people, with tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing. In Indiana, personal care aides make an average annual salary of $28,450.
- Growth: 32%
- Degree options: Certificate in Personal Care Aide, Associate in Medical Assisting
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Market research analysts and marketing specialists use data to understand consumer preferences and tailor a company’s marketing campaigns to what will bring the greatest return on investment. In Indiana, market research analysts and marketing specialists make an average salary of $66,050.
- Growth: 22.5%
- Degree options: Bachelor’s in Marketing, Bachelor’s in Communications, Bachelor’s in Market Research, Bachelor’s in Statistics, Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Substance Use Disorder, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Indiana, like most states in the U.S., is experiencing a mental health and substance use disorder epidemic. There is a growing need to provide more professional support around addiction, behavioral issues, and mental health. In Indiana, counselors in this field earn an average salary of $48,180.
- Growth: 21.4%
- Degree options: Bachelor’s in Clinical/Medical Social Work, Bachelor’s in Psychology, Bachelor’s in Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling, Master’s in Clinical/Medical Social Work, Master’s in Clinical Psychology, Master’s in Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling