Terre Haute: A Hub of Higher Education

Terre Haute, Indiana, has a rich history as a college town, dating back to the mid-1800s. With a diverse range of institutions offering various programs, Terre Haute provides a multitude of educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds and interests. Recently, the “College Gazette” ranked Terre Haute number five on its 10 Best College Towns in the U.S list. This article provides an overview of the colleges and universities serving Terre Haute.

A Thriving College Town

Terre Haute is not just a place to study; it's a vibrant community that embraces its identity as a college town. The city offers a unique blend of academic pursuits and recreational activities, making it an attractive destination for students. Terre Haute has been a college town since the mid-1800’s with the founding of three of its institutions before the turn of the last century. More than 1,000 acres of parks, trails, golf courses and numerous other outdoor recreational opportunities include the world-class LaVern Gibson Cross Country Course, the award-winning Griffin Bike Park, the National Road Heritage Trail which already crosses through Indiana State and Rose-Hulman campuses and designation as a “Tree City USA” town. The successful 2018 International Air Show was listed in the article as one of the contributing factors to the ranking.

In 2019, Terre Haute launched a community plan and branding effort called, “See You in Terre Haute,” with a goal of increasing awareness of the city’s wide range of resources and strong vision for growth. In addition to its vast parks and trail system, the city boasts nine museums and the oldest professional orchestra in Indiana, the birthplace of the historic Coke bottle and features an extensive public art collection. Currently underway is a new convention center slated to open in 2021 that will provide more hotel space, new restaurants and the reopening of a historic bar adding to the continued revitalization of downtown.

Overview of Colleges and Universities

The Best Adult Colleges & Careers Guide provides a breakdown of the colleges serving Terre Haute, with details about cost, enrollment, student type and degree offerings. Serving the city are four-year private and public colleges and universities, each with its own unique focus and offerings.

Four-Year Private Colleges and Universities

About 10,961 undergraduate students were enrolled in four-year private colleges or universities where. These institutions offer a range of bachelor's and graduate programs, catering to diverse academic interests.

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Franklin University

Franklin University is a top choice for transfer students, online learners and adults who need to balance school with busy lives. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Franklin University. In 2024, 1,602 bachelor's degrees were completed. 98 associate degrees, 840 master's degrees, and 65 doctoral degrees were earned. programs completed were offered online.

Wabash College

Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Wabash College. In 2024, 209 bachelor's degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned. programs completed were offered online.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Saint Mary’s Academy (now Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College) was the first college in the community, founded in 1840 by Indiana’s only saint, Mother Theodore Guerin and her five companion Sisters of Providence. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. In 2024, 218 bachelor's degrees were completed. 2 associate degrees, 78 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned. programs completed were offered online.

Lakeview College of Nursing

Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Lakeview College of Nursing. In 2024, 36 bachelor's degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned. programs completed were offered online.

DePauw University

Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at DePauw University. In 2024, 384 bachelor's degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned. programs completed were offered online.

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Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Founded in 1874, Rose Hulman Institute of Technology has been ranked the No. for over two decades. Rose-Hulman was recently ranked No. 17 in the nation in the Wall Street Journal's Best Colleges in America guide, as well as No. 1 in both learning opportunities and learning facilities; second in the nation in the likelihood of students recommending the college to others; and fourth in career preparation. Here, your STEM education isn't just about getting a degree, or even about getting a job (but we can pretty much guarantee you'll get a great one). It's about taking what you learn and applying it toward your passion. You'll do that with professors who love to teach using real-world applications. Beginning your first year, you'll have access to hands-on projects using state-of-the-art equipment. Our 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio means you'll get to know your professors and they'll get to know you. So whether you want to match your mathematics major with your love of theater, or use a 3D printer to tinker with a project in our MakerLab, Rose-Hulman will help you make it happen. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. In 2024, 473 bachelor's degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 28 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned. programs completed were offered online.

Four-Year Public Colleges and Universities

The city is also served by four-year public colleges located near Terre Haute, Indiana. These institutions provide accessible and affordable education to a large number of students.

Eastern Illinois University

Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Eastern Illinois University. In 2024, 1,140 bachelor's degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 867 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned. programs completed were offered online.

Indiana State University

Indiana State University (ISU) is a public university in Terre Haute, Indiana, United States. Indiana State University was established by the Indiana General Assembly on December 20, 1865, as the Indiana State Normal School in Terre Haute. The school awarded its first baccalaureate degrees in 1908 and the first master's degrees in 1928. In 1929, the Indiana State Normal School was renamed as the Indiana State Teachers College, and in 1961, it was renamed Indiana State College due to an expanding mission. The Indiana State University main campus is located on the north side of Terre Haute's downtown business district and covers more than 200 acres (0.81 km2) in the heart of the city. The main campus comprises over 60 brick and limestone buildings, halls and laboratories. The Indiana State University field campus is an outdoor teaching, learning, and research area designed to accommodate educational programs and services. Fairbanks Hall serves not only as an academic space for learning but also as a performance and fine arts venue.

In 1978, Indiana State University took ownership and following its renovation, it was named Fairbanks Hall in honor of the prominent Terre Haute businessman and philanthropist, responsible for its original construction, Mr. Originally built as the library in 1909, Normal Hall is the last remaining structure from Indiana State's Normal School era. Normal Hall served as the university library until Cunningham Memorial Library was built in 1974 and named in honor of Indiana State's first Librarian, Arthur Cunningham (1891-1928). The Indiana State Teachers College Laboratory School was a PWA-funded project, built on land donated to the university by the City of Terre Haute. The initial wing of the building was completed in July 1935. The Sycamore Theater and a gymnasium were completed in 1937 through funding provided by an additional PWA grant. Terre Haute-native Gilbert Brown Wilson added several murals to the interior. The laboratory school operated as a unit of the Vigo County School Corporation. The current building was funded as a Public Works Administration project under the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt; following the razing of the first federal court house. The three-story PWA Moderne post office was completed in 1934 to the designs of Terre Haute-based architects Miller & Yeager for the cost of around $450,000. Completed on December 1, 1934, the building opened to the public in 1935. In 2007, the General Services Administration turned over the facility to Indiana State; after a $30-million dollar, multi-year renovation; the building became the new home of the Indiana State University Scott College of Business.

For fall 2023, minority student enrollment was 2,359, which represents 29.22% of total enrollment. The top three international student countries are India, Nigeria, and Ghana. Indiana State was the first public university in Indiana to require incoming freshmen to have a laptop. ISU first awarded laptop scholarships to incoming freshmen with high school GPAs of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), giving students the option of choosing either a laptop or an iPad. ISU offers more than 100 programs in the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Technology, and Health and Human Services. The College of Graduate and Professional Studies offers programs that lead to doctoral and master's degrees. Students can also pursue certificates in a concentrated area of study, enroll in professional development courses, and fulfill continuing education requirements.

ISU is also a member of the College Consortium of Western Indiana. The Cunningham Memorial Library collections include more than two million items. Indiana State University as a whole has been accredited by The Higher Learning Commission continuously since 1915. The Scott College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Bayh College of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The doctoral program in clinical psychology (Psy.D.) is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The Bachelor in Social Work program and the Master in Social Work program are both accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Indiana State University-Evansville (now University of Southern Indiana) was created as a branch campus in 1965.

Student Media was created in 2012 in a merger of Student Publications and electronic media outlets under Academic Affairs. Since then, in addition to operating the Indiana Statesman, Sycamore Video, and WISU-FM; Student Media has grown to include The Sycamore, a digital yearbook; Syc Creations, a client-driven video and web production group; the Indiana State Sports Network, which produces video for ESPN3 and ESPN+; WZIS, a student-staffed station created when WISU converted to a public radio format; and the Center for Innovation in Technology and Digital Media. While the center is the newest venture, Student Media outlets have been a part of the Indiana State experience for decades. The Statesman dates back to 1895 and WISU first went on the air in the early 1960s.

ISU's homecoming dates back to December 15, 1917, when Birch Bayh Sr. asked Charlotte Burford, Dean of Women if State could have a Blue and White Day similar to DePauw's Black and Gold Day. At that time it was merely an alumni reunion with the big event being the alumni varsity basketball game. The start of Blue and White Day began December 3, 1921, which included religious exercises, "The Alumni Welcome", a performance by the school orchestra, a pep session, noon luncheon, and the alumni varsity basketball game. Homecoming 1922 brought the addition of "Friday Night Affair" which was a theater party and pep session held at the Indiana Theater. The start of what is now the largest student-organized parade in the nation was December 8, 1923. "The Spirit of Normal," drawn by two white horses was the winning float, with the honor going to Omega Sorority. The annual bonfire and football game was added to the activities in November 1935. Going up against Rose-Poly (now Rose-Hulman), ISNS, won 25-6. 1937 marked the first year that a Homecoming Queen was crowned. That honor went to Bette Whitmore of Kappa sorority (now Alpha Omicron Pi). The Bachelor of the Year became a part of Homecoming from 1974 to 1989. In 1992, a major change occurred in the traditional contest to diversify and become more inclusive of the student body. The Sycamore Court replaced the Queen and Bachelor of Year to include one female and one male representative from Greek, Residence Hall, African- American, International, Commuter, and Graduate students.

The Sycamore Cup Tricycle Derby, a ten-lap race, was added to the growing list of events in 1963. Students rode children's tricycles around the "Quad." The winners were Reeve Hall for the women and Parsons Hall for the men. The popularity of the race became such that students wanted to make the event more prestigious. Thus, in 1967 larger tricycles were customized using frames from Sting-Ray model bicycles. The race moved from the Quad to Marks Field adding more laps and introducing exchanges to make it more competitive. Riders then began conditioning exercises and practices. Due to resurfacing of Marks Field in 1992, the race was moved to ISU's Driver Education Center at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds located five miles south of campus. Today, the race is held at Recreation East which was dedicated in Spring 2000 as the new home for Trike and Tandem races. During the 2005 Homecoming Tricycle Derby festivities, the Michael Simmons Student Activity Center and Susan M. Bareford classroom were dedicated.

The annual Blue and White Dance was always a popular formal dance held either in the Mayflower Room of the Terre Haute House or the Heritage and State Rooms in Tirey Memorial Student Union. Sycamore Showcase replaced the dance in 1968. The first year featured trumpeter Al Hirt with the Tijuana Brass. Throughout the next few years, performers included Bill Cosby, Dionne Warwick, Sergio Mendes and Brazil '66, Johnny Carson and Doc Severinsen, and Bob Hope. The Walk is an Indiana State Homecoming tradition that began in the late 70s. The Walk begins at 6AM on gameday when a large number of students, reaching in the thousands, make the two mile walk east on Wabash Avenue towards the Football Stadium, stopping and having a drink at each bar along the way.

In recent years Indiana State University has launched new program to make the walk safer for all. The school has had two mascots. Early on in the school's history, the athletes were referred to as the "Fighting Teachers" until the students chose the name "Sycamores", from the abundance of Sycamore trees in Indiana and especially in the Wabash River Valley; though it is believed that the students voted on 'Sycamores' on a lark, never thinking it would win. During the 1950s and 60s, the sycamore tree itself was used as Indiana State's mascot, with a student dressed in a tree costume. However, as a tree does not lend itself well to an athletic mascot, especially considering Indiana State's in-state rivalries with the Ball State Cardinals and Butler Bulldogs, the university created an Indian mascot named Chief Ouabachi, and his Princess, in 1969. This change paid homage to the fact that ISU was the "State" university of a state named after Indians (before statehood Indiana was primarily inhabited by Indians). However, the university stopped using Chief Ouabachi as a mascot in 1989. For six years, Indiana State did not have a mascot. In 1995, the university welcomed Sycamore Sam to the ISU family. In 1921 a contest was held to pick a name for the athletic teams at what was then called the Indiana State Normal School. Until that time, the term "Fighting Teachers" was frequently used in press accounts of athletic contests. In January 1922, it was announced that the name Sycamores had won a popular vote of the student body.

Spring Week Began in 1970 as part of Indiana State University's official Centennial Celebration. The major highlight of Spring Week is the Tandem Race-thought to be the only co-ed tandem bicycle race in the nation. Today, Spring Week is the largest all-campus activity in the spring. Tandem teams are composed of campus organizations-providing 10 male and female riders, plus two alternates. The 1970 tandem race featured 25 laps on a course through Fairbanks Park on the bank of the Wabash River. Included in the event were competitive games, special entertainment, and a carnival presented by campus organizations. In 1971, the race took place at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds on the Action Track, a half-mile oval dirt track. It consisted of a 50-mile, 100- lap test of endurance and speed. The race returned to Fairbanks Park in 1972, then moved to campus in 1973. The race was held in the city streets, which surrounded Sycamore Tower Complex (4th, 5th, Chestnut, and Mulberry Streets). The name “Tandemonia” was coined to replace “Spring Week”. The race moves again in 1974 to Marks Field and consisted of 100 laps or 25 miles on a quarter-mile track. Seventeen teams competed in the race. Corners were close, but no wrecks were caused by the track itself.

Tandemonia 1991 included a Tandem kick-off that replaced the Donaghy Day activities and Tandem Games. Due to resurfacing Mark's Field for major track events, the race was moved to the Driver's Education Center at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds in 1993. The 25th anniversary was held in 1995 with “Tandemonia” changing back to “Spring Week” and activities more like the original event, including a campus carnival. The 1996 Spring Week Committee emphasized involving more individuals, as well as residence hall students, by providing a roller blade contest and having pairing decorate windows in Residence Halls rather than in sorority suites. The race continued at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds through April 1999. Seven races were held at the Driver's Education facility. In February 2000 the Tandem practice was moved to the new track at the Recreation East Facility located on 9th and Spruce Streets on the ISU campus. The Michael Simmons Activity Center was added to the Recreation East complex in 2005. In 1899, it was announced that Yale Blue and White would replace the colors of Salmon Pink and White. The book and torch are official symbols of the university and are featured in its seal.

This traditional ceremony marks the commitment of the senior class to become active alumni of Indiana State. Historically, each senior class was charged with adding to the Parsons-Sandison Living Memorial Fund, a scholarship fund for Indiana State students. This tradition encompasses two ceremonies, the first of which is on Founder's Day (generally in January), at which time the president of the Alumni Board charges the senior class to commit to the university. At commencement, another ceremony is conducted. The Indiana State Tricycle Derby was first run in 1963 as a 10-lap race around the sidewalks of the Quadrangle on children's tricycles. The races featured a men's and women's division (the Powder Puff Derby). The races now feature men's and women's teams racing on specially built tricycles at the new Recreation East complex at Ninth and Sycamore streets. "March On! (You Fighting Sycamores)", the university's fight song, was authored and arranged by Joseph A. Gramelspach…

Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Indiana State University. In 2024, 1,580 bachelor's degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 452 master's degrees, and 79 doctoral degrees were earned. programs completed were offered online.

Indiana University-Bloomington

Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Indiana University-Bloomington. In 2024, 7,529 bachelor's degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 3,250 master's degrees, and 755 doctoral degrees were earned. programs completed were offered online.

Ivy Tech Community College Terre Haute

Ivy Tech Community College’s Terre Haute campus proudly celebrated the accomplishments of 39 students who have completed the rigorous requirements of its Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program at the campus’s annual Pinning Ceremony, a cherished tradition honoring nursing graduates. Ivy Tech Community College Terre Haute recently hosted its annual Chancellor’s Club Dinner, an evening dedicated to celebrating the College’s partnerships and the individuals and organizations that help drive student success across West Central Indiana. The Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) and Ivy Tech Community College proudly celebrate the success of 8 students who completed Ivy Tech’s welding program, as part of a collaborative re-entry initiative.

Ivy Tech Community College Terre Haute and the Vigo County School Corporation (VCSC) recently celebrated the successful completion of TechQuest, a new week-long summer camp designed to introduce rising 8th-grade students to high-demand career pathways. Your first step to starting at Ivy Tech is simple - just apply! Our application only takes 10-15 minutes to fill out and is completely free. If you’ve never applied to Ivy Tech before or if it’s been two years since you last applied, you can get started by clicking here. This page will guide you through which application to complete and the steps you should follow. Ivy Tech has five opportunities to start classes throughout the year: January, March, June, August, and October. These start dates have no hard application deadlines, but we recommend applying ahead of time so you can complete the degree planning, financial aid, and registration activities that need to happen before your first day.

All Ivy Tech applications are fully online. If you are unable to complete the application or need help with the process, visit your local campus. Your acceptance letter will include instructions on your next steps, as well as other important information like your student ID number, called C-number. If this all feels a bit overwhelming, don’t worry, we’re here to help! As you begin your Ivy Tech journey, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way! After you’re accepted, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your local enrollment specialist. They'll help you learn about the steps that need to be taken to get you fully enrolled at Ivy Tech and ready for your first day of class. Don’t let finances get in the way of your dreams! Ivy Tech offers many types of financial aid to our students to help cover costs of tuition, textbooks, and other fees. Scholarships are money awarded to help pay for college that don’t have to be paid back. Grants, like scholarships, are funding that doesn’t have to be paid back. Loans come from the government or a private lender to help cover college costs.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the starting point for all financial aid opportunities, and you must fill it out every year. You can find more information on FAFSA requirements and deadlines on our financial aid page. To register for classes, you must have already been accepted to Ivy Tech and completed the New Student Checklist. We also recommend meeting with an enrollment specialist before registering. If this all feels a bit overwhelming, don’t worry, we’re here to help! You can get personal support and guidance through the enrollment process. MyIvy is your student portal and your shortcut to everything you need as a student. IvyLearn is the virtual classroom tool used in every class you take at Ivy Tech. You’ll find important class information like syllabus, course schedule, and homework assignments here. You can learn more about IvyLearn here. You can plan ahead and register for classes with Schedule Builder. When you’re ready to register for classes, it's a good idea to schedule a meeting with your academic advisor. IvyLearn is Ivy Tech’s online classroom system where you access your course information, syllabus, and online coursework.

Whether your classes are online or in person, make sure you regularly check IvyLearn to stay on top of homework and other deadlines. Your academic advisor isn’t just here to help you register for classes; they’re also available to help with other questions or concerns you may have throughout the semester. You can meet with your advisor in person, virtually, or over the phone. Don’t forget - your advisor helped you create an Academic Completion Plan. Make sure you’re still on track and that it still matches your current goals. If you’ve made a change, talk through that with your advisor. Your financial aid might include grants, scholarships, loans, and/or Federal Work-Study. Your transcript gives information about your academic career at Ivy Tech. You can request your transcript in MyIvy. Click on "Tools and Resources" in the upper left area of the page. Select "Request Official Transcript" from the list of items.

Cost and Accreditation

Wondering what you can expect to pay for a degree near Terre Haute, Indiana? nonprofit schools is $36,943. education is of high quality. Wondering if a certain college or university offering degree programs in Terre Haute, Indiana is institutionally accredited? institutionally accredited colleges and universities serving Terre Haute, Indiana here.

Job Market Outlook

What happens after you earn your college degree in Terre Haute? What's the Terre Haute, Indiana job market outlook? In 2024, there were about 258,294 jobs in the Terre Haute, Indiana area. From 2023-2024, job growth in Terre Haute was below the national average, at 1%. There were 31,959 job openings in the area.

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