Top Colleges in Indiana: A Comprehensive Ranking and Guide

Indiana, home of the Hoosiers, offers a vibrant higher education landscape. From the whizzing of race cars on the Indy 500 tracks to the flash of an orange basketball on high school courts, the state is also home to a diverse array of colleges and universities. This article explores the top colleges in Indiana, considering factors such as academic excellence, campus life, and career outcomes.

Methodology

Rankings are based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. College Factual analyzed 41 colleges and universities across Indiana to determine which were the best in terms of overall quality. Factors include freshman retention, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and post graduate earnings, among other things.

Top Universities in Indiana

For another year in a row, three Indiana universities have claimed a Top 100 spot in Forbes' List of America's top colleges.

University of Notre Dame: No. 33
Purdue University: No. 62
Indiana University, Bloomington: No. 94

Best Colleges in Indiana: An Overview

Here’s a quick preview of the Indiana-based institutions that made our list. All of the schools profiled below have a history of sending graduates to the most desirable employers and graduate schools in the country.

1. University of Notre Dame - Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame is the best private college in Indiana and perhaps the best college in Indiana. It is a leading research university, continuously produces breakthroughs for a world deeply in need and ranked #20 in national college rankings by the US News & World Report.

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Academic Highlights: 75 majors are offered across six undergraduate colleges. A solid 61% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students, and 18% have single-digit numbers. Just 9% of courses have an enrollment of more than 50 undergrads. The Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement offers hundreds of opportunities for conducting research, both individually and alongside faculty; more than one-third of graduates ultimately partake.
Professional Outcomes: A spectacular 98% of 2023 Notre Dame graduates were employed, continuing their educations, volunteering, or serving in the military within six months of completing their degrees. Top companies where recent alumni set up shop included Deloitte, EY, PwC, Microsoft, Amazon, Bank of America, KPMG, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and McKinsey & Co. The median starting salary across all majors is $82,000, a mark that is significantly higher than the national average for college grads.
The religious frameworks founded upon Catholic intellectual and moral traditions provide the basis upon which Notre Dame students engage with each other in the world. The sense of community and service is unparalleled at this private institution. The University of Notre Dame is especially renowned for its business and social science programs.
Rising above the city of Notre Dame, the majestic Golden Dome and historic Basilica of the Sacred Heart provide a beautiful and historically rich landscape for the student population to engage in their college education. The Fighting Irish spirit is palpable in every aspect of campus life, from spirited athletic events to cultural celebrations and service opportunities that embody the university's commitment to making a difference in the world.
Our 2025 rankings named University of Notre Dame the best school in Indiana in terms of overall quality for students working on their bachelor’s degree. The 4-year graduation rate is 93%, which is impressive compared to the national rate of 33%. The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame is $99,980 during the early years of their career.

2. Indiana University - Bloomington

Nestled in the picturesque town of Bloomington, known affectionately as B-town, Indiana University Bloomington (IU Bloomington) stands as a beacon of academic excellence, cultural vibrancy, and Hoosier pride. Founded in 1820, IU Bloomington is the flagship campus of the esteemed Indiana University system, renowned for its rich history, top-ranked programs, and diverse student community.Ranked #73 in National Universities by US News & World Report, this institution boasts more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, nearly 400 study abroad programs, and 750+ clubs. An IU Bloomington education prepares its student body to be bold and innovative with real-world experiences and the support of iconic Hoosier hospitality.

Academic Highlights: IU offers 200+ majors The university’s 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio is strong for a school of Indiana’s size, and it does make an effort to keep undergraduate classes on the small side. While there are a number of introductory courses that transpire in giant lecture halls, 35% of all sections contain no more than 19 students. Experiential learning opportunities are available to those who seize them; over one-quarter of arts and sciences students completed research with a faculty member. On the study abroad front, roughly the same percentage of A&S graduates spent a semester in a foreign country.
Professional Outcomes: Class of 2023 grads reached their next employment or graduate school destination at a 92% rate within six months of receiving their degrees. The median starting salary for IU grads ranged between $54,000 and $60,000. Among the largest employers of Hoosier alumni are local pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, EY, Amazon, PwC, Salesforce, Deloitte, IBM, Oracle, Microsoft, Accenture, and Google.
Outside of the classroom, IU Bloomington is steeped in tradition, from the iconic Sample Gates to the spirited Hoosier basketball games at Assembly Hall.
Out of the 41 schools in Indiana that were part of this year’s ranking, Indiana University - Bloomington landed the #2 spot on the list. The freshman retention rate is 90%. Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $63,742 during the early years of their career.
Indiana University-Bloomington is a public institution that was founded in 1820. In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, Indiana University-Bloomington is ranked No. #73 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. #34 in Top Public Schools. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 36,833 (fall 2023), its setting is city, and the campus size is 1,954 acres. The student-faculty ratio at Indiana University-Bloomington is 18:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Indiana University-Bloomington accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $12,144; out-of-state tuition and fees are $41,891. Thirty-five percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $15,878. The four-year graduation rate is 71%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $53,417.

3. Purdue University - West Lafayette

Purdue University is the best public college in Indiana and is ranked #43 in National Universities (US News & World Report).

Academic Highlights: Purdue offers over 200 majors at ten discipline-specific colleges, and 37% of course sections have an enrollment of 19 or fewer. Undergraduates conduct more than 2,000 research projects per year; they can connect with professors during the academic year or apply to participate in a Summer Research Fellowship. Discipline-specific research programs, a research pitch competition, research conferences & symposiums, and publishing opportunities abound.
Professional Outcomes: Shortly after receiving their diplomas, 65% of 2023 grads headed to the world of employment while 25% headed to graduate/professional school. The average starting salary was $71k across all degree programs.
With over 200 undergraduate programs to choose from, Purdue University is especially renowned for its engineering and technological programs.
What sets Purdue apart is its hands-on approach to learning, bolstered by state-of-the-art facilities like the Purdue Research Park and the Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering. Students here don't just study theory; they engage in real-world projects, collaborate with top industry partners, and drive meaningful change through research and innovation.
Beyond academics, Purdue fosters a vibrant campus life with diverse student organizations, cultural events, and Big Ten athletics. It's a place where tradition meets modernity, where the spirit of exploration thrives, and where students are empowered to become leaders and trailblazers in their fields. This is encapsulated no better than in its Boilermaker mascot, a holdover from its 1869 founding that has found a new life and spirit in representing Purdue's passion for revolutionizing the landscape of higher education.
Out of the 41 schools in Indiana that were part of this year’s ranking, Purdue University - Main Campus landed the #3 spot on the list. The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 1.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Purdue is $72,424 during the early years of their career.

4. Ivy Tech Community College - Indianapolis

Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution, serves as a cornerstone of accessible and affordable college education in the state.

With over 70 programs at 40 locations statewide and an additional 30+ satellite locations, Ivy Tech offers a diverse range of programs and courses designed to meet the needs of every student.
Whether pursuing a career-focused certificate or starting on the path to a bachelor's degree through transfer programs, Ivy Tech provides students with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to succeed in today's competitive workforce. Furthermore, with IvyOnline, students can complete entire degrees purely through online programs and classes. This flexibility may be invaluable to students with a full-time job, children, or circumstances that prevent them from fulfilling a full-time student role.
Whether at Ivy Tech's main campus in Indianapolis or taking classes remotely through online programs, students at Ivy Tech are guaranteed to feel a sense of community with their peers, professors, and the state of Indiana at large.
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Ivy Tech Community College. The school came in at #4 in Indiana on this year’s overall quality ranking. The student loan default rate at the school is 1.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1% During the early years of their career, graduates from Ivy Tech Community College make an average of $37,186 a year.

5. Ball State University - Muncie

Ball State University is a top-tier college for economic mobility and is a well-regarded public research university.

With tuition among the lowest in Indiana, yet still providing the robust and quality support comparable to a private college, Ball State University enables students to make the most of their time and money as they pursue one of 270+ undergraduate and graduate programs.
Ball State University offers students an expansive academic portfolio with almost 120 undergraduate majors across seven distinct colleges, ensuring every learner finds their ideal path. The university combines the resources of a large institution with personalized attention, featuring a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class sizes of 22 students.
Ball State graduates achieve exceptional career outcomes, with a 94% placement rate for recent graduates. Alumni excel at top employers, including Eli Lilly and Company, Indiana University Health, Salesforce, and Amazon, as well as educational institutions like Purdue University and Ivy Tech Community College. While many build their careers in the Greater Indianapolis area, the university’s strong reputation ensures opportunities nationwide.
A rank of #5 on our Best Colleges in Indiana list means Ball State University is a great place for students working on their bachelor’s degree. Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Ball State go into careers with an average salary of $51,833 during the early years of their career.

6. Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global

Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Colleges in Indiana ranking. Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from IWU go into careers with an average salary of $59,986 during the early years of their career.

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7. Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis (IUPUI) - Indianapolis

Situated in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) is a dynamic urban campus that combines the strengths of two prestigious universities, Indiana University and Purdue University.

Established in 1969, IUPUI has since evolved into a thriving academic community known for its life and health sciences programs and dedication to the well-being of the community.
At IUPUI, students experience the best of both worlds - the academic resources and traditions of IU and Purdue, coupled with the opportunities and energy of downtown Indianapolis. With a focus on experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement, IUPUI prepares students for success in their careers and as active citizens in a global society.
To support its students on their rigorous academic journeys, IUPUI has countless quality facilities and programs to ensure that its students undergo not just intellectual growth but personal growth, too. From its 65,000-square-foot Nation Institute for Fitness and Sport to the handy Crimson Card that gives students access to 100+ dining options on and off-campus, IUPUI ensures that your student life is just as dynamic and vibrant as your academic one.
Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis landed the #7 spot on the 2025 Best Colleges in Indiana ranking. The student loan default rate at the school is 1.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1% During the early years of their career, graduates from IUPUI make an average of $55,198 a year.

8. Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global did quite well in the 2025 Best Colleges in Indiana ranking, coming in at #8. During the early years of their career, graduates from Purdue University Global make an average of $36,596 a year.

9. Vincennes University - Vincennes

In the picturesque town of Vincennes stands Vincennes University, a proud institution with a rich history dating back to 1801, making it one of the oldest universities in the country.

As a comprehensive public university, Vincennes University offers a diverse range of academic programs tailored to meet the needs of its students, including associate degrees, certificates, bachelor's degrees, and workforce training programs across its academic divisions.
As a small university, Vincennes University boasts a stellar student to faculty ratio which can enable students to receive personalized support, attention and care. The university's commitment to student success is evident in its robust support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, and internship placement assistance, all geared toward helping students achieve their academic and career goals.
The town of Vincennes further boasts a legacy of rich culture and history. Some unique local landmarks include George Rogers Clark National Historic Park, Fort Knox II, and the mansion of Vincennes University's founder - US President William Henry Harrison.
Vincennes University landed the #9 spot on the 2025 Best Colleges in Indiana ranking. The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Vincennes University is $41,110 during the early years of their career.

10. Butler University - Indianapolis

Butler University is ranked #1 in Regional Colleges in the Midwest and emphasizes an education centered around the student, innovative and rooted in experience.

With an Indianapolis Community Requirement, Butler University ensures its students have a passion for serving the community and real-world experience in their academic major.
At Butler, undergrads can select from over 90 academic majors. An excellent 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio translates to very few large lecture halls; just 3% of class sections contain more than 50 students.
Butler grads enjoyed a 98% placement rate in 2023. The median starting salary is a solid $65,497 and prominent employers of last year’s grads include NBCUniversal, Eli Lilly, USA Today, Cleveland Clinic, Pfizer, Ascension Health, and The Walt Disney Company.
Butler University ranked #10 on this year’s Best Colleges in Indiana list. The freshman retention rate is 89%. During the early years of their career, graduates from Butler make an average of $77,235 a year.

11. DePauw University - Greencastle

DePauw University, nestled in the quaint town of Greencastle, Indiana, is a renowned private liberal arts college with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1837.

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Ranked nationally at #46 for the best liberal arts colleges and #1 in the state of Indiana, DePauw University offers a long tradition of academic excellence, personalized education, and vibrant campus life.
At DePauw University, a 9:1 student-faculty ratio enables students to benefit from close interactions with world-class faculty who are dedicated to mentoring and guiding them throughout their academic journey. The university's strong liberal arts curriculum encompasses a wide range of disciplines, providing students with a well-rounded education that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and ethical leadership.
Beyond academics, DePauw's campus buzzes with a rich array of extracurricular activities, cultural events, and community service opportunities. The university's commitment to service learning, a liberal arts education, and undergraduate research further enhances students' academic and professional growth, preparing them for successful careers and meaningful contributions to society.
No matter which of the 75+ majors, minors, or pathways you pursue at DePauw, you will enjoy the benefits of small class sizes and face time with faculty. A 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and the fact that only eight class sections in the whole university enroll more than 29 students assures that.
The university’s “Gold Commitment” guarantees that all grads will land at their next destination within six months or that they will be provided with an entry-level professional opportunity or an additional tuition-free semester. Ninety-two percent of the Class of 2023 reported enrolling in grad school or securing employment, with an average starting salary of $61,242.
DePauw University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Colleges in Indiana ranking. With a freshman retention rate of 92%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its students. Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from DePauw go into careers with an average salary of $70,527 during the early years of their career.

12. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University did quite well in the 2025 Best Colleges in Indiana ranking, coming in at #12. The student loan default rate at the school is 1.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1% Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $59,986 during the early years of their career.

13. University of Southern Indiana

University of Southern Indiana ranked #13 on this year’s Best Colleges in Indiana list. The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from USI is $47,605 during the early years of their career.

14. Saint Mary’s College - Notre Dame

With a ranking of #14, Saint Mary’s College did quite well on the 2025 Best Colleges in Indiana list. The school boasts an average 4-year graduation rate of 78%, which is excellent when compared to the national rate of 33%. The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s College is $59,354 during the early years of their career.

15. University of Indianapolis

University of Indianapolis ranked #15 on this year’s Best Colleges in Indiana list. Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from UIndy go into careers with an average salary of $53,610 during the early years of their career.

16. Wabash College - Crawfordsville

Wabash College is an all-male private liberal arts college ranked #59 in Best Liberal Arts Colleges nationally.

With an undergraduate enrollment of 820 students and the most accessible faculty among top colleges in the US, Wabash College is especially notable for its commitment and focus on the student body.
Wabash's close-knit community and guiding moral principles, the Gentleman's Rule, fosters a culture of camaraderie, creating a supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. This is exemplified no better than in their renowned WabashX program which provides students with the career resources and alumni network to catapult graduates into top positions in business, graduate, and doctoral programs.
The Wabash College location in Crawfordsville offers a uniquely welcoming atmosphere of warmth and hospitality. The town's vibrant downtown area features quaint shops, local eateries serving up delicious cuisine, and cultural venues such as the Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County. Students at Wabash will feel supported, not only by a small student-to-faculty ratio, but by the town itself, offering the perfect atmosphere to pursue a higher liberal arts education.
As one of America’s premier men’s liberal arts colleges, Wabash College delivers an exceptionally personalized education through its 27 majors. With an outstanding 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 75% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students, Wabash fosters intense intellectual engagement and mentorship. The college emphasizes global perspectives, with 25% of students participating in off-campus study programs before graduation.
Wabash graduates achieve extraordinary success, with 97% of the Class of 2024 employed or in graduate school. Alumni advance to top graduate programs at Duke, Vanderbilt, and Notre Dame, while others launch careers with leading employers like Eli Lilly, Amazon, and Penske Entertainment.
With a ranking of #16, Wabash College did quite well on the 2025 Best Colleges in Indiana list. With a student-to-faculty rate of 9 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed. During the early years of their career, graduates from Wabash make an average of $69,952 a year.

17. University of Saint Francis - Fort Wayne

University of Saint Francis - Fort Wayne ranked #17 on this year’s Best Colleges in Indiana list. Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $55,362 during the early years of their career.

18. Taylor University - Upland

Taylor University landed the #18 spot on the 2025 Best Colleges in Indiana ranking. With a freshman retention rate of 91%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its students.

Other Notable Colleges in Indiana

The Hoosier State offers a diverse range of institutions beyond the top-ranked ones. These colleges may provide more affordable options or better suit specific preferences.

Indiana University East - Richmond
Marian University - Indianapolis
Valparaiso University - Valparaiso
Hanover College - Hanover
Indiana Wesleyan University - Marion
Rose Hulman Institute
Franklin College - Franklin
Saint Mary's College - Notre Dame
Goshen College - Goshen
Trine University - Angola
Oakland City University - Oakland City
Earlham College - Richmond
Manchester University - North Manchester

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