Best Online Colleges in Indiana

Pursuing a college degree can be daunting. Find out how the best online colleges in Indiana make postsecondary education more accessible.
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Updated on March 18, 2024
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Best Online Colleges in Indiana

The importance of postsecondary education isn't being overlooked in Indiana. The Hoosier State has implemented numerous initiatives to drive enrollment, including state-run college pathway programs and financial aid programs.

Online colleges in Indiana are doing their part as well, offering travel- and schedule-friendly programs for in-state and out-of-state students. These schools have helped make college degrees more accessible and more affordable for many learners.

On this page, we'll spotlight the best online colleges in Indiana and explore how they go above and beyond the others.

Featured Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Best Online Colleges in Indiana

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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#1 Best Online Colleges in Indiana

Ball State University

  • Muncie, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $346
Out-of-State | $346

Credits to Graduate: 120

Ball State University offers over 100 online degrees and certificates, including 13 bachelor's degrees, two associate degrees, and many graduate degrees. Undergraduate degrees range from general studies to accounting and applied behavior analysis to social work, logistics, and supply chain management. 

The return on investment for a degree depends on the degree program and expected career growth, but the affordable tuition makes Ball State a good launchpad for diverse careers. 

Famous alumni include David Letterman, Angelin Chang, and an impressive list of NFL and NBA athletes. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,628
Out-of-state
$26,862
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,482
Out-of-state
$25,938
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
20,319
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
60% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Colleges in Indiana

Huntington University

  • Huntington, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $402
Out-of-State | $402

Credits to Graduate: 128 semester hours

Huntington University's online degree programs are designed for working professionals who cannot take daytime classes. Huntington recognizes that your professional experience can contribute to a cooperative learning environment.

If you've already completed at least two years of college at an accredited institution, Huntington's degree-completion programs can help you earn a bachelor's degree. You can choose from bachelor of science degrees in business administration, human resource management, marketing, nonprofit leadership, or psychology. 

For associate degrees, you'll need at least 64 semester hours. For bachelor's degrees, you'll need a total of at least 128 semester hours. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,986
Out-of-state
$26,986
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,856
Out-of-state
$11,856
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Low

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Low
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
1,350
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
16% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Colleges in Indiana

Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis

  • Indianapolis, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $250
Out-of-State | $350

Credits to Graduate: 120

IUPUI offers more than 20 online degree programs, including applied science, business, technology, humanities, library science, social work, public health, and philanthropy. 

You can choose from certificate programs, as well as bachelor's and master's degrees. In total, there are over 100 degrees to choose from.

For example, if you're interested in science, you can consider a bachelor of arts in artificial intelligence, a graduate certificate in biology, or a master of arts for teachers in biology. Other popular subjects include epidemiology, mathematics, health administration, and liberal studies. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,883
Out-of-state
$30,940
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,228
Out-of-state
$25,368
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
84%
Students Enrolled
27,690
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
55% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Colleges in Indiana

Bethel University

  • Mishawaka, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $465
Out-of-State | $465

Credits to Graduate: 122 

Bethel University offers online degree programs in various disciplines. You can choose from fully online or hybrid programs. If you decide the hybrid option is right for you, you can mix online and in-person courses or study mostly online but participate in one- or two-week on-campus intensives. 

You can choose from seven fully online bachelor's degrees at Bethel University including cyber security, Christian leadership, organizational management, and interdisciplinary studies. There are also six master's degrees offered online and three licensure options. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,270
Out-of-state
$30,270
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,500
Out-of-state
$7,500
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
1,339
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
39% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

Ranking Methodology Summary

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To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

  • Affordability (30%)
  • Student outcomes (30%)
  • Reputation (20%)
  • Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

Cost of College in Indiana

The cost of college in Indiana is very close to the national average cost of tuition, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). At most institution types, including private, public, and two-year schools, the difference between the average tuition cost nationwide and the average tuition cost in Indiana is between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars.

To help offset education costs, Indiana provides a great deal of financial aid to its students. In fact, the state ranks fifth in need-based grant aid per undergraduate full-time student, according to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.

Cost of College in Indiana in 2021-2022
Institution Type Average Tuition & Required Fees
Public Four-Year (In-State) $9,780
Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) $29,269
Private Four-Year $36,763
Public Two-Year (In-State) $4,637
Public Two-Year (Out-of-State) $8,927
Source: NCES

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Indiana

The fastest-growing jobs in Indiana represent an array of industries. However, most of the state's fastest-growing and highest-paying positions require a postsecondary degree.

For example, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development projects jobs for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, information security analysts, statisticians, and mathematical science occupations to grow by more than 30%. These professionals also all earn average annual wages above $75,000 in Indiana. However, they also all require a bachelor's degree at minimum.

Thanks to the online colleges in Indiana, students from across the state or even the country can comfortably pursue degrees and careers in these in-demand fields.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Indiana
Job Job Growth 2021-2031 Average Annual Wage 2022
Nurse Practitioners 49% $121,730
Information Security Analysts 37% $88,720
Solar Photovoltaic Installers 36% $45,230
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials 34% $33,620
Restaurant Cooks 34% $29,610
Statisticians 33% $95,190
Mathematical Science Occupations 31% $113,860
Logisticians 30% $76,690
Physician Assistants 30% $122,850
Nonfarm Animal Caretakers 29% $29,440
Source: Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Bureau of Labor Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Indiana

Can you go to college for free in Indiana?

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You can attend college in Indiana for free under certain conditions. For example, the state's 21st Century Scholarship pays up to 100% of tuition for eligible Indiana residents with financial need at eligible public colleges and universities.

Indiana State University also has a Tuition-Free Guarantee for qualifying students from Indiana and several other states.

What is the #1 college in Indiana?

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The best college in Indiana is subjective, but Indiana University at Bloomington is often at the top of the list.

Purdue University and Indiana Wesleyan University are also in the mix, with more than 300 and 160 online programs, respectively.

What is the cheapest online college in Indiana?

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One of the cheapest online colleges in Indiana is Ivy Tech Community College. At this school, online students pay less than $5,000 per year. Tuition at Vincennes University costs less than $7,300 per year, making it another affordable option.

How many online colleges are in Indiana?

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According to NCES, Indiana has 68 degree-granting institutions. Many of these schools offer online programs, including all 16 of the state's public colleges. More than 46% of Indiana's students take at least some online classes, as per NCES.

What is the easiest online college to get into in Indiana?

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Several online colleges in Indiana feature open admissions policies and 100% acceptance rates. Some notable schools include Purdue University Global and Ivy Tech Community College. At these schools, eligible applicants with a high school diploma can earn admission without having to meet specific GPA or testing requirements.


Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 22, 2024.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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