Colleges in Indiana
Why go to College in Indiana?
Whether you live in the state or you feel the draw of world class educational institutions such as the University of Notre Dame or Purdue University, there's no shortage of reasons to pursue an education in Indiana. Located among the endless natural destinations and thriving industries of the Great Lakes region, Indiana offers plentiful possibilities for both city and small town living. Students from around the world come here to learn and live well.
What Options are Available for Colleges in Indiana?
On-Campus
Students can choose between an on-campus education, and online schools in Indiana. Students may decide to attend an on-campus program because they benefit from the discipline of participating with a live teacher to follow through with learning and concentrating. They might want a more hands-on approach to the learning process, or their specific degree program requires in-person meetings for learning specific skills. Certain colleges and universities in Indiana feature a residency requirement for incoming freshmen who plan to become full time students. Students who do not need to work full time or take flexibly scheduled courses may prefer on-campus enrollment as well.
Online Programs
An online school in Indiana versus an on-campus program may well be the right choice for a variety of reasons. If a student works full time, taking part-time courses online in the evenings may fit their lifestyle better. Schools offer online programs synchronously and asynchronously. Synchronous means they are scheduled at a set time, and students "attend" the course as a group online. Asynchronously refers to when the course is available for viewing after it is recorded, or the materials and lectures are available at the student's discretion.
Programs in online schools in Indiana provide the same level of challenge and professionalism that on-campus programs have, and prospective students can ensure their college's online program is accredited and vetted for its standards of merit.
Hybrid Programs
Students pursue hybrid programs by completing both online and on-campus courses. Some courses that are general education requirements are offered at online schools in Indiana, and many other major universities offer such arrangements. Once students work up to the higher level courses that require more hands on learning and discussions, attending a class on-campus becomes beneficial.
Hybrid programs also allow students to add some flexibility to their college experience, especially if they are returning to education after an extended time away, or work full time. An added benefit of a hybrid program is that the student's online presence lends itself to better networking opportunities.
Popular Degree Programs in Indiana
Indiana is home to thriving industries including automotive, manufacturing, life sciences, and information technology, and the most popular college degree programs reflect that. Engineering, IT, business management and marketing, as well as biological and biomedical sciences are all detailed as the most chosen programs in Indiana's top colleges at U.S. News & World Report .
Computer Networking and Telecommunications A particularly popular degree in the state, information technology is a top, growing industry in Indiana, and Indianapolis in particular is a hub for jobs in the field, especially IT associated with online advertising.
Engineering Auto Manufacturing and transportation are the top two industries in Indiana, and a major reason why an engineering degree is a popular choice in the state. For example, engineering is the top student degree choice at Purdue University, where 23% of graduates earn an Engineering degree.
BEST ONLINE COLLEGES IN INDIANA FOR 2019
Learners should consider many factors when choosing among even the very best online colleges in Indiana, including whether pursuing an online degree program is the best fit for their needs. For example, ask yourself: does my background match that of the students who typically attend this school? To what careers can my prospective degree lead?
Top 15 Online Colleges in Indiana for 2019
Admissions Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
60%
Online Enrollment
17%
Retention Rate
82%
Default Rate
7%
Ball State University is a public university located in the industrial city of Muncie, with satellite campuses scattered throughout the state. The school was founded in 1918 by the Ball brothers and has since become an elite research university offering online degree programs to students across the United States. Aside from associate degrees in general arts and radiography, students can earn bachelor's degrees in areas such as business administration, applied behavior analysis, and early childhood education.
Online students can take advantage of the same Ball State resources as on-campus students, including career and academic support services. Tuition rates vary based on residency. One of Ball State's best known alumni is David Letterman, who created a scholarship for communications students.
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How We Ranked the Schools
To determine the best programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the best online master's in management information systems programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.
Education Trends in Indiana
The following table details the funds spent by the state of Indiana and the United States on post-secondary education per-student. The table also details the percentage that tax revenue is allocated to higher education, both nationally, and in the state of Indiana. Finally, the table details the percentage of adults over the age of 25 who have attained an associate, bachelor's, and postgraduate degree, including data gathered from the U.S. Census Bureau.
| Indiana | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Education Spending per Full-Time Student | $5,142 | $6,954 |
| Percent of Tax Revenue Allocated to Higher Education | 6.2% | 5.8% |
| Percentage of adults over 25 with associate degree | 8.2% | 8.1% |
| Percentage of adults over 25 with bachelor's degree | 15.4% | 18.5% |
| Percentage of adults over 25 with graduate degree or higher | 8.7% | 11.2% |
| Source: SHEEO and U.S. Census | ||
Paying for College in Indiana
Making the right financial choice is an important factor in choosing the right college. Some colleges in Indiana offer two-year degrees, leading to an associate degree. Generally speaking, two-year degrees result in the lowest average financial obligation ($4,407). Indiana residents should also consider state school tuition when choosing the academic institution that meets their needs, because the cost for residents at public four-year schools is also significantly lower for residents of the state ($9,201).
Tuition Prices
The following table details the tuition and fees of public two-year and four-year programs in Indiana, as compared to U.S. averages. Two-year programs are available within specific residence districts, while four-year programs are available within the state of residence. Note that extra costs (such as books and transportation) are not included in these figures.
Financial Aid
Students are wise to take full advantage of the financial aid options available to them, and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for most types of aid. Before making a decision, keep in mind that costs not only include tuition, but also textbooks, housing, transportation, and other necessities for day-to-day life.
Financial aid comes from four sources (federal, state, institutional, and private) and they provide four types of financial aid: scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. Scholarships and grants do not need to be repaid. A loan usually accrues interest and must be repaid over time, and a work-study arrangement requires students to maintain specific kind of employment while remaining enrolled in school.
Cost for Online Programs in Indiana
Generally, students may apply federal, state, institutional, or private aid toward both on-campus and online programs, and students must fill out the FAFSA to qualify. Some online colleges in Indiana offer work-study programs to online students as well. The amount of aid a school awards to a student depends in part on a student's full time or part time status, regardless of on-campus and online enrollment.
Cost of Living by Region
The cost of living in a city in which a college or university is located has a significant influence on the total cost of education, as well as a student's career after graduation. That said, cost of living varies a good deal in the state of Indiana, and students should consider the cost of housing, transportation, and the average salaries of workers who reside in a city when making a decision about where to attend college.
Scholarships for Indiana College Students
Can all Scholarships be Used for Online Programs?
Learners can use most scholarships for any type of program, whether at online colleges in Indiana or on-campus. However, students should verify that scholarship funds do not feature any specific on-campus requirements if they plan to pursue an entirely online program. The scholarship foundations and providers likely have an email address to send questions or an FAQ section that addresses these kind of issues.
Employment Outlook in Indiana
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a rosy occupational outlook for Indiana: the state continues on a steady path of growth. The following charts detail the state's unemployment rate, average mean wage, top industries, and largest industries. While not reflected among top employers, Indiana's top industry is in fact manufacturing (the state's manufacturing workforce is composed of many thriving businesses throughout the state).
| Indiana | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate, May 2017 | 3.5% | 4.3% |
| Annual Mean Wage, May 2016 | $42,940 | $49,630 |
| Source: BLS and BLS | ||
Top Employers and Industries in Indiana
Top Industries in Indiana
Manufacturing – Durable and Nondurable Goods: The Manufacturing sector consists of establishments engaged in the mechanical, physical, or chemical transformation of materials, substances, or components into new products.
Financial Activities – Insurance, Real Estate, Rentals, and Leasing: The finance and insurance sector comprises establishments primarily engaged in financial transactions.The real estate, rental, and leasing sector consists of establishments primarily engaged in renting, leasing, and establishments providing related services.
Education and Health Services: The educational services sector is composed of establishments that provide instruction and training in a wide variety of subjects. The health care and social assistance sector consists of establishments providing health care and social assistance for individuals.
Top Employers in Indiana
Purdue University West Lafayette: 15,304 employees
IU Health University Hospital : 13,479 employees
St. Vincent Health: 10,000 employees
Accreditation for Colleges in Indiana
To receive accreditation, educational institutions must pass review from accreditation-awarding bodies: accrediting agencies assess the academic integrity of an educational institution's programs and only award accreditation if a school meets their approval. The accreditation process maintains educational standards across the country, ensuring that schools in the United States remain competitive on the global stage.
Not all accreditation types equal. For example, regional accreditation is generally recognized as the most prestigious type of accreditation. By earning a degree from a regionally accredited institution, a student can be sure that they can achieve licensure in certain fields, such as teaching, health care, accounting, and engineering.
National accrediting agencies typically focus on career, vocational, or trade schools, and may be earned at a lower cost. However, courses may not transfer to regionally accredited schools, and a degree from a nationally accredited institution may not qualify a student for licensure in certain fields.
The Higher Learning Commission accredits schools in Indian. The organization maintains a directory of academic institutions and their accreditation status.
Resources for Students in Indiana
Indiana Commission for Higher Education (ICHE): A state run agency that provides oversight and support for all Indiana schools for higher education, the ICHE assists in defining the missions of public colleges and universities. For example, the ICHE reviews budgets, approves expansion and degree program, and distributes student financial aid from state programs.
Indiana Education Savings Authority (IESA): The IESA is the governing board of Indiana's tax-advantaged CollegeChoice 529 Savings Plans – CollegeChoice Direct, CollegeChoice Advisor, & CollegeChoice CD. The organization consists of a nine-member board comprised of representatives of several state agencies and other individuals appointed at-large by the Governor.
Indiana College Costs Estimator: This resource from Learn More Indiana and the National Center for College Costs calculates the cost of college based on a student's family gross income, tax records, and academic information.
Learn More Indiana: An initiative of the Commission for Higher Education, Learn More Indiana publishes student success guides, administers scholarships, and provides support through the stages of choosing a college and successfully graduating.
You Can. Go Back.: You Can. Go Back. is a statewide campaign that encourages and assists the 750,000+ adult Indiana residents who have started but not finished a college degree to finish their education. The campaign administers $7.5 million in state grants.