Update to 2024

Why Should I Consider Studying in Indiana?

The state of Indiana has a diverse range of higher education pathways. Starting in West Lafayette, there’s the highly ranked Purdue University which is one of the more well known research universities in the midwest, and also happens to be the state’s largest school. Another incredible research hub is Indiana University in Bloomington - although it does offer many more options than just research-based programs (including their journalism school).

If you’re looking for quality education, but maybe a bit more cost constrained, there are a number of regional universities that fill the gap. Specifically, Ball State in Muncie and Indiana State University in Terre Haute. The University of Evansville is another that deserves at least a quick look. Although their research budgets are considerably smaller than some of their large public counterparts, they can be excellent choices - and not to mention these smaller locations can provide a more intimate college experience, which often plays a significant role in one’s perceived quality of their college experience.

The state enjoys lower than average cost of living, at least in almost all cities, and also serves as a strong springboard into the professional world. There are work opportunities right next door to the classrooms with many Fortune 500 companies calling Indiana home, particularly in the state’s largest city of Indianapolis. The access to small and large cities along with diverse education and professional routes can make Indiana an appealing destination for many young students.

Indiana Higher Education By The Numbers

Colleges in Indiana

Indiana has the 17th most colleges in the United States of America with 102 colleges. For context, that's 505 fewer colleges than the leading state. 16% of colleges in Indiana are public, and 84% of its colleges are private. (16 public colleges & 86 private colleges). It has the 3rd highest private to public college ratio in the United States of America.

Our top three picks in Indiana are University of Notre Dame, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and Purdue University-Main Campus. Purdue University-Main Campus has the most students of any public college in Indiana's top 25 colleges (49,027). University of Notre Dame has more students than all other private colleges in our top 25 (13,268).

Students in Indiana

The most popular state has 3,747,479 college students. Indiana has 84% fewer (3,150,122 students). There are 476,226 public college students and 121,131 private college students in Indiana. It has fewer public college students than 11 states and more private college students than 31 states. Its 597,357 total students make it the 14th most popular choice in the country. 80% of students in Indiana are enrolled in public institutions which is the 24th highest percentage countrywide.