Best Online Colleges in Indiana

Benefits of Studying Online in Indiana

Indiana is the 17th largest state by population in America, hosting roughly 6.8 million people. The largest city and capitol is Indianapolis, located in the heart of the state, which serves as its primary commerce center and epicenter for the state’s culture and atmosphere. Indiana has the 38th largest land area, spanning just over 36,000 square miles, and is home to some of the country's most popular sports teams, like the Indianapolis Colts and Pacers. As a member of the Rust Belt it still houses a large manufacturing base that continues to shape the economy of the state.

Employment Stats

When it comes to employment, the Hoosier state continues to impress. With a total of 3,201,300 non-farm employees as of October of 2022 (the 16th most of any state in the country), Indiana accounted for just over 2% of the nation’s workforce. Over the last year, the number of jobs created grew by 2.72%, adding an additional 84,900 new jobs since 2021 when total employed was 3,116,400. This makes Indiana the 32nd fastest growing state in terms of employment. In addition, the state exceeds the national median by quite a bit, boasting more than 1.2 million more people employed (an advantage of 62% more than the median state).

Furthermore, the data reveals that Indiana just barely bumped out Arizona for the #16 spot, having just edged it out by 101,000 (or 3.27%). That being said, it was still outranked by Tennessee, which recorded 3,262,000 in 2022 (60,000 more than Indiana, that’s a difference of -1.9%). Lastly, the state sits 82% behind the nation’s leader, with California recording 3,706,100 employed (505,000 more than Indiana).

Job Opportunities

Indiana does possess a very healthy job diversity though, boasting 760 unique job types which puts it about 5.3% above the median of 722, making it the 11th largest employer in terms of job type quantity. This is especially helpful for recent graduates who may be on the search for more obscure or niche positions, as the state has several high ranking universities and plenty of opportunity to get your foot in the door in a number of different industries.

When it comes to higher education, Indiana boasts a number of high profile universities, including the likes of Purdue University, Indiana University Bloomington and the University of Notre Dame. Purdue is primarily an engineering school, with an enrollment of around 42,000 students as of 2021, while IU Bloomington is the state’s largest university, with over 50,000 students. Additionally, the University of Notre Dame is widely regarded as one of the top schools in the nation, having recently completed the construction of its new business school, which is said to be one of the most advanced in the country. All of these universities make for excellent options for students looking to get the most out of their college experience in Indiana.

Indiana also has a vibrant culture with a number of entertainment options, including professional sports teams such as the Indianapolis Colts, the Indiana Pacers, and the Indy Eleven. The state also has a rich history of motorsports, with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosting the iconic Indianapolis 500 every May. Additionally, the state boasts excellent outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, biking, and camping.

All in all, Indiana offers a great mix of job opportunities and entertainment options for students looking to study and work in the Midwest. It's also clear that the economy and job opportunities in Indiana continue to grow, as the state has seen an impressive amount of job growth in comparison to other states. That in combination with the state’s relatively low cost of living makes it an attractive option for potential students to consider for their studies.

*All data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023)