Best Colleges in Indiana

“The Crossroads of America,” Indiana, is a Midwestern state with more than 50 colleges within its 35,000+ square feet. Colleges in Indiana are largely private not-for-profit institutions or public universities, the largest 4-year by enrollment being Indiana University. The most nationally prestigious in The Hoosier State is the University of Notre Dame. Indiana experiences cold winters and hot, wet summers, and its largest industries are in advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, energy, and aerospace and aviation. Indiana has the second-largest automotive industry in the nation and is also home to the Indy 500. The Indiana Dunes, Conner Prairie, and Amish country are popular attractions in this state.

How Were the Top Schools in Indiana Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

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University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame was founded in 1842 by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross. It is one of the nation’s top religious schools and holds mass multiple times a day. U.S. News & World Report rates the school as #18 in National...

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In and out of the classroom, you are guaranteed to learn...A LOT. From going to conferences and listening to lectures by distinguished professors at many different universities to the actual learning in the classroom (and the fabulous & intelligent...

” – Lindsay from Downers Grove, IL
DePauw University

Originally founded as Indiana Asbury University, DePauw University is a 4-year liberal arts college in western Indiana. DePauw is home to a College of Liberal Arts conferring degrees in 29 fields of study as well as one of the first Schools of Music...

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DePauw was the best decision I've ever made. What makes this school special is the people, the opportunities for success, and the education. There is no place I would rather be.

” – Kandyce from Indianapolis, IN
Purdue University-Main Campus

Purdue University-West Lafayette is a public research university founded in 1869 and the main campus of the Purdue University System. Purdue is home to 11 colleges and schools including a nationally renowned School of Engineering conferring degrees...

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I am studying in the school of science. My classes are challenging, and I am definitely learning from my professors. There are plenty of resources to get extra help here as well such as free help rooms or study sessions with teaching assistants.

” – Erika from Indiana
Wabash College
Crawfordsville, IN
Wabash College

One of only three all-male institutions of higher learning in the United States, Wabash College is a liberal arts college in western Indiana. Wabash offers undergraduate degrees in 25 academic majors and features a Liberal Arts Plus initiative to...

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Wabash College is a small, liberal arts college for males in Crawfordsville Indiana that pushes young men to go beyond the minimum of what is asked of a college student. Wabash provides numerous opportunities for their students to get involved and...

” – Michael from Carmel, IN
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Founded in 1874, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is a 4-year STEM-focused institution in west central Indiana. Rose-Hulman grants bachelor’s degrees in 25 science, engineering, and mathematics-related fields of study. In addition, the institute...

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If you are looking for a college that have everything you will need for a career in Science, Math, Engineering, or Technology Rose-Hulman has a course for everything.

” – Jacob from New Castle, IN
Saint Mary's College

Saint Mary’s College is a private, Catholic, women’s college in Notre Dame, IN with a focus on “creating leaders & women of action.” The college offers more than 50 academic programs, which include six nationally accredited programs, and four...

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My current intended major is Nursing, but I'm learning so many other great things that I feel more informed about the world than ever before. Not only is St. Mary's good at teaching her students about the past, but also on keeping us updated about...

” – Allison from Battle Creek, MI
Earlham College

Earlham College is a liberal arts institution situated in Richmond, IN. Earlham grounds their curricula in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, emphasizing intellectual and practical skills, personal and social responsibility, and...

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Amazing and wonderful school with a great pride in community and friendship. Very academically rigorous and quite rewarding. A large variety of classes and majors are available with very helpful professors to guide you throughout your time here

” – Hosanna from Richmond, IN
Hanover College

Hanover College’s campus is nestled along the banks of the scenic Ohio River. Founded in 1827, Hanover is the oldest private college in Indiana. Our stunning natural campus is just an easy drive from one of 3 major metropolitan areas- Indianapolis...

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Hanover is more than a college, it's a community. I've never felt so accepted and welcomed in such a great environment. I feel like I wouldn't be the same person without my liberal arts education I've received here.

” – Shana from Hanover, IN
Indiana University-Bloomington

Founded in 1820, Indiana University-Bloomington is the largest university in the state and the flagship campus of the IU system in southwest Indiana. IU encompasses 16 colleges and schools hosting over 200 undergraduate majors. As a school with a...

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The quality of the education you get here is really reliant on which specific classes you take. I've had some really challenging, forum-based classes where I felt like I learned a lot, including a lot more beyond just the curriculum. I believe some...

” – Alicia from West Chester, OH
Butler University

Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, Butler University is a nationally recognized university with seven academic colleges and more than 90 majors, spanning the arts, business, communication, education, liberal arts and sciences, and pharmacy and health...

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Butler University is a small school with all of the benefits of a large school. The professors know me by name, the students truly care about each other, and the university makes it easy to feel at home. It is perfectly located close enough to...

” – Miranda from Maple Grove, MN
Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University is an independent, Doctoral/Professional University with a liberal arts curriculum in Valparaiso, Indiana. Grounded in the Lutheran tradition of scholarship, freedom, and faith, the University offers more than 70 undergraduate...

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Valparaiso offers a great honors program that usually has a group of 80-100 freshmen in it. They compose music, choreograph, write, and act in a drama production each fall, which definitely brings the whole class close together! In general, however...

” – Rachel from WI
University of Evansville

University of Evansville is the first in Indiana to be designated as an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, which empowers students to improve the world around them as UE Changemakers. UE has an array of majors in business; engineering; the arts and...

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After only a single semester I feel like I've learned a lot from all of my classes so far. Even classes that I thought I would hate have something to learn from. The professors are amazing and willing to talk to you and answer questions you may have...

” – Alexander from Williamston, MI
Goshen College

Founded in 1894, Goshen College is a Christian liberal arts college in northern Indiana affiliated with the Mennonite Church. Goshen grants bachelor’s degrees in over 40 academic majors and pre-professional tracks. All students are further required...

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Classes are academically based and require studious habits. This benefits the students overall. Liberal arts colleges creates a well-rounded individual.

” – Stacy from Goshen, IN
Manchester University
North Manchester, IN
Manchester University

Originally founded as the Roanoke Classical Seminary, Manchester University is a liberal arts university in northeast Indiana affiliated with the Church of the Brethren. Manchester is home to colleges of Arts & Humanities, Health Sciences, Business...

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From the very first class of the semester, the learning started. Professors don't waste class time; they teach to you what needs to be learned. You may think going into a familiar class that it'll be an easy breeze; but, the professors always find a...

” – unanimous
Taylor University

Founded in 1846, Taylor University is a private institution and one of the oldest evangelical Christian colleges in the nation. The school is based in Upland, Indiana. All students, staff, and faculty are required to resist tobacco, alcohol, and drug...

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Taylor is a great place to learn. Taylor makes sure you have knowledge in a broad spectrum of subjects while still focusing on your own major. Professors are great. Most of them are very willing to help you outside of class and help you do well. I...

” – Heidi from Upland, IN
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion

There is a unique energy at Indiana Wesleyan University—a combination of innovation, purpose and faith—and it takes just one visit to experience it for yourself. IWU students discover their God-given individuality and life calling, and develop in...

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I have learned very much from my time at IWU. I am a Christian Worship major with an emphasis in Media, which basically means I'm training to become a media leader within the the Church. Many of my classes, especially Media Scriptwriting, Radio...

” – Randall from Goode, VA
Ball State University

Originally founded as a teacher’s college, Ball State University is a public institution in eastern Indiana. Ball State is home to seven colleges conferring undergraduate degrees in more than 120 academic majors. Throughout the year, Ball State...

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The staff and employees of the campus are both kind and knowledgeable of their areas. The presentations I have seen from professors during orientation demonstrates how varied they are and creative in their ways of instruction.

” – Jared from Muncie, IN
Marian University

Marian University is a private Catholic institution located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The curriculum at Marian University combines classroom theory with practical work experience. The school is home to a wetland and lowland forest, the Indy Cycloplex...

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Marian is a great place where all the professors make you feel wanted. You're definitely not just a number at this University.

” – Meredith from Indianapolis, IN
Anderson University

Anderson University is a private, liberal arts institution located in Anderson, Indiana, and it is affiliated with the Christian Church of God. AU’s mission is to educate for a life of faith and service in the church and society through their five...

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The professors at Anderson are all top-quality. Each professor is fully knowledgeable about their subject matter. I was especially impressed my my first history teacher, who bombarded me with everything anyone could ever possibly know about Rome's...

” – Jordan from Liberty Twp, OH
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Huntington University is a private, 4-year institution located in the state of Indiana. As the school is Christ-centered, all students enrolled at Huntington are expected to live by biblical guidelines, including maintaining sexual purity, abstaining...

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Huntington is a nationally recognized Christian University and it is ranked very highly by many different polls. FORBES. com lists Huntington University in it's TOP 100 colleges and universities in the U.S. Huntington has a variety of different...

” – Justin from Fort Wayne, IN