Best Online Colleges in Indiana
Whether you live in the Hoosier state or not, you can consider online colleges in Indiana. Indiana offers many schools where you can earn a degree and prepare for a high-paying job. Some of the fastest-growing careers for graduates in the state include nurse practitioner (NP), information security analyst, and medical and health services manager.
Discover details on the best online colleges in Indiana in this helpful guide. Topics include promising majors to consider, the cost of living in the state, and ways to save money on your degree.
Top Online Colleges Indiana 2024
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Purdue University is among the best U.S. online colleges. Graduate students enjoy an academic catalog that includes 20 online master's programs. The school currently enrolls a total of 10,129 remote learners.
An average of 7,398 degree-seekers enroll on campus at the public school, located in West Lafayette, Indiana. Distance learners attend class virtually from across the country. The institution tailors some of its student services to the needs of online enrollees. Academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career services are offered to the online school's students.
The online college offers programs in some of the most popular disciplines to meet the demands of different types of degree-seekers. The school awards accredited degrees that prepare remote learners for many different positions in the workforce. Affordability is a top priority for the institution. The school charges $682 per credit on average and awards financial aid to 65% of students.
- In-State$9,208
- Out-of-state$28,010
- In-State$9,208
- Out-of-state$28,010
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled45,500
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana University East
- Richmond, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
A public institution, Indiana University East operates from a campus in Richmond. The accredited school offers multiple online programs in addition to on-campus programs. Online enrollment at the college totals 2,989 students. Degree-seekers can complete a bachelor's program entirely online.
Learners at the school select from many of the top-choice fields for their college degree. The flexibility of a virtual classroom space appeals to many degree-seekers. The school offers degrees designed with working professionals in mind.
Degree-seekers usually complete a bachelor's program in four years. Transferring credits from previous institutions makes earning a four-year bachelor's degree in less time possible. Criteria for admission and the timeline for applying may be found on the school's website.
- In-State$6,895
- Out-of-state$19,346
- In-State$7,264
- Out-of-state$17,113
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled3,766
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
Oakland City University
- Oakland City, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Oakland City University, a private college, enrolls students at its campus in Indiana. The college offers on-campus and online undergraduate and graduate programs. Distance learners pursue degrees from a catalog of 34 total programs. Enrollees receive a strong liberal arts and professional education. Nontraditional learners complete degrees in a variety of fields.
Programs blend theoretical learning and practical experiences such as internships and fieldwork. Some online programs require limited on-campus requirements such as residencies. Virtual learners complete most degrees online with no on-campus visits. Students complete real-world applications of classroom learning. Degree-seekers receive online tutoring and other assistance. The rate of admission at Oakland City University is 55%. Enrollees afford college with competitive tuition rates and financial aid. Nonresidents and residents pay the same flat tuition rate.
Oakland City University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- In-State$24,300
- Out-of-state$24,300
- In-State$8,100
- Out-of-state$8,100
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled1,435
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationYes
Ball State University
- Muncie, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
A public school, Ball State University is located in Indiana. The institution offers undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online. Degree-seekers choose from a catalog of 316 online programs, which provide a rigorous liberal arts and professional education. The comprehensive school catalog features a variety of degrees.
The curricula blend theoretical learning and practical experiences such as fieldwork and internships. Prospective online students should explore in-person requirements such as residencies. Students can complete some online degrees with no residency requirements. Degree-seekers learn how to apply classroom learning to tackle real-world problems. Online students receive assistance such as tutoring in various subjects. Ball State University has a 77% acceptance rate. Students pay for the affordable tuition with financial aid. The school charges the same tuition rate for nonresidents and residents. Undergraduates receive an average total aid package of $10,497.
The school has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
- In-State$9,358
- Out-of-state$26,138
- In-State$8,850
- Out-of-state$21,954
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled22,443
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- Saint Mary of the Woods, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
One of the top-ranked schools, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers undergraduate and graduate programs on its Indiana campus and online. The accredited college's online programs enroll a total of 347 students.
Programs in healthcare, STEM, and business are just some of the many options available at the school. In an online program, distance learners complete coursework in a virtual classroom space. Academic advisors and faculty mentors collaborate with learners to make a customized plan of study. Tutoring services, financial aid counseling, and career services at the school support online degree-seekers in their educational pursuits.
Enrollees typically need 120 credits to earn a bachelor's degree and 30 credits to earn a master's. Online learners can qualify for scholarships, federal financial aid, and other forms of funding.
- In-State$29,950
- Out-of-state$29,950
- In-State$12,780
- Out-of-state$12,780
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled1,094
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
- Indianapolis, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is a public School. Students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees on campus or online. Degree-seekers choose from a catalog of 302 online programs. Students receive a rigorous education in the liberal arts and professional areas. The online programs cover a variety of fields.
Virtual learners receive a blend of classroom instruction and practical experience through internships and practicums. Online students complete on-campus requirements for some programs. However, most online degrees require no residencies. Faculty bring real-world experiences into the classroom. The school offers online services such as tutoring. Prospective students can expect an 81% acceptance rate at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. The school’s affordable tuition rates and financial aid help students pay for their degree. A flat tuition rate applies to all online learners, regardless of their residency status. The average total aid per enrollee is $10,960.
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, an independent accrediting agency.
- In-State$8,580
- Out-of-state$29,589
- In-State$8,826
- Out-of-state$24,144
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled29,537
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Huntington University
- Huntington, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Huntington University, located in Indiana, enrolls undergraduate and graduate students in 81 online programs. Students pursuing online degrees enroll in one of six bachelor's programs and five master's programs. Working students can study at their own pace in online programs. Students pursue some of the nation’s top-ranked degrees at the school. Nontraditional learners complete a four-year bachelor’s degree faster with transfer credits. Students earn master’s degrees in a variety of majors, and graduate students generally complete field experiences locally.
Degree-seekers complete affordable degrees at the school. The college accepts school transcripts as part of the admissions process. Degrees at Huntington University hold regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Huntington University Statistics:
On-Campus and Online Programs: 81
Bachelor’s Degrees Available Online: 6
Associate Programs Available Online: 2
Master’s Programs Available Online: 5
Cost of Undergraduate Tuition for State Residents: $25,956
- In-State$25,956
- Out-of-state$25,956
- In-State$11,064
- Out-of-state$11,064
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled1,384
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment19%
- AccreditationYes
Purdue University Fort Wayne
- Fort Wayne, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Students can pursue affordable degrees at Purdue University Fort Wayne. A comprehensive catalog of programs at the Indiana school provides a variety of degree options. Students prepare for entry-level and advanced careers. The school offers full-time and part-time enrollment options. Students benefit from the online programs' flexible course schedules. The university offers hybrid degrees with in-person and online sessions. Faculty use small classes to provide personalized learning.
The school delivers 17 associate and 66 bachelor’s programs. The institution offers affordable tuition and an average $6,665 financial aid package.
Purdue University Fort Wayne Statistics:
Status of School: Public
Total Online Students Enrolled: 3,267
Available Online Degrees: 7
Online Bachelor’s Programs: 7
Students Awarded Aid: 94%
- In-State$7,470
- Out-of-state$19,503
- In-State$5,682
- Out-of-state$13,710
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled10,208
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
Trine University
- Fort Wayne, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Trine University runs its private campus in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The accredited school delivers many of its programs both in person and virtually. Of all students, 733 take online classes at the college. Degree-seekers can complete a bachelor's degree entirely online.
Learners at the school pick from an academic catalog offering college degrees in many top-choice disciplines. Being able to schedule college studies around other responsibilities and obligations is why many degree-seekers like the virtual learning environment of online programs. The school offers many degrees designed with working professionals in mind. The institution offers 14 online bachelor's programs and five online master's programs for distance learners to choose from.
Bachelor's programs usually take degree-seekers about four years to complete. Bringing in credits from prior college experience makes it possible for students to graduate with a bachelor's degree faster. Those thinking about applying to the school can learn more about the admission requirements and the deadline for applying by visiting the school's website.
- In-State$9,576
- Out-of-state$9,576
- In-State$10,080
- Out-of-state$10,080
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate24%
- Students Enrolled747
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
Vincennes University
- Vincennes, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Vincennes University offers undergraduate programs that prepare students for new job opportunities and career advancement. Degree-seekers choose from the school’s catalog of 57 online programs. Students learn through classroom instruction and practical experiences such as internships and practicums.
Distance learners can pursue degrees in various majors. Online students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees at the Indiana school.
Vincennes University at a Glance:
Undergraduate Tuition Rate: $5,581/year in-state, $13,871/year out-of-state
Average Price With Financial Aid: $10,205
Students Awarded Financial Aid: 89%
Learners Receiving Student Loans: 14%
The school’s website provides details about how to earn credit for experiential learning. Degree-seekers gain the knowledge and skills they need to secure roles in their field. Entrance scores may bolster students’ applications. Vincennes University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- In-State$5,581
- Out-of-state$13,871
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate32%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled17,239
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment13%
- AccreditationYes
Price Check
TheNational Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that Indiana residents attending public four-year universities in the state paid an average of $9,886 for tuition and required fees in 2022-2023.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Indiana
The chart below highlights some of the fastest-growing careers in Indiana that require a college degree. Major fields seeing growth in the state include healthcare, computer and information technology, and business.
| Job | Projected Growth, 2020-2030 | Annual Mean Wage in Indiana, May 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 54.5% | $123,320 |
| Statisticians | 34% | $105,440 |
| Information Security Analysts | 32.8% | $102,690 |
| Physician Assistants | 32.2% | $131,120 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 31.9% | $112,690 |
| Logisticians | 31.6% | $79,480 |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Indiana’s Job Market
Consider one of the following majors to pursue in-demand roles in Indiana’s job market.
Nursing
A nursing degree can prepare students to become NPs. This type of healthcare professional needs a master’s in an advanced practice nursing field. Nursing graduate programs typically require each candidate to possess a bachelor of science in nursing to qualify.Healthcare
A healthcare major is a good first step to becoming a physician assistant, but you’ll need to earn a master’s degree from a physician assistant program to qualify for this career. A healthcare major can also prepare you to become a medical and health services manager.Business
Majoring in business can set you on the path to pursue logistician and medical and health services manager roles — two fast-growing career paths in Indiana.Computer Science
Computer science is an excellent major for people looking to become information security analysts. These professionals use IT and computer skills to help organizations protect their computer systems and networks from data breaches and cyber-attacks.Mathematics
A math major can prepare students for careers as information security analysts or statisticians. Statisticians usually need a master’s degree, but a bachelor’s or significant undergraduate coursework in math can suffice for some federal government jobs.
Cost of Living in Indiana
Your location affects your financial investment for education. The chart below outlines the average monthly cost for basic necessities like housing, groceries and food, transportation, and medical care in Indiana.
Students looking to save money can consider living with roommates to save on housing costs. They can also take public transportation instead of owning a car. Making meals at home instead of eating out at restaurants can also help their budgeting efforts.
| Cost of Living Category | Average Cost Per Month |
|---|---|
| Housing | $826 |
| Groceries and Food | $321 |
| Transportation | $885 |
| Medical Care | $282 |
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Indiana
Students who plan to attend online college in Indiana can apply for various financial aid options. Below, we highlight some scholarships for prospective college students in Indiana to consider.
Hispanic/Latino Scholarship
The Hispanic Leadership Coalition of Northeast Indiana and Latinos Count partner to offer a scholarship for first-generation and second-generation Hispanic and Latino high school seniors, along with returning college students from specific Northeast Indiana counties. Each applicant needs a minimum 2.5 GPA and must be accepted to or attending an Indiana college. The program encourages DACA, TPS, and undocumented students to apply.
Scholarship Amount: $1,500
Women in Transition Scholarship
The Indiana Women’s Education Foundation offers this scholarship to women who are changing careers or re-entering the workforce. Applicants must be at least 30 years old, demonstrate financial need, and have been Indiana residents for one year to qualify. The application must include recommendation letters, an essay, and transcripts.
Scholarship Amount: Varies
Wells County Foundation Scholarship Program
The Wells County Foundation offers 65 scholarships and the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for high school graduates and other students in Wells County, Indiana, pursuing higher education. Application criteria vary by scholarship.
Scholarship Amount: Varies by scholarship
Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education offers this scholarship for future educators. High school seniors and college students can apply for this renewable scholarship. Each recipient must agree to teach in Indiana at an eligible school for at least five years after graduation or repay the scholarship.
Scholarship Amount: Up to $10,000 a year (up to four years)
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Indiana
The Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) offers discounted tuition to out-of-state students attending in-person and online colleges in Indiana and seven other nearby states. On average, this voluntary program saves learners $7,000 annually. More than 70 schools participate in this program.
To get the discount, you must attend an eligible college in the Midwest. The following states participate in the MSEP:
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Indiana
How long do you have to live in Indiana to get in-state tuition?
Students must live in Indiana for 12 months to qualify for in-state tuition. Out-of-state minors with resident parents can also qualify for in-state status.
How many colleges and universities are in Indiana?
As of June 2024, the NCES reports that Indiana has 67 four-year colleges and universities. These institutions include public, private, and for-profit schools, many of which offer online programs.
What is the cheapest college in Indiana?
In 2021-2022, Union Bible College charges the most affordable in-state tuition rate of Indiana’s four-year schools. Community colleges may offer lower rates.
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