The Hoosier State offers some of the most affordable college tuition rates in the U.S. According to 2017–2018 statistics published by College Board, the average annual tuition for public institutions is under $10,000, while the average annual tuition for private schools is $29,000. These prices do not factor in the lower rates often provided to online students. Colleges and universities may also offer scholarships and grants to boost enrollment and retention. Indiana’s low cost of living makes it a great place to not only earn your degree, but also build a career after graduation. According to PayScale, even metropolitan areas like Indianapolis cost 8% below the national average.
Flexibility is another major perk of distance education. Most online programs offer coursework in an asynchronous format. This structure allows students to access course materials and engage with faculty and peers at their convenience. Working professionals especially benefit from this structure because it allows them to maintain their jobs. Furthermore, many online colleges in Indiana offer accelerated classes and accelerated degree plans. Options include RN–to–BSN and MBA tracks that students can complete in as few as 14 months, provided they completed general education and prerequisite requirements beforehand. Online schools in Indiana also offer uncommon eLearning options such as interior design and equine–assisted therapy.
Four Reasons to Find an Online College in Your State
Guaranteed in–state tuition saves you money
Be a part of a university or college you know and love
Get a degree from a school that employers know and trust
Be close enough to easily visit when desired
Ranking Guidelines for the Best Online Colleges in Indiana
We selected the online colleges and universities here based on the quality of their programs, types of courses and degrees offered, faculty strengths, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation, including a strong reputation for online degree programs.
Note: In ranking the best online colleges in Indiana, giving attention to the variety of degree programs available at the institutions is of utmost importance. For this reason, a more prestigious school in Indiana may offer one, or a few online degrees, but that may not be enough for that school rank highly among the best online colleges in the state. In this ranking, we are dedicated to showing who’s leading the way in delivering quality online degree programs in Indiana.
Indiana University, a multi-campus public university system, has more than 110,000 students.
Indiana University offers an impressive variety of associate’s, baccalaureate, master, doctoral and certificate programs through IU Online. The Indiana University Office of Online Education administers IU Online.
Available associate’s degrees include histotechnology and labor studies. Bachelor’s degrees online include psychology and criminal justice. Master’s degree options include finance and music therapy. Doctoral degree offerings include nursing, while certifications include business analytics and clinical informatics.
Resources online students can benefit from include technical support and a massive online library with online databases in a plethora of subjects and librarian live chat.
Ball State University’s alumni span 48 states and 43 countries around the world, a major step up from its modest founding in 1876. The university gets its present name from the Ball Brothers, a pair of businessmen who saved the school from foreclosure. The university contains 7 academic colleges, over 20,000 students and 300+ degree programs.
Ball State University offers many associate, baccalaureate, master, doctoral and certificate programs online. Undergraduate degrees include associate’s degrees in general arts and baccalaureate degrees in criminal justice and education. Graduate-level offerings include master’s degrees in journalism and interior design and doctoral degrees in nursing. Certificate programs include information technology and apartment management.
Resources for online students include online tutoring, an online writing center, live online technical support, online job boards, disability services and an online library with librarian live chat and extensive scholarly databases, including a collection on the Civil War.
Huntington University, a Christian university has an affiliation with the United Brethren in Christ. It first opened its doors over a century ago in 1897 as Central College. In 2005, the college grew into a full-fledged university. The school offers more than 70 academic programs in total.
Huntington University requires all students to attend chapel services, bible studies and other religious activities at one of the 30 chapels on campus as part of their curriculum.
Huntington University provides a variety of available master’s degrees. The university offers master’s degrees primarily in education, including elementary, adolescent and TESOL education.
The university provides several online resources, including technical support over the phone and an online library with scholarly article databases.
Indiana Wesleyan University is among the largest private universities in the state and is one of the largest members of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. The school has over 15,000 students in attendance and offers more than 80 undergraduate degree programs. The strong enrollment numbers led to the establishment of the university’s nursing school in 2009.
Indiana Wesleyan University offers numerous online degrees. Associate’s degrees include criminal justice and education. Bachelor’s degrees available include healthcare administration and addiction counseling. Master’s degree options include athletic training and nursing. Doctoral degree offerings include organizational leadership and occupational therapy. Certifications include human services and financial planning.
The university provides technical support over the phone and access to several scholarly article and ebook databases through its library.
Indiana State University, a public university offers more than 100 degree programs and teaches over 10,000 students. This university is a College Consortium of Western Indiana member.
Indiana State University has an excellent variety of baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral and certificate programs available online. Baccalaureate degrees include technology and psychology. Master’s degree options include criminology and nursing. Doctoral degree offerings include educational administration and athletic training. Certifications available include genomic advocacy and public administration.
The university also gives students access to many online resources, including an online student employment program, technical support over the phone and various services offered through the online library, including math and writing assistance as well as access to journal, video and government databases.
Graduation Rate
43%
6
Indiana University-Purdue University - IndianapolisÂ
IUPUI is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
About this school
IUPUI formed as the result of a partnership between Indiana's two largest public universities. Indiana University and Purdue University operated separate Indianapolis locations until 1969, when they combined forces in 1969 to create one campus. Today, nearly 30,000 students attend the urban research institution; 8,111 of whom are pursuing a degree entirely online.
IUPUI offers hundreds of individual online courses and, through Indiana University, 120 online degree and certificate programs. Students may pursue associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in subjects ranging from business and labor studies to music therapy. Courses are presented asynchronously, allowing distance learners to complete coursework when and where it is most convenient, without the hassle of mandatory login times or proctored exams. IUPUI offers resources exclusively for online students, including career services, success coaching, and digital math and writing support.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, an originally all-female Roman Catholic college founded in 1840, is renowned for its School of Equine Studies. It keeps more than 50 horses on campus as part of its veterinary program and is one of a few universities in America that offers a baccalaureate degree in equine studies. Pope Benedict canonized the college’s founder, Mother Theodore Guerin, as a saint in 2006, making her Indiana’s first saint.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College taught correspondence courses in the 1970s and began offering online programs in 2010 through Woods Online. Among other subjects, it currently offers associate’s degrees in accounting and education, baccalaureate degrees in professional writing and psychology and certificates in paralegal studies and music therapy.
Resources for online students include online technical support, career services, math tutoring, writing assistance and an online library with librarian assistance over the phone, online or via text messages.
Indiana Tech is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
About this school
Originally founded in 1930 as an engineering college for men, Indiana Tech has evolved to become a private coeducational institution known for its rigorous business and engineering programs. Based in Fort Wayne, the university maintains campus locations throughout Indiana and Kentucky, as well as enrollment centers in Chicago and Detroit. The school is known is one of the largest online colleges in Indiana, with distance learners making up more than 80% of the university's 10,300-student population.
Indiana Tech's College of Professional Studies offers nearly 30 online programs in business, arts and sciences, criminal justice, and computer science. Undergraduate students can earn an AS, BA, or BS online. The school also offers online MBA programs that feature several different concentrations, as well as MS degrees in engineering management, organizational leadership, psychology, and management. Tuition is based on course load, rather than residence.
Trine University, founded in 1884, was originally Tri-State University due to its location at the crossroads of Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. The university changed its name in 2008 to honor Dr. Ralph Trine, a university alumnus and contributor. The university is home to the Zollner Golf Course, which has been the site of the National Collegiate Golf Championships and multiple PGA tournaments.
Trine University has several associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees available online. Associate’s degrees include accounting and engineering. Bachelor’s degree options include psychology and criminal justice. Master’s degree offerings include sport management and public administration.
Resources for online students include an online job board, technical support over the phone and an online library with scholarly article, video and ebook databases.
Indiana University East, founded in 1971, is a public university and part of the Indiana University system. The school teaches over 4,000 students, offers over 50 degree programs and is comprised of the following academic schools: business and economics, education, humanities and social sciences, natural sciences and mathematics, nursing, social work, informatics and general studies.
Indiana University East provides a variety of baccalaureate degrees and graduate certificates through its online platform. Bachelor’s degree offerings include natural science and technical communication, while certifications include mathematics and composition studies.
Online student resources include an online job board, online writing and math tutoring and an online library with scholarly article databases.
The University of Southern Indiana is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
About this school
Located in Evansville, on the Indiana-Kentucky border, USI is a public university with a student body of around 11,000. As a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged University, USI is committed to making higher education accessible to all, offering flexible online programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.
USI presents a variety of opportunities for those seeking career-focused online schools in Indiana. Undergraduates may choose from several options, including bachelor's degree completion programs in respiratory therapy, radiologic technology, and health informatics and information management. Distance learners without prior college experience may earn bachelor's degree in professional studies, while registered nurses can pursue a web-based BS in nursing. Graduate students may earn a master's of sports management, business administration, nursing, or health administration. USI also offers a hybrid doctor of nursing practice program, which requires two three-day on-campus intensive sessions.
The University of Saint Francis is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
About this school
This private, Catholic university was founded in 1890 as a teacher training school for nuns. Today, USF is a Franciscan-sponsored liberal arts institution with a student body of around 2,300. The university offers prospective graduate students seeking an online college in Indiana have numerous web-based options, including master's programs in teaching, business administration, healthcare administration, organizational leadership, and environmental health. USF also sponsors an online BS in nursing program for registered nurses.
Each program is presented in an asynchronous format, and all coursework is self-paced. Full-time students may earn their degree in as few as 12 months. All distance learners pay the same per-course tuition rate, regardless of their state of residence. While admission requirements vary slightly between programs, every applicant should provide official undergraduate transcripts, a letter of intent, and a current resume.
Grace College Online is a Christian school which grew out of the Grace Theological Seminary, which established Grace College in 1948. The college offers almost 10 programs of study completely online and offers three-year accelerated degrees in every one of its majors. For especially dedicated students, the university also offers a four-year program which simultaneously awards a baccalaureate and master’s degree.
Grace College Online offers a number of baccalaureate and master’s degrees online. Online bachelor’s degree options include human services and business administration, while online master’s degree offerings include counseling and nonprofit management.
Online student resources include a writing lab via email evaluation and an online library with librarian live chat and various scholarly journals, videos and music databases.
Oakland City University, a Baptist university founded in 1885, did not begin classes until 1891 due to difficulties obtaining funds to complete initial construction. The university almost shut its doors multiple times throughout its history due to the Great Depression and the Vietnam War and did not become a university until the 1990s. Today the university contains 6 academic colleges, offers over 45 degree programs and teaches more than 2,000 students.
Oakland City University continues to grow as an online university, offering a number of associate’s, baccalaureate, master and doctoral programs fully online. Online associate’s degrees include general studies and religious studies. Online bachelor’s degrees available include business administration and criminal justice. Online master’s degree options include strategic management, while online doctoral degree offerings include education.
Online student resources include an extensive online library with access to a number of research databases including JSTOR and LitFinder.
Marian University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
About this school
A private liberal arts institution located just 10 minutes from downtown Indianapolis, Marian University prides itself on its Catholic roots and small class sizes. Marian's student body includes around 1,000 graduate students and less than 2,400 undergraduates, many of whom are enrolled in the university's adult programs division.
Marian's adult programs include online associate and bachelor's degree options in business administration, health and human services, paralegal studies, and nursing. Distance learners may also prepare for nursing school through Marian's non-degree online nursing prerequisites program. Accelerated classes begin multiple times throughout the year and last either five or eight weeks. Online students receive access to the same resources as their on-campus counterparts, including peer mentoring and tutoring, counseling and health services, and networking events. Admission requirements differ slightly from program to program, and nursing students are encouraged to contact an admissions counselor before applying.
Vincennes University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
About this school
Founded in 1801, Vincennes University is Indiana's oldest college. In addition to the main residential campus, which is located on the banks of the Wabash River, VU maintains a second location in Jasper, and a robust distance education program that boasts more than 20 online degree options. In addition to associate programs in the behavioral sciences, law enforcement, and information technology, VU offers bachelor's degrees in technology, homeland security and public safety, and nursing. All courses are semester-based, and are between 16 and eight weeks long.
In keeping with its mission is to provide affordable and accessible education, VU features an open admissions policy that guarantees acceptance for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Illinois residents receive in-state tuition rates. Credit for professional or prior learning experience is available through a portfolio option.
Affordable online colleges in Indiana allow students to receive an education on a schedule that works for them. When considering a school, students should weigh cost savings with the school’s reputation; the cheapest online colleges in Indiana may not be the best. While affordability is a real issue, graduates benefit from high–quality instruction, both during their time in the classroom and in terms of preparation for their future careers.
Accreditation: Indiana University Northwest is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
About this school
Part of Indiana University (IU) Northwest's campus sits in Gary, Indiana. In addition to being one of the most affordable online colleges in Indiana, IU Northwest boasts one of the top business schools and the only medical school in northwest Indiana. The school, which has more than 27,000 alumni around the world, offers online courses at a more competitive cost than fully online institutions.
Online learners at IU Northwest can choose from one graduate certificate in composition studies, a master of arts in English, 11 bachelor's degrees in the colleges of arts, business, and science, two associate degrees in labor studies and history, and a certificate in labor studies. A few of these degrees are hybrid courses, requiring some time spent on campus.
IU Northwest's bachelor of science in business follows a curriculum of core general education and business courses, a concentration of the student's choice, and several elective courses.
The business administration concentration focuses on team leadership and management, communication skills, and technology in business. Minors for this concentration include marketing, human resources, and business economics.
The accounting/financial information systems concentration develops the skills students need to pursue the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) exam, the Certified Financial Management (CFM) exam, or the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam.
Most online bachelor's degrees at IU Northwest require 120 credit hours to graduate, which can take students three years or longer. The university offers online communication and chat tools for students to collaborate with their peers or speak with their professors. The John W. Anderson Library offers online resources to remote learners.
Indiana University Kokomo is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
About this school
Indiana University Kokomo (IU Kokomo) emphasizes one-on-one support for its students from faculty and staff. The university has an alumni network of over 650,000 graduates for networking and support.
There are six online degrees students can choose from, all of which are in the school of science. Bachelor's degree programs include applied science, applied health science, general studies, nursing, science in informatics, and medical imaging technology, all fully online.
Most online programs at IU Kokomo have rolling admissions, meaning prospective students can apply at any time. The university offers online resources to students, including a growing collection of online journals, books, and newspapers in the IU library. IU Kokomo also helps its students find internships through the Career and Accessibility Center, assisting in building skills such as resume writing and interview skills.
The bachelor's of medical imaging technology online focuses on medical diagnosis in the healthcare industry. Students may study full- or part-time as suits their needs. The program teaches medical imaging technology principles and procedures, anatomy and pathology, and research methodology.
Applicants to this program must hold certification in at least one of the following: radiography (American Registry of Radiologic Technology [ARRT]), radiation therapy (ARRT), nuclear medicine (ARRT or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board [NMTCB]) or diagnostic medical sonography (ARRT or American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography [ARDMS]), echocardiographer (ARDMS or Cardiovascular Credentialing International [CCI]), or invasive specialist (CCI).
Indiana University East is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
About this school
Based in Richmond, Indiana University East (IU East) calls itself the region's leader in baccalaureate and master's degree programs with a focus on its students. IU East provides practical experiences to prepare students for careers after graduation. The university offers about $23 million of financial aid per year.
IU East has over 15 online degrees, including 14 bachelor's degrees in subjects like mathematics, criminal justice, communication, business administration, nursing, and political science. The university also offers three online graduate certificates in composition studies, early childhood education, and mathematics.
Students can complete online degrees in 2-4 years depending on the number of general credits fulfilled or the number of transfer credits brought to the university. Most degrees require 120 credits to graduate. Admitted students meet with a program advisor to discuss a degree completion plan that tailors class schedules to the student's individual needs.
The online bachelor's in mathematics combines common-core classes (27 credits) and courses specific to the major (46 credits). Core math classes include calculus, real analysis and mathematical modeling, linear algebra, and modern algebra.
Students may choose a specialization, such as probability, financial mathematics, or pure mathematics. Electives allow mathematics students to focus on their own interests. For example, students interested in careers in actuarial science should choose finance and economics electives.
IU East offers online resources for all degree programs, including online study materials, through the IU library.
Indiana University-South Bend is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
About this school
Located in Northern Indiana, Indiana University-South Bend (IU Southbend) strives to provide students with a wide range of academic options at an affordable price. IU Southbend offers more than 100 undergraduate degrees and distributes nearly $40 million in financial aid each year.
IU Southbend offers 14 online degree programs, including eight bachelor's degrees, five graduate certificates, and one master's degree. These programs include applied health science, business administration, English, informatics, and nursing. Bachelor's degrees require 120 credits to complete while most graduate certificates require 18-20 credits.
The online bachelor's degree in business administration requires 120 credits, including 34 core credits and 27 business foundation credits. This program may be of particular interest to working adults seeking to advance their business careers or find employment as accountants, finance officers, or market research analysts.
Similar to on-campus courses, online students have fixed schedules for completing their assignments. Due dates are typically set to accommodate working professionals by giving several days to a week between deadlines.
A student may transfer a maximum of 64 credits earned from a two-year associate college toward any IU South Bend bachelor's degree. Online students also have access to IU South Bend's 24/7 live technology support system.
5
Indiana University - Purdue University - IndianapolisÂ
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
About this school
IUPUI is the result of a merger between the Indianapolis campuses of Indiana University and Purdue University, creating a single metropolitan university that is one of the most affordable online colleges in Indiana. IUPUI offers more than 350 programs. The university provides students support services and career exploration services to help students with academics and career planning.
IUPUI has 128 online programs for students to choose from, including 67 certificates (graduate and undergraduate), two associate degrees in histotechnology and labor studies, 23 bachelor's degrees in fields like business administration and psychology, 30 master's degrees in subjects like finance and music therapy, and six doctorate programs: instructional systems, education, nursing practice, occupational therapy, nursing science, and public health leadership.
All bachelor's programs require 120 credits to complete. Credit hours vary for master's and doctoral degrees. Students take most courses completely online without the need to visit the campus in person.
The online bachelor of science in criminal justice program takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining legal studies, sociology, political science, psychology, forensic science, public administration, urban studies, and philosophy. Students in this major can transfer up to 90 credits from a regionally accredited four-year college.
Criminal justice majors must fulfill course requirements including general education, core, elective, and ethics, information, diversity, and social work classes.
IUPUI provides online services for all students, including an interactive online orientation, one-on-one support, math and writing tutors, career services, online access to the IU library, and a 24/7 contact center reachable by chat, email, or phone.
Vincennes University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
About this school
VU values its link between Indiana's economy and the state's cultural vitality. The university plans to expand its student body to help meet Indiana's "Big Goal" of 60% of working-age adults with postsecondary credentials by 2025. VU plans to diversify its student body and invest in making VU accessible and affordable.
VU offers eight online programs, including associate degrees in accounting, funeral service education, general studies, health information management, and law enforcement. The university also has two online bachelor's degrees — in nursing and homeland security — and a certificate in behavioral sciences.
Most associate degree programs require 60 credit hours to complete while the bachelor's degree programs need 120 credits. Tuition differs for Indiana residents versus out-of-state students and varies by number of credit hours and difficulty of class level. VU provides online resources for all students through their library catalogue, including research assistance and study materials.
The associate degree in accounting takes two years to complete. The course helps students prepare for positions as junior accountants, accounting clerks, and bookkeepers. The program offers one concentration: defense finance and accounting services. All students must take a combination of major-specific classes and general education classes.
Courses for the major include income tax accounting, introduction to payroll, electronic calculations, spreadsheets, and managerial accounting. General education classes include social science, mathematics, and laboratory science requirements.
Indiana State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Construction Management Program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
About this school
Based in Terre Haute, Indiana State University promotes public school, public health, and the public good. Forbes rated Indiana State as one of America's top colleges for quality and value. The university dedicates itself to community engagement, experiential learning, and career readiness for graduates.
Indiana State offers more than 70 online programs, including over 20 bachelor's degrees in subjects like textiles and merchandising, marketing, insurance and risk management, construction management, business administration, and adult career education.
The university also provides almost 20 online minors such as entrepreneurship, human capital management, law and administration, accounting, corrections, and finance. Students may choose from five online certificates and licensures: driver education instructor training, insurance sales, lean six sigma, postsecondary facilitator, and property-casualty insurance.
Most of the school's degree programs are fully online, meaning students do not have to spend any time on campus. Credits vary based on the major or minor, but most majors require 120 hours in order to graduate. Students can find online services through the Indiana State library.
The bachelor's in construction management degree program combines technical and managerial skills to prepare students for leadership positions. The program focuses on the impact of construction on the environment and society. Students study building design and planning, environmental control systems, principles of quality concrete, project management, and theories of forces in building structures.
This program takes four years to complete full time, but online students may study part time as well.
Indiana University Bloomington is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
About this school
Indiana University Bloomington (IU Bloomington) is the flagship campus for IU's seven satellite campuses. IU has earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report, including #1 in nonprofit management graduate studies, #1 in environmental policy and management graduate studies, #1 in public affairs graduate studies, #1 online MBA program, and #2 social psychology graduate studies.
IU Bloomington offers more than 70 online programs. The university has one associate degree program in labor studies, two bachelor's degrees in labor studies and nursing, 36 master's degree programs in subjects like accounting, data science, and finance, and two doctoral programs in instructional systems technology and literacy, culture, and language education.
Many of the school's distance programs are fully online and provide flexible scheduling for students who work part time. Students can find online resources through the IU Bloomington library, including an online catalogue and research assistance.
The online bachelor's in labor studies prepares students for careers as conciliators, dispute resolution specialists, job analysts, labor organizers, training specialists, and human resources administrators. The program promotes respect for workers and showcases working class histories, experiences, and perspectives.
Students can choose labor studies as their major or earn an associate degree, certificate, or minor in this field, all online. To complete the bachelor's program, students must complete 120 credits, including 30 credits of general education requirements, 21 credits of additional general education classes, 42 labor studies credits, and 27 elective credits.
The University of Southern Indiana is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
About this school
Based in Evansville, the University of Southern Indiana (USI) is a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged University, offering continuing education and special programs to more than 20,000 participants annually. USI's internal statistics show that 83% of recent graduates report they are employed. Of those, 82% report being employed in their field.
USI offers seven online programs for students: a RN-to-BSN program, an MBA program, and MBAs with concentrations in accounting, data analytics, engineering management, human resources, or healthcare administration.
Students pay per credit hour, with costs ranging from $297-$430 per credit. Each program requires at least 30 credits to complete. USI offers technology support on their IT page and from their IT Help Desk. Students can find online resources on the USI library webpage.
Students can take the MBA fully online and complete their degrees in as few as 11 months. The College of Business offers interactive instruction and experiential learning for online students to develop critical and creative thinking skills.
Core courses for this program include leadership skills and innovation, accounting, marketing strategies, information systems and technology, and managerial economics. General courses for the MBA online feature financial statement analysis, risk management, lean six sigma, managing human capital, and auditing.
