Online Schools and Colleges in Indiana
Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.
Indiana Online Schools
Indiana colleges are finding ways to draw more students in a time when national enrollment numbers are trending down. Some universities reported record-setting numbers of incoming freshmen, attributing the increase in part to reaching out to more students living in other states. Offering classes online makes that possible; both students living in Indiana and those from across its borders are taking advantage with up to a third of the student body at the University of Indiana taking at least one class online. Learn how you can take advantage of the online degree options at colleges and universities in Indiana below, with answers to important questions on how to compare schools, pay for online credits and more.
Online schools and colleges in Indiana provide alternatives to on-campus learning. Distance programs offer flexible scheduling options and multiple delivery methods, and many online programs are more affordable than on-campus options.
This guide includes resources for prospective students, links to scholarships and grants, and information about average tuition prices and typical earning potential for graduates.
View a City From Indiana
How Can I Find Which Online Colleges Offer the Degree I’m Looking for in Indiana?
Many public and private universities and community colleges in Indiana offer online programs. Prospective students should search for schools that suit their academic and financial needs. Resources such as the Indiana Commission for Higher Education website can aid this search. Click the link below for more information about Indiana universities.Search All Accredited Schools in Indiana
How Much More Do College Grads in Indiana Make?
A postsecondary degree often leads to higher earning potential. A 2018 report from CHE found that Indiana graduates’ increased earnings surpassed the cost of college within a few years.
While no degree guarantees a specific career or salary, data shows that higher degree levels correspond with greater earnings. The table below illustrates that trend nationwide.
Less Than a High School Diploma | High School Diploma | Associate Degree |
---|---|---|
$28,756 | $37,960 | $44,824 |
Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s Degree | Doctoral Degree |
$62,296 | $74,568 | $94,900 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Best Online Colleges in Indiana
Earning a postsecondary degree in Indiana can lead to more advanced career opportunities and higher earning potential. According to a report by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE), Indiana residents with no college degree were more than twice as likely to file for unemployment.
Indiana University-Bloomington
- Bloomington, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,575
- Out-of-state$35,140
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled43,260
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment19%
- AccreditationYes
Ball State University
- Muncie, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,358
- Out-of-state$26,138
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled22,443
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Grace College and Theological Seminary
- Winona Lake, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$24,078
- Out-of-state$24,078
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled1,957
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment20%
- AccreditationYes
Purdue University
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,208
- Out-of-state$28,010
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled45,500
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
Bethel University
- Mishawaka, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$28,700
- Out-of-state$28,700
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled1,450
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
Oakland City University
- Oakland City, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$24,300
- Out-of-state$24,300
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled1,435
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- Saint Mary of the Woods, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$29,950
- Out-of-state$29,950
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled1,094
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
- Indianapolis, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,580
- Out-of-state$29,589
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled29,537
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana State University
- Terre Haute, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,036
- Out-of-state$19,960
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled12,144
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern Indiana
- Evansville, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,986
- Out-of-state$19,296
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled10,705
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Valparaiso University
- Valparaiso, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$40,520
- Out-of-state$40,520
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled3,502
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment13%
- AccreditationYes
University of Saint Francis
- Fort Wayne, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,380
- Out-of-state$30,380
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled2,249
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
Huntington University
- Huntington, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$25,956
- Out-of-state$25,956
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled1,384
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment19%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana University East
- Richmond, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,895
- Out-of-state$19,346
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled3,766
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana University Northwest
- Gary, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,895
- Out-of-state$19,346
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled3,877
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Paying for Online College in Indiana: Tuition and Financial Aid
Prospective students should carefully consider how they intend to fund their college education. Learners can reduce the overall cost of earning a degree by applying for financial aid from independent organizations and the government. At least one-third of graduates from Indiana public institutions benefitted from state-sponsored aid between 2008 and 2015, according to a 2018 CHE report.
The cost of college depends on the type of institution and whether the student qualifies for in-state tuition. The table below compares average Indiana tuition rates to the national averages.
In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | National Average |
---|---|---|
$7,924 | $20,061 | $9,037 (In-State) $25,657 (Out-of-State) |
Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | National Average |
$32,338 | N/A | $30,731 |
Cost Considerations for Online Students in Indiana
The figures above only account for tuition and fees. However, students must often pay other education-related expenses. The list below highlights potential fees for distance learners.
- 1
Technology Fees
Some online programs charge online students a flat or annual technology fee. This fee often funds IT assistance and personal learning tools.
- 2
Required Travel
Many degree programs require an internship or practicum, which may include costs associated with travel to the site location.
- 3
Residency Costs
Some distance education programs require online students to complete on-campus residency requirements, which can result in housing and transportation costs.
- 4
Evening and Weekend Tuition
Tuition rates may be higher for evening and weekend classes. Students should check tuition costs before signing up for classes.
- 5
Textbooks and Learning Resources
Online learners typically need to pay for physical or digital textbooks and other learning resources.
Qualifying for In-State Tuition in Indiana
In-state learners often pay lower tuition rates than out-of-state students. Some schools charge in-state tuition rates to all online learners, regardless of residency status. Students should check with each prospective school’s admissions office or financial aid office for tuition information.
State exchanges and reciprocity agreements can also qualify out-of-state students for discounted tuition rates. Indiana participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program which offers lower tuition rates for students in participating states who attend participating Indiana schools. CHE provides additional information about interstate reciprocity agreements, including details on State Authorization for Reciprocity Agreements.
Featured Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Paying for College in Indiana: Scholarships and Financial Aid
Students can apply for scholarships and grants to help offset the cost of an education. Unlike student loans, scholarships and grants do not require repayment. Below are some scholarship and grant programs open to learners at online schools and colleges in Indiana.
Scholarships for Indiana College Students
Mitch Daniels Early Graduation Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports students from public Indiana high schools who graduate at least one year early. Applicants must enroll as full-time students at an eligible institution.
Amount: $4,000
MetLife Foundation Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Applicants must be pursuing a four-year degree in a qualifying academic subject, such as agriculture, journalism, public relations, finance, engineering, technology, public service, or sales.
Amount: $2,000
AAF-Greater Evansville Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Applicants for this scholarship must live in Vanderburgh, Warrick, Posey, Gibson, or Pike County. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in marketing, public relations, advertising, or graphic design.
Amount: $5,000
Grants for Indiana College Students
Next Level Jobs
Who Can Apply: This grant assists professionals enrolled in postsecondary certificate courses for workforce training. The organization pays full tuition and fees for qualifying certificates, such as advanced manufacturing and quality assurance credentials.
Amount: Up to 100% coverage of tuition
Adult Student Grant
Who Can Apply: This grant supports professionals returning to college to finish a degree or enrolling in a postsecondary program for the first time. Applicants must be Indiana residents working toward their first associate or bachelor’s degree.
Amount: $2,000
Frank O’Bannon Grant
Who Can Apply: This need-based grant is available to U.S. citizens who plan to attend an eligible Indiana postsecondary institution. Applicants must be full-time students and must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Amount: Based on financial need
Federal Pell Grant
Who Can Apply: The federal government awards Pell Grants based on financial need. Applicants must be undergraduate students and must submit the FAFSA form. Recipients can renew their application for up to six years.
Amount: Varies
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant
Who Can Apply: The government administers this grant through the financial aid office of qualifying schools. Students apply through their financial aid office and receive grants based on financial need, which is determined by their FAFSA form.
Amount: $100 to $4,000 per year
The Importance of Accreditation for Online Colleges and Universities in Indiana
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) sets nationwide standards for postsecondary education. Both the ED and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) approve accrediting agencies.
To receive accreditation, institutions and programs must meet set standards of academic and professional quality. Online schools and colleges in Indiana can carry several types of accreditation.
Regional and National Accreditation
National accrediting agencies typically evaluate technical colleges and vocational schools, while public degree-granting institutions generally receive regional accreditation. Regional accreditation is the oldest and most prestigious type of institutional accreditation.
The Higher Learning Commission awards regional accreditation to Indiana schools. For information about national accrediting agencies, students should check the ED website and the CHEA database.
Subject-Specific Accreditation
Subject-specific accreditation applies to individual programs. These specialized accrediting bodies typically comprise experts in the field. Both the ED and CHEA databases include information about recognized programmatic accrediting agencies. Online and on-campus programs can receive programmatic accreditation.
How to Know if Your School or Program is Accredited
Most schools feature their accreditation status on their official website, and program and department pages typically show specialized accreditation. Students can also search for accredited schools and programs through the ED database and the CHEA database.
Online College and Adult Education in Indiana
State and federal initiatives support online learners pursuing a degree. Below are statistics about online education and information about three initiatives that assist adult learners in Indiana.
By the Numbers: Adult Education in Indiana
Tuition
The average Indiana college tuition rate increased less than the national average from 2006 to 2016.
Online Courses
About 15.7% of all college students nationwide enrolled exclusively in online courses in 2017.
Working Students
In 2016, nearly 13% of college students who were taking exclusively online programs also held a job.
Adult Education Programs for Indiana Students
EARN Indiana
This statewide work-study program helps low-income students access paid internships. The program matches 50% of internship funds for employers. Applicants must be Indiana residents and enrolled in an Indiana college.
Career Pathways Initiative
A joint effort by the Departments of Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services, this program helps adults advance their current careers and transition into new jobs.
Online College Resources for Indiana Students
Students planning to attend online schools and colleges in Indiana should carefully research academic and financial options before applying. Below are some resources to help prospective online students learn about institutions, locate financial aid options, and keep track of applications.
Shape your future with an online degree
Connect with a community of peers, and find a program that will allow you to continue your education in a fast and flexible way.