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.
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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.
These rankings include
#1 Online Schools and Colleges in Indiana
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Indiana University-Bloomington delivers flexible options for online learners. Students based anywhere in the country can enroll in the school's 30 online programs. The institution enrolls 8,390 online degree-seekers.
The college’s online learning community is next to none. Participants can develop connections with classmates, which may lead to jobs after graduation. To contribute to the field and gain practical skills, students can complete original research under faculty supervision. To help distance learners work toward their professional goals, the institution provides online resources including academic advising and career counseling. Job fairs provide opportunities for enrollees to explore professional options and meet prospective employers.
Students can submit the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal financial aid. The financial aid office can help learners identify funding options to pursue, such as grants and scholarships. The institution indicates that 84% of its enrollees use financial aid to defray their educational costs.
#2 Online Schools and Colleges in Indiana
Ball State University
Muncie, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students can enroll in Ball State University's online programs to earn their degree remotely. Along with 113 online programs, the public school delivers in-person classes at its campus in Muncie, Indiana. To succeed in their online program, the institution's 9,809 distance learners can take advantage of virtual resources, such as digital library materials.
After enrolling, online enrollees connect with fellow colleagues, faculty members, and staff through a virtual classroom environment. Online programs feature advanced coursework, during which learners gain the specific skills necessary for their profession. Academic advisors help students customize their program based on their goals, while ensuring they remain on track to graduate. To gain professional experience, enrollees can pursue internships with organizations in their field.
With overall costs varying by program, applicants should contact the financial aid office for details regarding the cost of earning a degree. Students who demonstrate financial need may qualify for federal grants, scholarships, or work-study programs.
#3 Online Schools and Colleges in Indiana
Grace College and Theological Seminary
Winona Lake, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online enrollees can use the virtual classroom environment to communicate individually and foster professional relationships with peers and faculty members. Curricula include general education requirements, which help learners develop soft skills that apply to careers across industries. Academic advisors help students explore elective options and other academic opportunities. Options for gaining professional experience while enrolled include internships and research projects.
The financial aid office provides details about the various available funding options, which can make higher education more accessible. Many organizations and associations provide scholarships to students in specific fields.
#4 Online Schools and Colleges in Indiana
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online learners at Purdue University access high-quality educational programming. The public institution enrolls 10,129 students in 35 online programs. Online learning eliminates the need to live near campus, allowing individuals to study from any location.
Online enrollees can communicate with peers and professors remotely. Program participants can conduct original research and pursue internships to gain practical experience. Learners can benefit from online advising sessions and career services, such as mock interviews.
In addition to institutional funding, degree-seekers can apply for scholarships and grants from private organizations. To understand their financial aid options, students can contact the institution's financial aid office. For 65% of the school's enrollees, financial aid of some kind reduces the overall cost of higher education.
#5 Online Schools and Colleges in Indiana
Bethel University
Mishawaka, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
At Bethel University, learners can choose from top-quality online academic programs in various fields. From its main campus in Mishawaka, Indiana, the school delivers 16 online programs to students located throughout the country. Of all enrollees, 475 benefit from distance learning opportunities.
Online students receive opportunities to collaborate with classmates. While enrolled in their online program, participants can connect with classmates using tools such as videoconferencing. Experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, help students develop their resume and gain practical experience. The institution's virtual resources help online learners make the most of their program. Career services include career workshops, mock interviews, and resume assistance.
By submitting the FAFSA, students can determine whether they qualify for federal funding. Learners may receive many types of funding, including grants, scholarships, and fellowships. The institution indicates that 100% of its enrollees use financial aid to defray their educational costs.
#6 Online Schools and Colleges in Indiana
Oakland City University
Oakland City, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
With top-quality online programming, Oakland City University provides a variety of options for students pursuing their degree online. With 10 online programs, the private school also offers on-campus programs in Indiana. The institution enrolls 143 online learners, who complete rigorous coursework to earn their degree.
Online enrollees can network with peers and receive assistance from instructors through the virtual classroom environment. Online programs require both general education and field-specific classes, helping learners gain hard and soft skills. Before registering for classes, students consult with academic advisors to identify course options aligning with their goals. Experiential learning opportunities such as research projects and internships allow enrollees to gain experience while bolstering their resume.
To minimize student debt, applicants should consider various forms of funding. Students who demonstrate financial need may qualify for federal grants, scholarships, or work-study programs.
#7 Online Schools and Colleges in Indiana
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Saint Mary of the Woods, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Among Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College's academic offerings are excellent online programs that allow students to earn their degree remotely. Based in Indiana, the private school delivers 33 online programs. While pursuing their online degree, distance learners benefit from a supportive online community and academic resources.
In the online classroom environment, enrollees can communicate with peers and instructors through means such as email and videoconferencing. Although requirements vary by program, online learners complete general education coursework and advanced classes in their field. Students work with academic advisors to develop a customized plan of study based on their unique goals. Enrollees often pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as original research and internships, to improve their skills and bolster their resume.
The financial aid office provides information about the cost of earning a degree from the school. Students with financial need may qualify for grants from the institution or the federal government.
#8 Online Schools and Colleges in Indiana
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students looking for a premier online education should consider Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. In addition to delivering on-campus programs from its campus, the public school offers 46 online programs. The institution enrolls 12,161 online learners, who complete rigorous coursework to earn their degree.
In the online classroom environment, enrollees can communicate with peers and instructors through means such as email and videoconferencing. Learners complete general education requirements and advanced classes to prepare for roles in their field. Before registering for classes, students consult with academic advisors to identify course options aligning with their goals. To gain professional experience, enrollees can pursue internships with organizations in their field.
To reduce the financial burden of earning a degree, applicants should explore their funding options and contact the financial aid office. Students with financial need may qualify for grants from the institution or the federal government.
#9 Online Schools and Colleges in Indiana
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
For a premier educational experience, online learners can attend Indiana State University. Students located anywhere in the world can take advantage of the public institution's 60 online programs. Online learners can study a variety of subjects and complete coursework from any location, at convenient times.
Remote enrollees benefit from a supportive online learning community. Research opportunities help participants bolster their resume and develop practical skills. The institution delivers resources including academic and career advising to support learners' overall success.
The school offers numerous internal and external funding opportunities to eligible applicants. Institutional scholarships and fellowships feature eligibility requirements, which students can learn about from financial aid officers. At the school, 92% of enrollees fund their education using some form of financial aid.
#10 Online Schools and Colleges in Indiana
University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online learners at University of Southern Indiana participate in high-quality programs that provide important academic preparation. The public institution's 17 online programs provide flexible learning options for busy students based in any location. While completing their studies, online learners can live anywhere in the world.
Remote enrollees benefit from a supportive online learning community. Program participants can conduct original research and pursue internships to gain practical experience. Learners can access career services to locate professional opportunities and prepare for interviews.
Degree-seekers with financial need can apply for federal scholarships, grants, and loans. Students can consult with a financial aid officer to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid. At the school, 92% of enrollees obtain financial aid to help cover the cost of earning a degree.
#11 Online Schools and Colleges in Indiana
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners with busy schedules can access flexible academic options through Valparaiso University's online programs. The school provides six options for online students, with programs available in many fields. At the institution, 446 enrollees take classes online, completing their programs remotely.
Online students receive support and can form connections through the virtual learning community. Participants learn alongside colleagues and communicate through email, chat, and discussion boards. In addition to completing internships, students can conduct original research to gain professional experience and impress employers after graduation. To assist distance learners, the institution delivers resources including academic advising in a virtual format. Enrollees can participate in mock interviews to prepare for the job application process.
Students can submit the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal financial aid. In addition to need-based funding, learners can apply for merit-based awards from the school and third-party organizations. To fund their education, 99% of the institution's enrollees receive financial aid.
#12 Online Schools and Colleges in Indiana
University of Saint Francis
Fort Wayne, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Saint Francis offers online programs of premier quality. Along with educating enrollees at its Indiana-based campus, the school offers seven distance programs for its 1,008 online enrollees. Many online programs feature enrollment and scheduling flexibility, making higher education more accessible for busy learners.
Students earning a degree online can participate in discussions and receive assistance from professors through the virtual learning platform. Learners receive opportunities to collaborate on research projects with professors, bolstering their resume and preparing for careers in their field. Enrollees can access institutional resources such as academic and career guidance, which help individuals succeed in their program and profession. Mock interviews help students prepare to secure positions in their field after graduation.
With assistance from the institution's financial aid counselors, applicants can explore many funding options. Available funding options include scholarships, grants, fellowships, and federal financial aid. Of the school's student body, 99% of degree-seekers qualify for some form of financial aid.
#13 Online Schools and Colleges in Indiana
Huntington University
Huntington, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online learners at Huntington University participate in high-quality programs that provide important academic preparation. A leader in distance learning, the private institution offers 13 online programs reaching 259 students across the globe. Learners with personal or professional responsibilities can choose online programs that allow them to complete assignments according to their schedule.
Through forums and chats, online enrollees can engage in a supportive online learning community. Program participants can conduct original research and pursue internships to gain practical experience. Career services prepare learners to succeed in the workforce after graduation.
Degree-seekers with financial need can apply for federal scholarships, grants, and loans. Institutional scholarships and fellowships feature eligibility requirements, which students can learn about from financial aid officers. To fund their education, 95% of the school's enrollees receive some type of financial aid.
#14 Online Schools and Colleges in Indiana
Indiana University East
Richmond, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Indiana University East's offerings include top-quality academic programming, which learners can access in person or online. Through its 19 online programs, the public institution educates 2,989 students. Online learning features flexibility which can make obtaining a degree easier for working professionals, who often need to set their own schedule.
Online enrollees often participate in class discussions through forums and chat. Internship opportunities help participants improve their professional credentials. Career services, such as job boards and mock interviews, help learners prepare to secure professional positions after earning their degree.
Degree-seekers often receive scholarships from third-party organizations, along with federal financial aid. Institutional scholarships and fellowships feature eligibility requirements, which students can learn about from financial aid officers. The school reports that 92% of enrollees receive financial aid of some kind, which can help them fund their degree.
#15 Online Schools and Colleges in Indiana
Indiana University Northwest
Gary, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online learners can take advantage of Indiana University Northwest's premier educational offerings. Through its 15 online programs, the public institution educates 2,209 students. The flexibility of online learning allows working professionals to complete coursework at convenient times.
Forums, chat, and email provide online enrollees with options for connecting with instructors and classmates. Gaining professional experience through opportunities such as internships can help individuals secure roles in their field after graduation. Learners often benefit from career services such as mock interviews, job boards, and resume assistance.
Degree-seekers often receive scholarships from third-party organizations, along with federal financial aid. The institution's financial aid office provides information about scholarship and fellowship eligibility requirements to prospective students. The school reports that 85% of enrollees receive financial aid of some kind, which can help them fund their degree.
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 |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
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.
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2
Required Travel
Many degree programs require an internship or practicum, which may include costs associated with travel to the site location.
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3
Residency Costs
Some distance education programs require online students to complete on-campus residency requirements, which can result in housing and transportation costs.
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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.
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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.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Adult Education Programs for Indiana Students
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.
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.