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Public colleges in Indiana include a number of top-tier programs. In fact, top ranked public colleges in Indiana include the University of Indiana, IUPUI, Purdue University, Indiana State University, Ball State University, University of Southern Indiana, and Vincennes University. State colleges in Indiana tend to be larger than average with several above 20,000 students which makes sense as the seventeenth most populous state in America. Universities part of the state college system in Indiana offer degree programs for virtually every student.
Top College Degrees in Indiana
The diversity of jobs and population base in Indiana has resulted in an immense variety of college degree programs to support a growing employment base. Students may find value in earning a certificate or degree in a defined trade such as CNC machining,sonography,welding,cosmetology,electrician,auto mechanic,phlebotomy,cabinet making, andcardiovascular technician. Likewise, you may find an educational path in a more popular field of study likebusiness,engineering,law,medicine,math,chemistry,teaching, orbiology. By pursuing a degree path that is more mainstream still provides students with the ability to specialize with advanced education or on-the-job training. For example, a student who studies criminal justice as an undergraduate may elect to step into an MBA program with an emphasis inforensic scienceorcounter-terrorism. Truly there is no limit to what you can become or where your career can take you with the right education and sustained effort.
2025 Best Public Colleges in Indiana
Founded in 1820, Indiana University in Bloomington has since become the flagship campus of the Indiana University System and the main campus of Indiana University. IU Bloomington is a major research university that is distinguished among the best universities in the world, offering over 300 undergraduate programs and nearly 200 professional degrees. Among its institutions are the Kelley School of Business, Maurer School of Law, and the Schools of Education, Public and Environmental Affairs, and Journalism.
The university is also known for its Individualized Major Program which allows students to tackle multidisciplinary studies, leading to a bachelor of arts degree conferred by the IUB College of Arts and Sciences. Students with exemplary academic performances are recruited into the Hutton Honors College, with provisions for merit scholarships and admission to the Honors Residential Community.
Situated over 2,000 acres, IUB is home to numerous cultural institutes and research centers, including the Kinsey Institute, IU Research and Teaching Preserve, and the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center. The university also features the Jacobs School of Music, known as one of the best music schools in the world.
Students are given the opportunity to participate in fundraising events for charity and scholarships such as the Little 500 bicycle race, IU Sing, and the Dance Marathon. Notable campus traditions include painting the Jordan Avenue bridges for student events and the Senior Tree Dedication, an annual event sponsored by the current graduating class. Participation in athletic events are led by the IU Hoosiers, known mostly for achievements by the men's basketball and soccer teams.
Enrollment
43,503
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Ball State University is a comprehensive public research university located on a beautiful campus with buildings of Classic architecture in Muncie, Indiana. It offers roughly 180 undergraduate majors and 12 pre-professional programs, and more than 100 programs at the master's and doctoral levels. The Princeton Review has deemed Ball State one of the best colleges in the Midwest, and U.S. News & World Report has ranked it number eight among "up-and-coming" colleges. Top-ranked programs include architecture and landscape architecture, entrepreneurship, telecommunications and education.
Ball State is known for its commitment to immersive learning, with most programs incorporating research, community partnerships, practical experience and projects into the curricula. The immersive learning approach is an integration of content, skills, societal need and student interests. These programs can be completed on campus, off campus, throughout Indiana, or overseas. Practical, real-world experience is emphasized. For example, students in Ball State's entrepreneurship program must pitch a business plan to a panel of experts, who judge its viability. Students in the performance arts at Ball State participate in talent showcases held in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Ball State boasts an excellent faculty of top experts, with professor-level instructors teaching more than ninety percent of all classes. Thanks to Ball State's approach to immersive learning, all faculty members are heavily involved in projects, research and partnerships as part of the teaching curriculum. The research faculty benefit from Ball State's increasing emphasis on technology transfer and commercialization to support faculty in bringing their ideas to market for the benefit of Indiana's economy.
There are a variety of learning opportunities at Ball State, including internships, study abroad programs, a Building Better Communities Fellows Program, and many community charter schools for local children. Ball State has an outdoor classroom and laboratory that provides hands-on learning for its nature programs, including a forest, a prairie, wetlands, greenhouses, and agricultural ground.
History
In 1899, the community of Muncie, Indiana founded as a private teacher-training college. The college did not thrive, and its land and buildings were later purchased and donated to the city by the Ball brothers - industrialists who aimed to establish a local college that would help to boost Muncie's development. The new school that was established as a result of this gift was called the Indiana State Normal School Eastern Division. It opened in 1918, but was renamed the Ball Teachers College in 1922. It was renamed again in 1929, becoming Ball State Teachers College.
Throughout the 1960s, the curricula expanded and the college attracted top faculty. Enrollment and funding increased. In 1965, the college was renamed Ball State University.
Academics
The Ball State University academic calendar follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. The summer semester is comprised of two shorter sessions.
Colleges and Schools
Ball State University has seven academic colleges that offer approximately 170 majors, 88 master's degrees, 16 doctoral degrees, and four specialist programs.
- College of Applied Sciencesand Technology
- College of Architecture and Planning
- Miller College of Business
- College of Communication, Information, and Media
- College of Fine Arts
- College of Sciencesand Humanities
- Teachers College
In addition to its colleges, Ball State has many academic centers, institutes, clinics and bureaus, as well as academic research and outreach units.
Student Life
Students at Ball State University are encouraged to become involved in one of the many organizations available on campus in order to develop social and leadership skills and serve the greater community. Involvement in clubs can also provide opportunities for professional networking and can boost a resume. There are clubs and organizations that focus on professions, academics, cultural heritage, religion performing arts, special interests and sports. Additionally, there are many active fraternities and sororities on campus, and university housing organizations that provide opportunities for making the Ball State campus a better place to live.
The Ball State events calendar includes tours of Broadway shows, top division athletics, music headliners, professional dance companies, guest speakers and more.
Traditions
The traditional school colors for Ball State University are red and white with black as an accent color. The school mascot is a cardinal, who appears as "Charlie Cardinal" at many athletic events to energize and entertain the crowds. The athletic teams are nicknamed the Ball State "Cardinals."
Fight Song
Fight team fight for Ball State
We must win this game
Onward now you Cardinals
Bring glory to your name
Fight! Fight! Fight!
Here's to both our colors
Cardinal and White
Praying for a victory
So fight, fight, fight!
Athletics
The Ball State "Cardinals" athletic teams participate in many intercollegiate sports, including:
Men's Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Football
- Golf
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Field Hockey
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Satellite Campuses
Ball State University has only one primary campus, but offers many International Programs and distance or online education that lead to a degree, certificate or continuing education credits.
Community Life
Ball State University conducts many projects and a significant amount of research to help drive innovation in the State of Indiana. The Building Better Communities initiative provides an opportunity for students and faculty to partner with local leaders on development projects.
Enrollment
21,884
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
University of Southern Indiana provides a variety of program options for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Evansville, IN and publically funded. Approximately eleven thousand students are enrolled per year at USI.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs USI offers:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
- Communications And Journalism
- Public Administration And Social Services
- Psychology
To be considered for admissions, you may be asked to fill out an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit test scores or other school records, which are then studied by the admissions staff. Either the ACT or SAT exam must be taken in order to apply to this school. Scores in a range of 18 to 24 on the ACT or 1290 to 1593 on the SAT are recommended to increase the chance of acceptance. This school has an admissions rate of 72% of which only 44% decided to attend. More information on admissions can be found at usi.edu.
The cost of tuition is different for in-state and out-of-state residents. In-state residents pay around $6,600 and nonresidents pay $15,000 annually. Housing is available on-campus for students. The annual cost of housing is estimated to be $4,200. This school may provide financial aid for students who qualify by way of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
The USI "Screaming Eagles" have a number of intercollegiate athletic programs through participation in the NCAA. Athletic programs offered may include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division II)
For a complete list of areas of study, programs, enrollment information, admissions information, and more, please visit the school's website at http://www.usi.edu.
Enrollment
10,986
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indiana's top urban university, is considered by U.S. News and World Report to be one of the top five "up and coming" universities in America. IUPUI has top-ranked programs in public and environmental affairs, law, nursing and health.
IUPUI offers 200 different degree programs from both Indiana and Purdue universities. It boasts 21 schools and, since it is located near downtown Indianapolis, offers many opportunities for civic involvement, internships, business and research partnerships, and more.
Known predominantly through the years as a research and health sciences university, IUPUI has expanded to include many innovative and interdisciplinary programs. Its mission statement promises to deliver the following to its constituents:
- Teaching and Learning
- Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity
With each of these core activities characterized by:
- Collaboration within and across disciplines and with the community
- A commitment to ensuring diversity, and
- Pursuit of best practices
History
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis was founded in 1969 as a partnership between two universities: Indiana University and Purdue University. The partnership was formed in order to combine all the various schools of both universities together, in one location. 2005 marked the year when all the IUPUI schools had moved to one campus in Indianapolis, the IUPUI campus, a few short blocks from the Indiana State Capitol.
Academics
The IUPUI academic calendar follows the semester system, with fall, spring and summer sessions.
Colleges and Schools
IUPUI has 21 schools, with many departments in each, offering 200 academic degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. Many professional certificates are also offered.
- IU Herron School of Art and Design
- IU Kelley School of Business
- IU School of Continuing Studies
- IU Graduate School
- IU School of Dentistry
- IU School of Education
- Purdue School of Engineering and Technology
- IU School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
- IUPUI Honors College
- IU School of Informatics
- IU School of Journalism
- IU School of Law
- IU School of Liberal Arts
- IU School of Library and Information Science
- IU School of Medicine
- IU School of Nursing
- IU School of Physical Education and Tourism Management
- IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs
- Purdue School of Science
- IU School of Social Work
- IUPUI University College
Student Life
The Office of Student Involvement, true to its name, encourages students to become involved in one of the many student clubs or organizations available on campus. IUPUI promotes the idea that each student should find his/her niche in the campus community to enrich the educational experience. To that end, there are many fraternities and sororities available to students, as well as many intramural sports leagues, and more.
Athletics
The IUPUI "Jaguars" athletics teams compete in several intercollegiate sports, including:
Men's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Soccer
- Swimming & Diving
- Tennis
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming & Diving
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Community Life
IUPUI is dedicated to its many programs involving students in civic engagement, and it has been recognized for its commitment to these efforts. The IUPUI Center for Service and Learning offers many programs for community involvement that include volunteering with non-profit agencies, participation in a service learning course, voluntary work for political campaigns, employment in community work-study positions, and more.
Enrollment
29,579
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
Indiana State University is a public institution that has a fair number of degrees available for students to choose from. The school is located in Terre Haute, IN, in a predominantly urban area. Approximately eleven thousand students enroll at Indiana State University annually. Here is a list of some of the popular programs Indiana State offers:
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Social Sciences
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Communications And Journalism
- Education
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Football (NCAA Division I-AA)
Enrollment
13,044
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Indiana University - Purdue University - Fort Wayne provides a variety of program options for students to guide them in their growth and development. The school is located in Fort Wayne, IN and publically funded. Approximately 14,000 students are enrolled per year at IPFW. Here is a list of some of the popular programs IPFW offers:
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Public Administration And Social Services
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Golf (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Soccer (NCAA Division I-AAA)
Enrollment
10,139
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Indiana University - East is a public institution located in Richmond, IN and provides a large number of degree programs for students. Indiana University - East has a yearly student enrollment of approximately three thousand. Here is a list of some of the popular programs IUE offers:
- Business Administration
- Nursing
- Social Work
- General Studies
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Golf (NAIA Division I)
- Tennis (NAIA Division I)
- Track and Field, Outdoor (NAIA Division I)
Enrollment
3,722
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
Indiana University - Kokomo is a public institution located in Kokomo, Indiana and provides a large number of degree programs for students. IU Kokomo has an annual student enrollment of approximately 3,100.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs IU Kokomo offers:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Education
Students applying for admission are generally required to submit an application, transcripts, records, test scores and any requested application essays, which will then be reviewed by admissions officials. Students may take either the SAT or ACT exam scores to be considered for admissions at IU Kokomo. A score between 1250 to 1570 on the SAT, or 18 to 23 for the ACT is common among admitted students. Roughly 70% of all students that applied were accepted at this school, with 67% of those accepted choosing to enroll. More information regarding admissions can be found here.
Tuition & fees at Indiana University - Kokomo are different for in-state and out-of-state residents. In-state tuition costs around $7,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition costing $18,000 annually. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the required requirements by way of grants or student loans.
Students should take a look at the school's http://www.iuk.edu to view additional information.
Enrollment
3,123
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
Indiana University - South Bend is a public school that has a large number of majors available for students to choose from. The school is located in South Bend, Indiana, in a predominantly urban area. IUSB has a yearly student enrollment of nearly 8,600.
Students may choose from many areas of study, including:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
- Communications And Journalism
To be considered for admissions, applicants may be required to fill out an application, write a personal statement, and submit test scores or other school records, which are then evaluated by admissions staff. Students may provide either the ACT or SAT exam scores to be considered for admissions at IUSB. A score in a range of 1260 - 1570 on the SAT, or 19 - 23 for the ACT is usually submitted among admitted students. An estimated 70% of all students that applied were accepted at this school, with 57% of those accepted choosing to attend. More information on admissions can be found here.
The tuition at this school varies based on the state of residence of the student. In-state residents pay around $7,200 per year, while out-of-state residents are charged $19,000 annually. Housing may be available for those who wish to live on-campus for a cost of $7,300 annually. Indiana University - South Bend may offer financial aid for students that are eligible in the form of grants and loans.
IUSB participates in sports through the NAIA's Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conf in Basketball.
Students who would like to view more about Indiana University - South Bend can check out their website at http://iusb.edu/.
Enrollment
5,214
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Indiana University - Southeast, a public institution, offers a variety of educational opportunities, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in New Albany, Indiana, it offers a rural setting for students to study in. Approximately seven thousand students are enrolled annually at IUSE. Students may pick from many areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Education
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Softball (NAIA Division II)
Enrollment
5,144
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Indiana University - Northwest, a public institution, offers an assortment of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Gary, Indiana, the campus resides in an urban setting for students to study in. Enrollment at IUN exceeds 6,000 yearly.
Students may choose from a few areas of study, including:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
- Security And Protective Services
- Education
The admissions process will include the submission of an application, transcripts, records, and test scores, which are then reviewed by the admissions office. The majority of students accepted to IUN earn an SAT score between 1160 - 1480, or an ACT score between 16 - 24. 76% of applicants are admitted to this school, of which 66 percent choose to attend. More information on admissions can be found at iun.edu.
The tuition at this school varies based on the state of residence of the student. In-state residents pay around $7,000 per year and out-of-state residents are charged $19,000 for the year. Indiana University - Northwest may offer financial aid for students that qualify by way of grants and loans.
IUN participates in athletics through the NAIA's Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conf in Basketball.
Contact information, tuition information, areas of study, and much more may be accessed on school's website at http://www.iun.edu.
Enrollment
3,959
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Medical Degrees for Students in Indiana

With a degree track and area of study for every student, interest includes emerging areas of study within medicine such asnuclear medicine,biomedical engineering,medical laboratory technician,gerontology,immunology,toxicology, andentomologyto illustrate a few examples. For additional information on degree programs offered by state colleges in Illinois, simply connect with the schools below or utilize our search tools to find the perfect program for you.
-2
The 4 schools listed below are part of the -2 system. By following the links below, you can view each school's profile in detail.
Institution Name | Information |
---|---|
Bethel College - Mishawaka in Muncie, IN | info |
Indiana State University in Evansville, IN | info |
Indiana University - Kokomo in Terre Haute, IN | info |
Wabash College in Vincennes, IN | info |
Indiana University
The 6 schools listed below are part of the Indiana University system. By following the links below, you can view each school's profile in detail.
Institution Name | Information |
---|---|
Indiana University - Bloomington in South Bend, IN | info |
Indiana University - East in New Albany, IN | info |
Indiana University - Northwest in Bloomington, IN | info |
Indiana University - South Bend in Kokomo, IN | info |
Indiana University - Southeast in Gary, IN | info |
International Business College in Richmond, IN | info |
Other Public 4-Year State Universities & Colleges
Below is a list of other 4-year state universities and colleges in Indiana.
Institution Name | Information |
---|---|
University of Indianapolis in Indianapolis, IN | info |
Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis in Fort Wayne, IN | info |
Notes: Tuition & fee amounts are for both Indiana in-state residents and out of state students, unless noted otherwise. The tuition information displayed is an estimate, which we calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only. Please contact the respective school for information about the current school year.
Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.