Best Online Colleges in Indiana
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The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (IDWD) projects employment in the state to increase by 7.6% from 2016 to 2026, with roughly 240,000 jobs added during that period. Specifically, the healthcare industry should experience some of Indiana's strongest growth in the coming years, accounting for approximately 49,000 of these new positions. Although no sector in the state is likely to see an overall decline in employment, the IDWD projects fields like farming, fishing, forestry, and office administration to grow by less than 2%.
In 2018, the annual mean wage in Indiana across all occupations was $45,290. Earning a college degree, however, opens up the possibility of finding significantly more lucrative professional opportunities. For example, medical and health services managers in Indiana earned an average salary of $101,720 that year, while computer and information systems managers in the state earned close to $125,000. At a minimum, these roles require a bachelor's degree, though some employers may prefer to hire candidates with a master's degree.
Online programs give you the flexibility to continue your education and advance your career on your own terms, making them ideal for working professionals and caregivers. While some synchronous programs may require you to log in at set times each week, most online students can review course materials, contribute to class discussions, and complete their assignments when it suits their schedules.
To help you decide which online program best suits your needs and interests, we have compiled a ranking of the best online colleges in Indiana. For each of the schools below, we provide information on admission requirements, available programs of study, support services for online students, and financial aid opportunities. All of the colleges and universities on this list hold regional accreditation, a signal that they have met certain academic standards and adequately prepare students for careers in their chosen field.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Indiana
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Ball State UniversityLocation
Muncie, IN
Tuition$13535
Graduation Rate62%
With more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs offered fully online, Ball State University easily takes the top spot on our list of the best online colleges in Indiana. Distance education programs at the university prepare students for diverse careers, including roles in applied behavior analysis, criminal justice and criminology, logistics and supply chain management, and public relations.
Online courses at Ball State are delivered in an asynchronous format, meaning students can complete their coursework whenever their schedule allows. Students also enjoy the option to follow a hybrid approach, which combines the flexibility of online education with face-to-face instruction at the university's main campus in Muncie or a satellite campus outside of Indianapolis.
To apply to Ball State as an undergraduate student, you must have a high school or GED diploma. As a test-optional institution, however, the university allows applicants to decide whether to submit ACT or SAT scores. Admission requirements for graduate programs vary, but all require applicants to have a bachelor's degree.
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Indiana University-BloomingtonLocation
Bloomington, IN
Tuition$12488
Graduation Rate77%
Indiana University Bloomington is the flagship institution of the Indiana University system, serving more than 40,000 students each year through an array of certificate and degree programs. More than 125 degrees at the university are available entirely online, with programs of study available in fields such as health information administration, business analytics, sociology, and mathematics.
IU provides affordable access to higher education and awards roughly $385 million in scholarships, fellowships, and other gifts annually. The school also distributes the 21st Century Scholarship, which covers all unmet financial need for low-income students from Indiana. Additionally, transfer students and adult learners who are returning to college after a long gap in their education may receive funding.
Undergraduate applicants must submit high school transcripts, standardized test scores, and a personal essay. While IU does not set minimum academic requirements for admission, the average incoming freshman has a high school GPA between 3.5 and 4.0, as well as an ACT score between 25 and 32.
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Indiana Wesleyan University-National and GlobalLocation
Marion, IN
Tuition$22105
Graduation Rate52%
Indiana Wesleyan University is an evangelical Christian institution and the largest college in Indiana by enrollment. Many of the university's students learn exclusively online, seeking one of 90 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields like accounting, hospitality management, the psychology of human relations, or youth and family ministry. Online students at IWU can also take some of their classes at the university's regional campuses throughout Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.
All online courses at the university have capped class sizes to ensure that students can get to know their classmates and receive individual attention from their instructors. Dedicated online advisors help students transfer credits and navigate the enrollment process, and an off-campus library services team provides research assistance to distance learners.
Undergraduate applicants to IWU typically must have a high school or GED diploma, though some programs require prospective students to hold an associate degree or at least 60 transferable credits from another accredited college or university.
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Indiana University-EastLocation
Richmond, IN
Tuition$7971
Graduation Rate36%
Indiana University East offers online bachelor's degree completion programs in applied health science, communication studies, mathematics, and nursing. Online students at the university may also pursue one of three graduate certificates to develop specific professional skills or to earn credits that can be applied toward a master's degree.
IU East caters exclusively to online learners who have previously taken some college-level courses; as a result, applicants do not need to submit high school or GED transcripts. The school does not explicitly require entrance exam scores for admission, though you may need to share results from the ACT or SAT to qualify for certain scholarships. You must also maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in your college coursework to receive transfer credit.
Students at IU East receive approximately $30 million in financial aid each year. While many scholarships and grants are reserved for recent high school graduates and on-campus learners, the university does provide financial support to community college transfer students and first-generation students.
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Indiana University-KokomoLocation
Kokomo, IN
Tuition$7935
Graduation Rate39%
Indiana University Kokomo provides an affordable education to both its online and on-campus students. The average annual cost of a degree at the university is just $7,700, and IU Kokomo offers more than 800 scholarships each year to help further reduce the cost of attendance. Students living in one of eight Midwestern states may also qualify for in-state tuition rates.
Six undergraduate programs at the university can be completed entirely online, including bachelor's degrees in nursing, informatics, and medical imaging technology. Students may also pursue a bachelor of general studies and customize their learning experience through diverse online elective classes. The general studies bachelor's is also available in an accelerated format that features eight-week classes and condensed semesters.
First-year applicants must submit high school or GED transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. IU Kokomo does not set minimum academic requirements for admission, and instead takes a holistic approach to reviewing student applications.
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Saint Mary-of-the-Woods CollegeLocation
Saint Mary of the Woods, IN
Tuition$17508
Graduation Rate57%
Students at Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College can choose from 13 fully online bachelor's programs rooted in the liberal arts and inspired by the college's Catholic identity. Online degrees at SMWC prepare graduates to succeed in professional fields such as healthcare administration, information technology, human services, and theology.
All applicants must submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Some programs also ask for a 500-word essay, resume, letter of recommendation, or additional materials. For example, the college's music therapy program requires two letters of recommendation, a bachelor's degree in music with a minimum 2.5 GPA, and a voice or instrumental audition recording.
The SMWC Woods Online Scholarship provides up to $2,000 in annual aid specifically to distance learners. Although the college does not set minimum requirements to initially qualify for this scholarship, you must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA in your coursework to renew the award each year.
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Goshen CollegeLocation
Goshen, IN
Tuition$19446
Graduation Rate72%
In addition to the nearly 50 programs available at its main location in northern Indiana, Goshen College offers three online degrees in nursing and business administration. The college's RN-to-BSN degree can be earned entirely at a distance, while its collaborative MBA and doctorate in nursing practice require brief on-campus residencies. Nearly 100% of GC alumni report finding a job or enrolling in graduate school within one year of earning their degree.
Admission prerequisites vary by program. The RN-to-BSN program, for example, requires a current nursing license, while the MBA program requires a bachelor's degree and at least seven years of professional experience. Business applicants with less experience may alternatively submit scores from the GRE or GMAT. To apply to the nursing doctoral program, you must first earn a master's degree in nursing with a GPA of at least 3.3.
GC is affiliated with the Mennonite Church. Although classes highlight a Christian perspective, the college welcomes students from all faith backgrounds.
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Marian UniversityLocation
Indianapolis, IN
Tuition$20902
Graduation Rate52%
Marian University provides a flexible, accelerated, and fully online path to undergraduate degrees in fields like business administration, health and human services, paralegal studies, and nursing. Working largely at their own pace, students at the university can earn both associate and bachelor's degrees in considerably less time than in traditional programs. Marian also features 12 start dates throughout the year to give students the freedom to schedule their classes around busy periods at work or home.
To apply to the majority of online programs at Marian, you must have a high school GPA of at least 2.3, a college GPA of at least 2.0, or a GED score of at least 51. The university's RN-to-BSN program requires an associate degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, along with a current nursing license.
Incoming students can apply for a variety of merit-based scholarships. As a Catholic institution, Marian also offers financial support to applicants who are significantly involved in church activities or plan to pursue church-related employment upon graduation.
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Indiana University-NorthwestLocation
Gary, IN
Tuition$6736
Graduation Rate28%
Students at Indiana University Northwest can pursue online bachelor's degrees in informatics, labor studies, business, and medical imaging technology. The university also offers hybrid programs in philosophy, political science, and history, along with a fully online master of arts in English.
The university ensures that all students, regardless of how they choose to study, receive a high-quality education. All online classes are designed by full-time faculty at IU Northwest, and all online instructors participate in an intensive training program and ongoing professional development opportunities. Additionally, the university's overall student-to-faculty ratio of 16-to-1 helps guarantee small class sizes and personalized instruction.
Undergraduate applicants to IU Northwest must submit high school transcripts and standardized test scores. Admitted freshmen at the university generally have a high school GPA of at least 2.0, rank in the upper half of their graduating class, and receive scores above the median on either the ACT or SAT.
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University of Southern IndianaLocation
Evansville, IN
Tuition$13130
Graduation Rate41%
Founded in 1965, the University of Southern Indiana enrolls roughly 10,000 students in more than 130 areas of undergraduate and graduate study. While approximately 80% of the student body resides in Indiana, the school reaches learners around the world through 12 fully online degree and certificate programs. Online learners at USI explore subjects such as addiction science, sports management, radiologic technology, and human resources management.
Many online programs at the university feature asynchronous coursework, though some classes require students to log in at set times each week to engage with their instructor and classmates. In addition, all bachelor's programs at USI are degree completion programs, meaning students must have an associate degree or previous college credit to apply.
To enter one of the university's graduate programs, prospective students must have a bachelor's degree with at least a 2.5 GPA. Graduate applicants may also need to submit GRE or GMAT scores, though some may qualify for an exam waiver based on their prior professional experience.
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University of Saint Francis-Fort WayneLocation
Fort Wayne, IN
Tuition$18204
Graduation Rate58%
Online programs at the University of St. Francis quickly prepare graduates to enter a new field or advance in their current career. Through a combination of credits from prior learning and accelerated coursework, students can earn most degrees at the university in as few as 12 months.
Along with bachelor's degree completion programs in business and nursing, USF offers fully online master's degrees in management information systems, sustainability, teaching, and special education. USF is a Franciscan institution, and all programs at the university are grounded in the Catholic traditions of faith and reason.
Undergraduate admission requires high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Some programs also require prospective students to write an admissions essay explaining how they embody the Franciscan values of trust, respect, service, and justice. Graduate applicants generally need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
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Huntington UniversityLocation
Huntington, IN
Tuition$19219
Graduation Rate60%
Huntington University offers individual online courses during the summer; online degree completion programs for adult learners; and three online master's programs in counseling, organizational leadership, and pastoral leadership. Online students may also earn a master's degree in education at the university by taking a small portion of their courses on campus.
Degree completion programs at HU allow students to quickly earn a bachelor's in areas such as nonprofit leadership, criminal justice, and social work. Online classes run for five weeks, and students typically take just one course at a time. Additionally, all programs at HU integrate a Christian worldview.
Applying to a degree completion program requires an associate degree, while admission to a graduate program requires a bachelor's degree. HU does not require prospective students at any level to take an entrance exam. Roughly 90% of admitted students receive some form of financial aid, with HU awarding approximately $12 million in scholarships and grants each year.
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Bethel College-IndianaLocation
Mishawaka, IN
Tuition$19327
Graduation Rate64%
Bethel University, a Christian university located just outside of South Bend, awards online bachelor's and master's degrees in subjects such as business marketing, cybersecurity, sport administration, and school leadership. Online learners at the university can also earn licensure as a school administrator, special education teacher, or English language instructor.
The university hosts six academic sessions each year, with all online classes running for just seven weeks. This flexibility allows students to advance through their program at their own pace, and potentially graduate much sooner than in an on-campus program.
First-year applicants must submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. The university also boasts a generous transfer policy: students can apply up to 90 credits earned at another accredited institution toward a bachelor's degree at Bethel, provided that they maintained at least a 2.0 GPA in these classes. Online graduate programs do not require prospective students to take an entrance exam.
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Trine UniversityLocation
Angola, IN
Tuition$23176
Graduation Rate55%
Through high-quality instruction and expansive career support services, Trine University positions its students for professional success. As a result, 99.7% of the students in the class of 2018 found a job or enrolled in graduate school within six months of earning their degree.
Through TrineOnline, students at the university can earn associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees at a distance and on their own terms. Available online majors and graduate programs of study include accounting, engineering management, information systems, and psychology. Classes are eight weeks in length, and online learners can progress toward their degree entirely at their own pace.
To apply to an undergraduate program at Trine, you must submit transcripts from all high schools and colleges you have previously attended, though the university does not require applicants to take the ACT or SAT. Prospective graduate students must have a bachelor's degree and submit a resume, personal essay, and GRE or GMAT scores.
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Indiana University-SoutheastLocation
New Albany, IN
Tuition$9210
Graduation Rate32%
Although Indiana University Southeast does not currently offer any degrees entirely online, students at the university can take a variety of individual courses at a distance or through a hybrid learning format. Fully and partially online classes allow learners to explore topics such as global child and adolescent health, African American literature, the fundamentals of managerial accounting, and abnormal psychology.
You must be enrolled in a degree program at IU Southeast to take online classes. Applying to the university as an undergraduate requires a high school diploma with a GPA of at least 2.0. Prospective students who graduated from high school within the previous two years must also submit ACT or SAT scores, while older applicants must participate in an interview with an admissions counselor.
Graduate admission requirements vary across programs, though most require students to have a bachelor's degree and maintain at least a 2.7 GPA during their undergraduate studies. Applicants with a GPA of 3.2 or higher may be eligible to waive their program's entrance exam requirement.
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Indiana University-South BendLocation
South Bend, IN
Tuition$8331
Graduation Rate29%
Hundreds of individual classes are available online at Indiana University South Bend, along with fully online bachelor's and master's degrees in applied science, English, history, and nursing. The university also offers three online graduate certificates, and it is currently working with other campuses within the Indiana University system to provide additional online programs.
Online students at IU South Bend must meet weekly assignment deadlines, but they can review course materials, watch lectures, and interact with their classmates at whatever time works best for them. All study and review sessions are also recorded for the benefit of online learners.
Undergraduate applicants must submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. The university does not, however, require prospective students over the age of 21 or with at least 12 transferable college credits to take an entrance exam. Each year, IU South Bend students receive approximately $43 million in financial aid, though online learners may not be eligible for all institutional scholarships.
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Indiana State UniversityLocation
Terre Haute, IN
Tuition$11443
Graduation Rate39%
Indiana State University offers more than 70 programs of study fully online or with minimal on-campus requirements. Through largely asynchronous coursework, distance learners at the university can earn bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields like insurance and risk management, mechanical engineering technology, occupational safety management, and higher education leadership.
On top of the flexibility to study whenever and wherever they choose, online students at ISU enjoy the freedom to customize their learning. Undergraduate minors provide an introduction to subjects such as construction management and forensic investigations, while add-on certificates allow both undergraduate and graduate students to develop expertise in meeting facilitation, gifted education, and the Lean Six Sigma method.
Undergraduate applicants must have a high school diploma and take either the ACT or SAT. Graduate applicants must hold a bachelor's and submit GRE or GMAT scores, at least two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Online students may receive state and federal aid, but they are not eligible for ISU scholarships.
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Oakland City UniversityLocation
Oakland City, IN
Tuition$16274
Graduation Rate53%
Oakland City University, a Christian university founded in 1885, offers fully online undergraduate and graduate degrees in criminal justice, sports administration, operations management, and education. Incoming students can transfer up to 60 credits from another accredited institution toward a bachelor's at OCU or up to 30 credits toward select master's degrees. The university also grants credit for related professional experience.
Online classes run for either five or eight weeks, depending on the area of study. All coursework features an asynchronous format, and online learners can remotely access academic coaching, career planning, writing, and financial literacy services.
Applicants with fewer than 60 college-level credits must have a high school diploma or GED certificate to apply to a bachelor's program. Graduate applicants must hold a bachelor's degree, submit three professional recommendations, and provide a resume detailing at least two years of work experience. OCU does not require prospective students to take an entrance exam.
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Indiana Institute of TechnologyLocation
Fort Wayne, IN
Tuition$24691
Graduation Rate34%
Founded in 1930, the Indiana Institute of Technology now serves more than 10,000 students each year through online programs and at campuses in both Indiana and Kentucky. Online undergraduates at the university can pursue associate and bachelor's degrees in areas such as child development, emergency response management, and health information technology. Online graduate programs provide advanced training in engineering management and psychology.
First-year applicants without an associate degree must submit high school or GED transcripts, though Indiana Tech does not require prospective undergraduates to take the ACT or SAT. Graduate applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and a GPA of at least 2.5. In addition, those without at least two years of professional experience must submit GMAT scores.
Indiana Tech provides scholarships to both transfer students and current military service members and their spouses. Students who receive these scholarships must maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 to annually renew their award.
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University of IndianapolisLocation
Indianapolis, IN
Tuition$21510
Graduation Rate56%
Undergraduate students at the University of Indianapolis may pursue either an online bachelor's in nursing or an undergraduate certificate in aging studies. However, the university primarily offers distance learning opportunities to graduate students. Online master's and doctoral programs are available in fields such as school leadership and management, gerontology, public health, and sport management.
Faculty and staff at UIndy are provide distance learners with personal attention, high-quality instruction, and robust support. Most online classes average between 12 and 18 students, and instructors respond to all student questions within just 24 hours. In addition, program directors remotely help online students design an individualized course of study, and all students can take advantage of tutoring, research support, and an online writing lab.
To apply to the university's RN-to-BSN program, you must currently hold a nursing license. Graduate applicants typically must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with at least a 3.0 GPA. Prospective graduate students who do not meet this GPA requirement may instead submit scores from the GRE.
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