Best Online Colleges in Indiana (IN): Top Schools in '23

According to a report by Bay View Analytics, more than 185,000 Indiana college students took at least one online class in 2019. Not only do online classes offer a more flexible schedule, but you still have access to state scholarships, in-state tuition rates, and even some on-campus amenities, if you live close enough to your school.

However, with so many options for online degrees in Indiana, you may find it difficult to decide on the right school. This guide presents a list of the best online colleges in Indiana, program options, costs, and other useful resources to help you narrow your search. Keep reading to get the lowdown on Indiana’s best online schools.

2023 Rankings: Best Online Colleges in Indiana

The first (and most important) factor to consider is which online college suits to your overall goals. To make this decision easier for you, we’ve gathered and analyzed a list of Indiana institutions that offer online degree programs and ranked them based on affordability, financial aid opportunities, student support, class size, career placement services, and degree variety. See which of Indiana’s online colleges earned the highest marks for 2023.

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools

1
Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, Indiana

Public $$
Online and hybrid degrees from Purdue University are designed to help graduates gain knowledge and experience that can help them advance their career. Courses are delivered with proven technologies and teaching methods that help online students succeed. Online degrees from across the Purdue University system provide access to our world-renowned faculty and top-quality curriculum in a convenient, flexible format and can be obtained at the certificate, associate, bachelor, master, and doctorate levels. Online courses are offered through Purdue’s four campuses. Purdue University West Lafayette offers online and hybrid programs, Purdue University Fort Wayne offers online bachelor’s degrees, minors and certificate programs with accreditation, Purdue University Global is an online university offering more than 175 programs, including accelerated degree options and a range of concentrations, and Purdue University Northwest provides options for nationally ranked online programs through the College of Nursing and an MS in technology degree.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Legal Studies (Purdue University Global)
- Credits: 55
- Length: 1 year (Full time)
- Cost: $420 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (Purdue University Online)
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $371 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Science in Information Technology (Purdue University Global)
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: Varies
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

13/1
2
Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana

Public $$
Indiana University Bloomington offers more than 200 online programs, allowing students to access a quality education with the flexibility they need for their schedule. Online degrees are offered at the certificate, Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate levels in a wide variety of topics. Courses are developed and taught by the same professors who teach on campus, and online students earn an IU diploma. Courses are offered fully online and hybrid formats. Each online student is assigned a home campus, which administers the degree program specifics such as payments, financial aid, registration, advising, awards diplomas, and serves as the student’s home base. Most online classes are asynchronous, so classes do not meet at a certain time. Students can access coursework, assignments, discussions, announcements, quizzes, and syllabus, and tools and features for communication, collaboration, and assessment 24/7 through the online learning management system Canvas.
Program Highlights:
Labor Studies, Bachelor Of Science
- Credits: 129
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $242.48 per credit hour (Resident); $352.96 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Global and Environmental Health, Master of Public Health
- Credits: 45
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $556 per credit hour (Resident); $1,350 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Literacy, Culture, and Language Doctor of Education
- Credits: 60
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $480.93 per credit hour (Resident); $576.45 per credit hour (Nonresident)(Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

16/1
3
Ball State University

Muncie, Indiana

Public $$
Ball State University offers a wide variety of degrees at the associate, bachelor, master, doctoral & specialist levels, along with graduate certificates, educator licenses, transition to teaching programs, undergraduate certificates, and online summer study. Online degrees give students the flexibility to complete courses when their schedule allows while still accessing the same rigorous academic courses as on-campus students, top-notch faculty who also teach on campus, and the same Ball State degree and recognition as on-campus students. Students can choose from online, main campus, or blended courses. Online courses require students to take courses at the most convenient times. With no specific login time each week, students can access course content at any time. Off-campus courses are at the Fishers Center for Academic Innovation. Courses are delivered through the online learning management system Canvas, where students can access readings, videos, lectures, communicate with classmates and professors, take tests and submit assignments, and more.
Program Highlights:
Master’s Degree in Adult and Community Education
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $438 per credit hour (Resident); $656 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $438 per credit hour (Resident); $656 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Cybersecurity
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $326 per credit hour (Resident); $544 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

14/1
4
Indiana State University

Terre Haute, Indiana

Public $$
Indiana State University provides students with the opportunity to obtain undergraduate and graduate degrees, continuing their education, or advancing their careers online. Offerings include more than 30 bachelor and master’s degrees that can be completed entirely online or with minimal on-campus visits. There are also a variety of online minors, doctoral and specialist programs, and certificates and licensures available to students requiring additional education and training in their degree programs. Online courses are led by the same caring, world-class faculty members who teach on campus. Courses are delivered through the online learning management system Canvas, where students can access course materials, interact with faculty and classmate, turn in assignments, take tests, and more. Students have access to resources they need to succeed as an online student at Indiana State, including dedicated academic advisors, responsive online student service concierges, online tutoring, and IT support. We’ve highlighted three of Indiana State University’s online programs below.
Program Highlights:
Student Affairs and Higher Education (M.S.)
- Credits: 33
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $438 per credit hour (Resident); $569 per credit hour (Nonresident
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student Affairs and Higher Education (M.S.)
- Credits: 33
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $438 per credit hour (Resident); $569 per credit hour (Nonresident
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Doctorate in Athletic Training
- Credits: 57
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $438 per credit hour (Resident); $569 per credit hour (Nonresident
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

18/1
5
Purdue University Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

13/1
6
Oakland City University

Oakland City, Indiana

Private not-for-profit $$$$$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

12/1
7
Vincennes University

Vincennes, Indiana

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

20/1
8
University of Southern Indiana

Evansville, Indiana

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

17/1
9
Indiana University-South Bend

South Bend, Indiana

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

12/1
10
Indiana University-East

Richmond, Indiana

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

14/1
11
Purdue University Global

West Lafayette, Indiana

Public $$$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

28/1
12
Veritas Baptist College

Greendale, Indiana

Private not-for-profit $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

9/1
13
Indiana University-Kokomo

Kokomo, Indiana

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

16/1
14
Indiana University-Northwest

Gary, Indiana

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

14/1
15
Indiana University-Southeast

New Albany, Indiana

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

13/1
16
Grace College and Theological Seminary

Winona Lake, Indiana

Private not-for-profit $$$$$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

21/1
17
Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, Indiana

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

20/1

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools

1
Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, Indiana

Public $
Ivy Tech Community College offers dozens of online programs, including courses, degrees and certificates that can be completed through IvyOnline. These programs take place entirely in an online format and most activities are asynchronous, so students can complete their coursework when it fits best into their schedule. With 75 different academic programs, students can choose from a range of career pathways, from software development to criminal justice. Short-term certifications like website design and human resource management also give you greater specialization in your studies. You can also find 44 campus locations across the state in addition to online course offerings.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science, Accounting
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $149.55/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Applied Science, Business Administration
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $149.55/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Science, Software Development
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $149.55/credit
- Mode: Online or in-person
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

16/1

How Online Learning Works in Indiana

There are quite a few different ways to earn your degree from an online college in Indiana, and some of the terms can be rather confusing. What exactly does asynchronous mean? How will you know if a program is blended? And, more importantly, which of these choices is right for how, when, and where you learn best? We’ve gathered, explained, and compared some examples of these program types and more below, so check them out to get a better understanding of what they entail.

Fully Online vs. Hybrid/Blended

Fully online programs differ from hybrid or blended programs because they are completely virtual and don’t require any in-person components. The difference between hybrid and blended programs is more subtle; hybrid programs usually permit learners to shift between in-person and virtual modes at will, whereas blended programs require specific components to be in person and others to be online. If you’re highly self-motivated and have great time management skills, a fully online or hybrid program would probably work well for you. If you need some extra accountability, a blended program might be a better choice. The following section contains examples of each of these learning modes, so read on to get a better understanding of the differences and decide which is best for you.

Master of Science in Sport Management at the University of Indianapolis (Blended/Hybrid)

As a graduate of the sport management program at the University of Indianapolis, you’ll be well prepared for many roles in the industry, including public relations, human resources management, risk management, and revenue generation. Although the program is a total of 33 credit hours, you can choose an accelerated track that allows you to finish in 12 months (the standard track takes 21 months). The hybrid program model allows you to complete most of your coursework online through BrightSpace, but several times per semester you will meet in person with an expert practitioner. You’ll receive ample support in other ways, too, including being assigned a mentor who works in the industry and an academic advisor who will guide you through planning your studies.

Bachelor’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (Autism) at Ball State University (Fully-Online)

You can earn a BA or BS in applied behavior analysis with an emphasis in autism fully online at Ball State University. This program prepares you for a career as a behavioral consultant or behavioral therapist in a variety of settings—schools, autism centers, mental health centers, and hospitals. And, after obtaining your undergraduate degree, you can progress to graduate studies that enable you to enter fields such as school psychology, clinical psychology, social work, criminal justice, and special education. The coursework is 100% online and asynchronous, so you can complete assignments at your own convenience (as long as you meet your deadlines). There’s also a part-time option available if you need it, and your assigned student success specialist will be with you every step of the way.

Asynchronous vs. Synchronous

Another key consideration is whether a program is asynchronous or synchronous. Many online colleges in Indiana offer both of these learning options, and, in some cases, they are combined. The difference between these two learning modes is that asynchronous learning doesn’t require specific meeting times, but synchronous learning involves set class times (virtual or physical). If you benefit from social interaction and immediate feedback, synchronous programs are a good choice for you. However if you prefer having time to reflect before responding or you need maximum flexibility, an asynchronous approach might be a better fit. The program examples detailed below give you a closer look at each type so that you can decide which you’d prefer.

Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Indiana Wesleyan University (Asynchronous)

Indiana Wesleyan’s accounting program prepares you for a career as a staff accountant or auditor. You’ll also be able to move toward earning other designations, such as certified public accountant, certified management accountant, and certified fraud examiner. The program consists of 48 total credit hours, and you can complete it in approximately 18 months. Since the coursework is entirely asynchronous, you’ll never have to report to class for specific meeting times. Instead, you’ll use assignment deadlines as a guide for completing your coursework on a schedule that works for you. Online students also have full access to many resources and services, such as new student orientation, academic life coaching, free tutoring, and career coaching, so you’ll get plenty of support.

Doctor of Nursing Practice at Indiana University (Synchronous)

The doctor of nursing practice program at Indiana University is for master’s-holding nurses who want to perform at a more advanced level. Graduates of the program are equipped to assume positions such as director of nursing, chief nurse officer, nurse manager, and hospital nurse executive. With four program tracks, you can customize your learning experience to meet your goals, plus you can attend full time or part time. Your coursework is distance-accessible, but you’ll also attend synchronous video-conference classes and two on-campus intensives. You’ll be supported throughout the program by your cohort and a wide range of online student services, including success coaching, academic advising, and the Guided Onboarding Team.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time

The next thing to contemplate is whether your schedule accommodates full-time learning. If not, many online colleges in Indiana offer part-time options. And, if necessary, some programs allow you to switch between the two enrollment statuses. Part-time is a great choice for learners who have many extra responsibilities on top of school (work, family, volunteering, etc.), but full-time is the way to go if you can devote more time to your studies. It allows you to finish your degree in less time and possibly save a little money. To get a clearer understanding of what each status involves, read about the example programs below.

Online College Accreditation in Indiana

Verifying the status of accredited online colleges in Indiana is a crucial component of your search. Accreditation ensures that you’ll get a quality education from a reputable institution. You’ll also avoid the costly pitfalls associated with attending an unaccredited online college in Indiana—nontransferable credits, being ineligible for federal student aid, and inability to obtain licenses and certifications.

Accreditation falls into two categories: institutional and specialized. Institutional accreditation applies to the entire school, whereas specialized accreditation is for certain programs and departments. An institutional accreditation like that of the Higher Learning Commission ensures that the accredited Indiana online college you’re considering meets high standards. If you’re looking for additional information, check out our guide to accreditation.

Cost of Earning Your Degree Online in Indiana

The cost of attending in-person and online college in Indiana varies significantly from one school to the next. But, according to Learn More Indiana, the average for public, in-state tuition is $7,824, and the average per-year cost for room and board is $11,620. To be prepared for what you might pay, make sure to search the websites of each school you consider. Tuition and fees are often listed up front, and many sites have cost estimator tools to give you a clearer idea of your specific costs. An online degree is usually more cost-effective because you’ll avoid fees for room and board, and you won’t have to pay other on-campus fees like parking and lab usage. However some institutions have extra fees associated with online courses. Also, as an Indiana resident, you can avoid the out-of-state tuition rates that some schools charge for online courses. The table below helps you compare the costs of attending on campus versus attending online.

School Name	On-Campus In-State	On-Campus Out-of-State	Online In-State	Online Out-of-State
Ball State University	$10,560/year	$28,044/year	$9,370/year	$14,602/year
Marian University	$37,600/year	$37,600/year	$9,960/year	$9,960/year
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College	$31,150/year	$31,150/year	$12,004/year	$12,004/year
Indiana State University	$9,452/year	$12,288/year	$9,452/year	$12,288/year
Oakland City University	$26,400/year	$26,400/year	$7,200/year	$7,200/year

* Costs include tuition and required fees of undergraduate programs.

Financial Aid for Indiana College Students

The best online college programs in Indiana are more affordable thanks to a variety of scholarships and grants available through the state. Although some programs are intended for specific areas of study, others are more general. In addition, some colleges offer their own scholarships and grants. For example, Goshen College’s All IN program covers all tuition for Indiana residents who meet the income eligibility requirements. The specific opportunities detailed below give you an idea of the statewide assistance that’s available. And, if you’re looking for more information, our scholarship guide and financial aid resources can help you out.

Indiana’s Adult Student Grant assists adult learners in starting or completing an associate, bachelor’s, or certificate at Ivy Tech or Vincennes University. The $2,000 grant is renewable, and learners qualify by demonstrating financial need on the FAFSA.
The Student Teaching Scholarship for High-Need Fields provides a maximum of $4,000 to students who plan to teach in a high-need field (special education or middle- or high-school-level math or science).
The Workforce Ready Grant covers tuition and fees for high-value certificates in advanced manufacturing, building and construction, health sciences, information technology and business services, and transportation and logistics.

Fastest-Growing Careers for Indiana College Grads

So, you know you want to attend an online college in Indiana, but you’re still uncertain which degree or career you should pursue. Well, getting informed about which careers are most in demand is a really good place to start your research. Take a look at the table below to get a sense of which careers are expected to experience the most growth over the next decade.

Career	Job Growth (2020-2030)	Annual Mean Wage (2021)
Nurse Practitioners	54.5%	$113,490
Physical Therapist Assistants	33.8%	$58,960
Information Security Analysts	32.8%	$86,410
Physician Assistants	32.2%	$114,070
Medical and Health Services Managers	31.9%	$102,790
Logisticians	31.6%	$77,560
Data Scientists	31.3%	$75,280
Speech-Language Pathologists	30.8%	$80,610
Economists	27.3%	$96,580
Operations Research Analysts	25.4%	$76,680

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Projections Central

More Resources for Indiana Students

Indiana Career Connect

This resource helps you research the job market to determine which skills or training you need to have the career you want. It can also help you locate schools that offer specific programs and offers guidance on financial assistance and scholarships.

Indiana Career Explorer

The Indiana Career Explorer allows you to research in-demand career paths to see which is right for you. You can then use the education resources to find programs that will help you land a job in your chosen field.

Indiana University Bloomington Food Insecurity Resources

Indiana University Bloomington offers a free food pantry to its students who are struggling with food insecurity. This page contains links to its on-campus resources as well as a list of community-wide food pantries and prepared meal resources.

INvestEd Indiana

This is a college planning resource primarily focused on helping students avoid going into debt. It offers college cost comparisons, FAFSA tips, scholarship search help, and other free, expert financial aid help.

Tips and Strategies for Online Classes from Indiana University Bloomington

High-achieving students at Indiana University Bloomington recorded video messages with tips for online students. They’ll give you an inside perspective on topics such as staying motivated, feeling connected, getting organized, and engaging in adequate self-care practices.

Inside Look at the Best Online Colleges in Indiana