Best Universities in Indiana

1. University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame, located in South Bend, is a prestigious Catholic research university known for its strong academic programs and rich tradition. Founded in 1842, Notre Dame offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in fields such as business, engineering, and liberal arts. The university’s campus, featuring iconic landmarks like the Golden Dome and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, provides a picturesque backdrop for academic pursuits.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 19th in National Universities (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 12,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across various disciplines.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 15%.

Average SAT Score:

1450-1560 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Intramural Sports
2. Campus Ministry
3. Student Government

Famous Alumni:

1. Joe Montana – NFL Hall of Fame quarterback
2. Regis Philbin – Television personality
3. Condoleezza Rice – Former U.S. Secretary of State
4. Nicholas Sparks – Author
5. Jerome Bettis – Former NFL running back

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Deloitte
2. Accenture
3. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
4. Ernst & Young (EY)
5. Google

2. Purdue University

Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, is a renowned public research institution known for its engineering and STEM programs. Established in 1869, Purdue offers a diverse array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, emphasizing hands-on learning and innovation. The university’s campus is home to cutting-edge research facilities and a vibrant student community.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 53rd in National Universities (2022).

Number of Students:

Over 40,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various fields, including engineering, business, and agriculture.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 59%.

Average SAT Score:

1260-1450 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS)
2. Student Government
3. Greek Life

Famous Alumni:

1. Neil Armstrong – Astronaut and first person to walk on the moon
2. Drew Brees – NFL quarterback
3. Orville Redenbacher – Entrepreneur and founder of Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn
4. Brian Lamb – Founder of C-SPAN
5. Gus Grissom – Astronaut

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Boeing
2. General Electric (GE)
3. Amazon
4. Eli Lilly and Company
5. Caterpillar Inc.

3. Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington, commonly referred to as IU Bloomington, is the flagship campus of the Indiana University system. Established in 1820, IU Bloomington is known for its strong programs in liberal arts, business, and music. The university’s sprawling campus, characterized by limestone buildings and lush green spaces, provides an ideal setting for academic and cultural exploration.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 76th in National Universities (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 43,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across a wide range of disciplines.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 77%.

Average SAT Score:

1190-1390 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student Government
2. Greek Life
3. Performing Arts Groups

Famous Alumni:

1. Mark Cuban – Entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks
2. John Mellencamp – Singer-songwriter
3. Michael Uslan – Producer of the Batman film series
4. Lee H. Hamilton – Former U.S. Congressman
5. Kevin Kline – Actor

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Cummins Inc.
2. Cook Medical
3. Eli Lilly and Company
4. IU Health
5. Salesforce

4. Butler University

Butler University, located in Indianapolis, is a private liberal arts university known for its strong undergraduate programs and emphasis on experiential learning. Founded in 1855, Butler offers a personalized educational experience with small class sizes and opportunities for student engagement both inside and outside the classroom.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 1st in Regional Universities Midwest (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 5,500 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various fields, including arts, sciences, and business.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 71%.

Average SAT Score:

1190-1360 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student Government
2. Greek Life
3. Performing Arts Groups

Famous Alumni:

1. Tony Hinkle – Legendary basketball coach
2. Jane Pauley – Journalist and television personality
3. Kurt Vonnegut – Author
4. Scott Drew – NCAA basketball coach
5. Josh Kaufman – Winner of “The Voice” Season 6

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Eli Lilly and Company
2. Salesforce
3. Roche Diagnostics
4. Anthem
5. Cummins Inc.

5. Indiana State University

Indiana State University, located in Terre Haute, is a public university known for its strong programs in education, business, and nursing. Established in 1865, ISU offers a supportive learning environment with a focus on hands-on experience and community engagement.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 234th in National Universities (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 12,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various fields, including education, business, and healthcare.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 90%.

Average SAT Score:

1000-1160 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student Government
2. Greek Life
3. Volunteer Service Projects

Famous Alumni:

1. Larry Bird – NBA Hall of Famer
2. John Wooden – Legendary basketball coach
3. Carl Edward Bailey – Former Governor of Arkansas
4. Everett Dirksen – Former U.S. Senator
5. George Kingston – Former NHL coach

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Union Hospital
2. Indiana State Government
3. Vectren Corporation
4. Duke Energy
5. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

6. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), located in Marion, is a private evangelical Christian university known for its strong programs in education, nursing, and business. Founded in 1920, IWU offers a Christ-centered educational experience with a focus on academic excellence and service to others.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 28th in Regional Universities Midwest (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 15,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various fields, including education, nursing, business, and ministry.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 91%.

Average SAT Score:

1040-1240 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Campus Ministry
2. Service Learning Projects
3. Intramural Sports

Famous Alumni:

1. Mark DeMoss – Public relations executive
2. Kyle Idelman – Author and pastor
3. Dennis E. Hensley – Author and professor
4. Vicki Lawrence – Actress and comedian
5. Scott Weimer – Pastor and author

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. IU Health
2. Community Health Network
3. Anthem
4. Eli Lilly and Company
5. Steel Dynamics, Inc.

7. Ball State University

Ball State University, located in Muncie, is a public research university known for its strong programs in education, architecture, and telecommunications. Founded in 1918, Ball State offers a dynamic learning environment with a focus on immersive learning experiences and community partnerships.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 176th in National Universities (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 22,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various fields, including education, business, architecture, and telecommunications.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 62%.

Average SAT Score:

1020-1200 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student Government
2. Greek Life
3. Performing Arts Groups

Famous Alumni:

1. David Letterman – Television host and comedian
2. Jim Davis – Cartoonist and creator of “Garfield”
3. Joyce DeWitt – Actress
4. Angela Ahrendts – Former senior vice president at Apple Inc.
5. Doug Jones – U.S. Senator

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Ball Memorial Hospital
2. IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital
3. Anthem
4. Ontario Systems
5. Deloitte

8. University of Evansville

The University of Evansville (UE), located in Evansville, is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1854, UE offers a personalized educational experience with a focus on experiential learning and global engagement.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 8th in Regional Universities Midwest (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 2,500 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in various fields, including liberal arts, business, engineering, and health sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 71%.

Average SAT Score:

1100-1300 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Campus Ministry
2. Service Learning Projects
3. Greek Life

Famous Alumni:

1. Ron Glass – Actor
2. Walter McCarty – NBA player and coach
3. Bob Griese – Former NFL quarterback
4. William P. Foster – Composer and conductor
5. Rami Malek – Actor

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Deaconess Health System
2. Vectren Corporation
3. Old National Bank
4. Berry Global
5. Mead Johnson Nutrition

9. Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University, located in Valparaiso, is a private Lutheran university known for its strong programs in law, engineering, and nursing. Founded in 1859, Valpo offers a supportive learning environment with a focus on faith, leadership, and service.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 4th in Regional Universities Midwest (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 4,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various fields, including arts, sciences, business, law, engineering, and nursing.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 84%.

Average SAT Score:

1080-1280 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Campus Ministry
2. Service Learning Projects
3. Greek Life

Famous Alumni:

1. Jeffrey Fager – Former chairman of CBS News
2. Matt Light – Former NFL player
3. Dave Doeren – NCAA football coach
4. John Clayton – Sportswriter and commentator
5. Mary Ellen W. Daneels – Educator and political scientist

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. ArcelorMittal
2. BP America
3. Methodist Hospitals
4. NIPSCO
5. S. Steel

10. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) is a public research university located in Indianapolis. Established in 1969, IUPUI is a partnership between Indiana University and Purdue University, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 204th in National Universities (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 30,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various fields, including liberal arts, business, education, engineering, and health sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 81%.

Average SAT Score:

1050-1230 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student Government
2. Volunteer Service Projects
3. Campus Recreation

Famous Alumni:

1. Greg Ballard – Former Mayor of Indianapolis
2. Tamika Catchings – Former WNBA player
3. John Green – Author
4. Dan Dakich – Sportscaster and former basketball player
5. Jane Pauley – Journalist and television personality

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. IU Health
2. Eli Lilly and Company
3. Anthem
4. Rolls-Royce Corporation
5. Salesforce