Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2024
Small colleges in Indiana are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.
10 Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2024
- DePauw University
- Valparaiso University
- Earlham College
- University of Evansville
- Wabash College
- Manchester University
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- Goshen College
- Saint Mary's College
- Taylor University
- DePauw University
- Wabash College
- Earlham College
- Valparaiso University
- University of Evansville
- Manchester University
- Hanover College
- Goshen College
- Saint Mary's College
- Indiana University East
- University of Saint Francis 98%
- Valparaiso University 94%
- Marian University 94%
- Goshen College 94%
- Franklin College 93%
- Trine University 92%
- Indiana Wesleyan University 87%
- Indiana University South Bend 87%
- Indiana University Kokomo 86%
- Grace College & Seminary 85%
- Grace College & Seminary 18 to 1
- Trine University 16 to 1
- Indiana Institute of Technology 15 to 1
- Indiana University Kokomo 14 to 1
- Indiana University East 13 to 1
- Indiana Wesleyan University 13 to 1
- Marian University 13 to 1
- Taylor University 13 to 1
- Huntington University 12 to 1
- Indiana University South Bend 12 to 1
- DePauw University $55,410
- Earlham College $50,058
- Saint Mary's College $49,930
- Wabash College $47,475
- Valparaiso University $44,796
- Hanover College $41,559
- University of Evansville $41,336
- Marian University $37,600
- Taylor University $37,476
- Goshen College $36,660
- Trine University $45,350
- Franklin College $39,114
- Goshen College $29,678
- University of Evansville $29,501
- Saint Mary's College $29,231
- Manchester University $23,435
- Calumet College of St. Joseph $21,240
- Marian University $20,138
- Earlham College $17,863
- Indiana Wesleyan University $14,112
- Calumet College of St. Joseph
- University of Saint Francis
- Oakland City University
- Grace College & Seminary
- Holy Cross College
- Indiana University Kokomo
- Indiana University Northwest
- Martin University
- Indiana University Southeast
- Huntington University
- Calumet College of St. Joseph
- Holy Cross College
- University of Saint Francis
- Oakland City University
- Huntington University
- Indiana University Kokomo
- Indiana University Southeast
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- Martin University
- Indiana University Northwest
- Anderson College, Indiana 52%
- Oakland City University 56%
- Wabash College 61%
- Indiana Institute of Technology 65%
- Manchester University 66%
- DePauw University 66%
- Earlham College 73%
- Hanover College 74%
- Taylor University 75%
- Holy Cross College 76%
- Martin University 6 to 1
- Earlham College 6 to 1
- Anderson College, Indiana 9 to 1
- DePauw University 9 to 1
- Goshen College 9 to 1
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College 9 to 1
- Saint Mary's College 9 to 1
- Wabash College 9 to 1
- University of Evansville 10 to 1
- Holy Cross College 10 to 1
- Indiana University East $7,274
- Indiana University South Bend $7,274
- Indiana University Southeast $7,274
- Indiana University Kokomo $7,274
- Indiana University Northwest $7,274
- Martin University $13,200
- Calumet College of St. Joseph $21,650
- Oakland City University $26,400
- Huntington University $28,830
- Grace College & Seminary $29,048
- Grace College & Seminary $7,288
- Indiana University East $7,746
- Indiana University South Bend $7,746
- Indiana University Southeast $7,746
- Indiana University Kokomo $7,746
- Indiana University Northwest $7,746
- University of Saint Francis $8,626
- Oakland City University $9,000
- Indiana Institute of Technology $10,224
- Taylor University $10,524
Colleges and Universities in Indiana
Prospective students searching for both brick-and-mortar and online colleges in Indiana have many excellent options, including notable institutions like University of Notre Dame, Purdue University, and Butler University. Each boasts a high graduate rate, a wide variety of traditional and online degree programs, and numerous excellent undergraduate and graduate programs. The tuition and student population vary widely between these schools.
Indiana University Bloomington is the largest public university in Indiana. The state university is also noted for its high graduation rate, its large student population of roughly 40,000 students, and an in-state tuition rate just above the national average at $11,000.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
Additionally, students hoping to attend a school with a religious affiliation have nearly 30 options to choose from. Both traditional and online students at these schools can study areas like engineering, business, philosophy, religious studies, and law.
The state of Indiana offers loan forgiveness-based financial aid programs for health care workers who work in areas with labor shortages as well as for lawyers providing public legal aid. Additionally, graduates of Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law pursuing public interest law can apply for a special grant program that will help cover the cost of preparing and sitting for the bar exam.
With town names like Popcorn and Santa Claus, Indiana clearly has a quirky personality. Along with these unique towns, Indiana also hosts the famous Indianapolis 500 auto race; boasts a thriving art scene; and has been home to iconic celebrities, including Larry Bird, James Dean, and David Letterman.
Students wanting to experience all Indiana has to offer while studying have the option of attending one of Indiana’s more than 50 higher education institutes. Most offer both traditional and online degrees, as well as a full array of undergraduate programs and advanced degrees.
Explore Indiana’s more than 50 colleges and universities to find a program and future career path that’s right for you.
What are Indiana’s Colleges & Universities?
- 8 Research Universities
- 34 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 11 Graduate Schools
- 15 Public Colleges & Universities
- 27 Private Colleges & Universities
- 21 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 29 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 16 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- Best Online Colleges
Indiana’s Best Overall
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Indiana is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 29 small colleges in Indiana. The list below of the best small colleges in Indiana. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students. To check out the full list of Indiana’s best colleges, including large and small institutions, check out our ranking.
Best Small Colleges in Indiana 2023
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degree
Tuition + fees
$55K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
79%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1250/27
Career Outlook for degree at DePauw University
Cost of Degree: $55,410Expenses: $16,800Starting Salary: $66,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is DePauw University known for?
DePauw University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Political Science
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Communications
- History
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024
Tuition + fees
$45K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
70%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1250/28
Career Outlook for degree at Valparaiso University
Cost of Degree: $44,796Expenses: $16,000Starting Salary: $54,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Valparaiso University known for?
Valparaiso University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #15 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$50K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
75%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1255/28
Career Outlook for degree at Earlham College
Cost of Degree: $50,058Expenses: $15,793Starting Salary: $39,200Cost Recoup Time: 21 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Earlham College known for?
Earlham College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Literature
- Biology
- Communications
- Engineering
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2024 #10 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
65%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1172/24
Career Outlook for degree at University of Evansville
Cost of Degree: $41,336Expenses: $17,110Starting Salary: $48,800Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Evansville known for?
University of Evansville’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Business
- Computer Science
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #23 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2024
Tuition + fees
$47K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
75%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1221/26
Career Outlook for degree at Wabash College
Cost of Degree: $47,475Expenses: $15,350Starting Salary: $64,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wabash College known for?
Wabash College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Biology
- Philosophy
- History
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
48%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Manchester University
Cost of Degree: $35,772Expenses: $13,128Starting Salary: $43,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Manchester University known for?
Manchester University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Biology
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #15 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Indiana
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana
- #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Indiana 2024
- #6 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2024
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2024
- #10 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
- #15 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
Tuition + fees
$30K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
67%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/24
Career Outlook for degree at Indiana Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $29,684Expenses: $13,518Starting Salary: $56,200Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Indiana Wesleyan University known for?
Indiana Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Nursing
- Psychology
- History
- Political Science
- Literature
- Education
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #7 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Indiana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
64%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/25
Career Outlook for degree at Goshen College
Cost of Degree: $36,660Expenses: $14,750Starting Salary: $42,400Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Goshen College known for?
Goshen College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Physics
- Biology
- Religious Studies
- History
- Literature
- Communications
- Political Science
- Nursing
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$50K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
75%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1214/29
Career Outlook for degree at Saint Mary's College
Cost of Degree: $49,930Expenses: $16,280Starting Salary: $51,300Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Saint Mary's College known for?
Saint Mary's College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Physics
- Communications
- Literature
- History
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Social Work
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
78%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/26
Career Outlook for degree at Taylor University
Cost of Degree: $37,476Expenses: $14,558Starting Salary: $42,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Taylor University known for?
Taylor University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Physics
- Psychology
- Literature
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Engineering
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #8 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2024 #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
36%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/20
Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University South Bend
Cost of Degree: $7,941Expenses: $12,514Starting Salary: $38,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Indiana University South Bend known for?
Indiana University South Bend’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Physics
- Political Science
- Anthropology
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
69%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1180/26
Career Outlook for degree at Hanover College
Cost of Degree: $41,214Expenses: $15,848Starting Salary: $51,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hanover College known for?
Hanover College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #7 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2024 #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
42%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/22
Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University East
Cost of Degree: $7,941Starting Salary: $34,800What is Indiana University East known for?
Indiana University East’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Nursing
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Communications
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
52%
Graduation
59%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1100/21
Career Outlook for degree at Anderson College, Indiana
Cost of Degree: $34,080Expenses: $15,920Starting Salary: $41,300Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Anderson College, Indiana known for?
Anderson College, Indiana’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Physics
- Communications
- Sociology
- Literature
- Business
- Mathematics
- History
- Political Science
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Online Associate Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 1 Year #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Indiana 2024 #10 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2024 #14 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
64%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Marian University
Cost of Degree: $37,600Expenses: $16,971Starting Salary: $46,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Marian University known for?
Marian University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Biology
- Medical
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- History
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
65%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Trine University
Cost of Degree: $34,890Expenses: $16,520Starting Salary: $49,600Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Trine University known for?
Trine University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Chemistry
- Medical
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Education
- Communications
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2024 #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Indiana #8 Best Online Associate Degrees in Indiana 2024 #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs
Tuition + fees
$30K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
37%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Indiana Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $29,560Starting Salary: $49,400What is Indiana Institute of Technology known for?
Indiana Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
52%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
960/24
Career Outlook for degree at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Cost of Degree: $31,750Expenses: $16,346Starting Salary: $31,900Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College known for?
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
63%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1070/21
Career Outlook for degree at Franklin College
Cost of Degree: $36,136Expenses: $15,855Starting Salary: $46,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Franklin College known for?
Franklin College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Political Science
- Economics
- Biology
- History
- Mathematics
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
71%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1090/22
Career Outlook for degree at Huntington University
Cost of Degree: $28,830Expenses: $12,974Starting Salary: $39,000Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Huntington University known for?
Huntington University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
35%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/22
Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University Southeast
Cost of Degree: $7,941Expenses: $14,336Starting Salary: $41,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Indiana University Southeast known for?
Indiana University Southeast’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- History
- Communications
- Medical
- Biology
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$13K
Graduation
29%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Martin University
Cost of Degree: $13,200Starting Salary: $28,600What is Martin University known for?
Martin University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
37%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1060/22
Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University Northwest
Cost of Degree: $7,941Starting Salary: $40,400What is Indiana University Northwest known for?
Indiana University Northwest’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
42%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/23
Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University Kokomo
Cost of Degree: $7,941Starting Salary: $40,500What is Indiana University Kokomo known for?
Indiana University Kokomo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
33%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Holy Cross College
Cost of Degree: $34,800Expenses: $14,500Starting Salary: $45,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Holy Cross College known for?
Holy Cross College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
66%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/22
Career Outlook for degree at Grace College & Seminary
Cost of Degree: $28,192Expenses: $12,276Starting Salary: $37,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Grace College & Seminary known for?
Grace College & Seminary’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- History
- Literature
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Medical
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
56%
Graduation
53%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1000/20
Career Outlook for degree at Oakland City University
Cost of Degree: $26,400Expenses: $16,082Starting Salary: $37,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Oakland City University known for?
Oakland City University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- History
- Religious Studies
- Biology
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
56%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1030/21
Career Outlook for degree at University of Saint Francis
Cost of Degree: $34,050Expenses: $15,420Starting Salary: $43,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Saint Francis known for?
University of Saint Francis ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$22K
Graduation
25%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Calumet College of St. Joseph
Cost of Degree: $21,650Expenses: $12,620Starting Salary: $47,800Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Calumet College of St. Joseph known for?
Calumet College of St. Joseph’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Indiana’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
- DePauw University
- Earlham College
- Hanover College
- Goshen College
- Wabash College
- Valparaiso University
- University of Evansville
- Butler University
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- Saint Mary's College
- Taylor University
- Manchester University
- Franklin College
- Grace College & Seminary
- Huntington University
- Trine University
- Marian University
- University of Saint Francis
- Anderson College, Indiana
- Purdue Global