Cheapest Online Colleges in Indiana [2025 Guide]
Whether you're a working pro or a parental juggernaut, Indiana's online college programs have got you covered - and at a price that won't tap out your savings account.
Find Your School in 5 Minutes or Less
Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!
Whether you're looking to study in the bustling city or the quiet countryside, Indiana's got you covered with its sprawling landscape of degree-granting institutions.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), tuition at Indiana public colleges is competitive, often falling below the national average. It's no surprise that many students choose Indiana for their next academic step – the state has a lot to offer.
Thanks to this well-developed and high-quality college system, students in Indiana have access to a variety of online learning opportunities. Looking for an affordable online college in Indiana? Get ready to find your ideal educational solution - our expertly crafted list is here to guide you.
Methodology
EDsmart rankings are based on data provided by NCES IPEDS reports via College Scorecard. All schools must provide four data points that EDsmart relies on to rank higher education institutions:
- Average Net Price
- Graduation Rate
- Retention Rate
- Median Earnings
Any school missing any one of the data points was not considered in our ranking. Only 4-year schools were considered for this ranking.
The rankings below are based solely on their average net prices.
EDsmart ranks colleges by Net Price, not just tuition, to show real costs. Net Price includes grants and scholarships, giving a more accurate picture of affordability.
Popular Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Most Affordable Online Colleges in Indiana
1. Indiana University-East
- Average Net Price: $8,360
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Median Earnings: $47,156
Graduates earn a median income of $47,156. The average cost of attendance is $15,899, with in-state tuition and fees at $7,941 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $21,301. Graduates typically have a median debt of $18,000.
2. Vincennes University
- Average Net Price: $8,697
- Graduation Rate: 28%
- Retention Rate: 51%
- Median Earnings: $41,110
Graduates can expect median earnings of $41,110. The average cost of attendance is $18,809, with in-state tuition and fees at $6,654 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $15,739. The median debt for students who have completed their studies is $12,000.
3. Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
- Average Net Price: $11,577
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Median Earnings: $55,198
Graduates earn a median income of $55,198. The average cost of attendance is $21,624, with in-state tuition and fees at $10,144 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $32,582. Graduates typically have a median debt of $20,000.
4. Indiana State University
- Average Net Price: $13,241
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Median Earnings: $48,387
Graduates earn a median income of $48,387. The average cost of attendance is $23,136, with in-state tuition and fees at $9,732 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $21,160. Graduates typically have a median debt of $24,000.
5. Huntington University
- Average Net Price: $13,294
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Median Earnings: $46,672
Graduates earn a median income of $46,672. The average cost of attendance is $40,132, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $28,830. Graduates typically have a median debt of $25,576.
6. Ball State University
- Average Net Price: $15,419
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Median Earnings: $51,833
Graduates earn a median income of $51,833. The average cost of attendance is $24,478, with in-state tuition and fees at $10,440 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $27,924. Graduates typically have a median debt of $23,250.
7. Oakland City University
- Average Net Price: $16,193
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Median Earnings: $43,283
Graduates earn a median income of $43,283. The average cost of attendance is $40,024, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $26,400. Graduates typically have a median debt of $16,758.
8. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- Average Net Price: $16,889
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Median Earnings: $43,845
Graduates earn a median income of $43,845. The average cost of attendance is $43,905, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $32,700. Graduates typically have a median debt of $19,512.
9. Grace College and Theological Seminary
- Average Net Price: $17,825
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Median Earnings: $45,411
Graduates earn a median income of $45,411. The average cost of attendance is $39,454, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $29,048. Graduates typically have a median debt of $19,500.
10. University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne
- Average Net Price: $18,391
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Median Earnings: $55,362
Graduates earn a median income of $55,362. The average cost of attendance is $43,022, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $34,050. Graduates typically have a median debt of $25,976.
11. Bethel University
- Average Net Price: $18,468
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Median Earnings: $48,860
Graduates earn a median income of $48,860. The average cost of attendance is $41,570, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $32,040. Graduates typically have a median debt of $25,000.
12. Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion
- Average Net Price: $19,449
- Graduation Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Median Earnings: $59,986
Graduates earn a median income of $59,986. The average cost of attendance is $41,692, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $29,684. Graduates typically have a median debt of $24,250.
13. Indiana Institute of Technology
- Average Net Price: $21,392
- Graduation Rate: 17%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Median Earnings: $47,327
Graduates earn a median income of $47,327. The average cost of attendance is $41,982, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $29,560. Graduates typically have a median debt of $26,391.
14. Marian University
- Average Net Price: $22,484
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Median Earnings: $58,759
Graduates earn a median income of $58,759. The average cost of attendance is $51,522, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $37,600. Graduates typically have a median debt of $27,000.
15. Trine University
- Average Net Price: $24,276
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Median Earnings: $57,165
Graduates earn a median income of $57,165. The average cost of attendance is $48,921, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $34,890. Graduates typically have a median debt of $25,000.
16. Taylor University
- Average Net Price: $25,815
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Median Earnings: $52,198
Graduates earn a median income of $52,198. The average cost of attendance is $50,672, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $37,476. Graduates typically have a median debt of $20,500.
17. Valparaiso University
- Average Net Price: $27,690
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Median Earnings: $63,191
Graduates earn a median income of $63,191. The average cost of attendance is $56,969, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $44,796. Graduates typically have a median debt of $26,942.
18. Bethel University
- Average Net Price: $28,721
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Median Earnings: $63,764
Graduates earn a median income of $63,764. The average cost of attendance is $54,444, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $41,270. Graduates typically have a median debt of $21,500.
Popular Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Insights and Analysis
The rankings of the most affordable online colleges in IN reveal a diverse landscape of higher education in terms of affordability, graduation outcomes, and post-graduation earnings. Here are some key insights and comparisons:
Comparison of Net Prices and Graduation Rates
Among the universities analyzed, Indiana University-East boasts the lowest average net price at $8,360, yet its graduation rate is a moderate 50%. In contrast, Taylor University has one of the highest net prices at $25,815 but exhibits a strong graduation rate of 74%. This suggests that higher net prices do not necessarily correlate with higher graduation rates, as seen with Indiana Institute of Technology, which has a high net price of $21,392 but the lowest graduation rate of 17%.
Net Price versus Tuition and Fees
A noteworthy observation is the variation in net prices compared to tuition fees. For instance, Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis has an average net price of $11,577, which is quite favorable given its higher in-state tuition fees of $10,144 and out-of-state fees of $32,582. Conversely, Valparaiso University exhibits a high net price of $27,690 despite steep tuition fees of $44,796, indicating substantial financial aid and scholarships might be in play to mitigate the cost burden.
Median Earnings and Debt Levels
Analyzing the median earnings reveals significant differences in post-graduation income. Valparaiso University graduates lead with a median income of $63,191, which is commendable given their higher net price and median debt of $26,942. In contrast, Vincennes University graduates earn a median of $41,110, with a notably lower median debt of $12,000, suggesting a balanced approach to education investment versus potential earnings.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition
The disparity between in-state and out-of-state tuition is also significant. Indiana State University has relatively moderate in-state tuition of $9,732 compared to out-of-state tuition of $21,160. This difference underscores the financial advantage for in-state students. Similarly, Ball State University presents a favorable option for in-state students with tuition of $10,440 against out-of-state tuition of $27,924.
Retention Rates and Their Impact
Retention rates serve as an indicator of student satisfaction and institutional effectiveness. Taylor University and Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion both show high retention rates of 90% and 78%, respectively, correlating with higher graduation rates of 74% and 73%. This suggests a positive student experience and effective academic support systems at these institutions.
Call Outs for Low Median Debt
Highlighting institutions with low median debt, Vincennes University stands out with a median debt of $12,000, the lowest among the universities analyzed. This is particularly noteworthy given the moderate earnings of its graduates, emphasizing the institution's affordability and potential for a favorable return on investment.
High Median Earnings Relative to Net Price
Universities such as Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis and Marian University offer high median earnings ($55,198 and $58,759 respectively) relative to their net prices ($11,577 and $22,484), indicating strong value for the investment. Marian University's median earnings are especially impressive given the relatively high net price, suggesting robust career preparation and outcomes.
Summary
Overall, the analysis reveals a diverse landscape where higher education costs, student outcomes, and financial burdens vary significantly. Institutions like Indiana University-East and Vincennes University offer affordable education with manageable debt levels, while schools like Taylor University and Valparaiso University justify higher costs with strong graduation rates and high median earnings. Prospective students should consider these factors, alongside personal career goals and financial circumstances, to make informed decisions about their higher education investments.