Whether you live in the Hoosier state or not, you can consider online colleges in Indiana. Indiana offers many schools where you can earn a degree and prepare for a high-paying job. Some of the fastest-growing careers for graduates in the state include nurse practitioner (NP), information security analyst, and medical and health services manager.
Discover details on the best online colleges in Indiana in this helpful guide. Topics include promising majors to consider, the cost of living in the state, and ways to save money on your degree.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colleges Indiana 2024
Price Check
TheNational Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that Indiana residents attending public four-year universities in the state paid an average of $9,886 for tuition and required fees in 2022-2023.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Indiana
The chart below highlights some of the fastest-growing careers in Indiana that require a college degree. Major fields seeing growth in the state include healthcare, computer and information technology, and business.
| Job | Projected Growth, 2020-2030 | Annual Mean Wage in Indiana, May 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 54.5% | $123,320 |
| Statisticians | 34% | $105,440 |
| Information Security Analysts | 32.8% | $102,690 |
| Physician Assistants | 32.2% | $131,120 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 31.9% | $112,690 |
| Logisticians | 31.6% | $79,480 |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Indiana's Job Market
Consider one of the following majors to pursue in-demand roles in Indiana's job market.
Nursing
A nursing degree can prepare students to become NPs. This type of healthcare professional needs a master's in an advanced practice nursing field. Nursing graduate programs typically require each candidate to possess a bachelor of science in nursing to qualify.Healthcare
A healthcare major is a good first step to becoming a physician assistant, but you'll need to earn a master's degree from a physician assistant program to qualify for this career. A healthcare major can also prepare you to become a medical and health services manager.Business
Majoring in business can set you on the path to pursue logistician and medical and health services manager roles — two fast-growing career paths in Indiana.Computer Science
Computer science is an excellent major for people looking to become information security analysts. These professionals use IT and computer skills to help organizations protect their computer systems and networks from data breaches and cyber-attacks.Mathematics
A math major can prepare students for careers as information security analysts or statisticians. Statisticians usually need a master's degree, but a bachelor's or significant undergraduate coursework in math can suffice for some federal government jobs.
Cost of Living in Indiana
Your location affects your financial investment for education. The chart below outlines the average monthly cost for basic necessities like housing, groceries and food, transportation, and medical care in Indiana.
Students looking to save money can consider living with roommates to save on housing costs. They can also take public transportation instead of owning a car. Making meals at home instead of eating out at restaurants can also help their budgeting efforts.
| Cost of Living Category | Average Cost Per Month |
|---|---|
| Housing | $826 |
| Groceries and Food | $321 |
| Transportation | $885 |
| Medical Care | $282 |
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Indiana
Students who plan to attend online college in Indiana can apply for various financial aid options. Below, we highlight some scholarships for prospective college students in Indiana to consider.
Hispanic/Latino Scholarship
The Hispanic Leadership Coalition of Northeast Indiana and Latinos Count partner to offer a scholarship for first-generation and second-generation Hispanic and Latino high school seniors, along with returning college students from specific Northeast Indiana counties. Each applicant needs a minimum 2.5 GPA and must be accepted to or attending an Indiana college. The program encourages DACA, TPS, and undocumented students to apply.
Scholarship Amount: $1,500
Women in Transition Scholarship
The Indiana Women's Education Foundation offers this scholarship to women who are changing careers or re-entering the workforce. Applicants must be at least 30 years old, demonstrate financial need, and have been Indiana residents for one year to qualify. The application must include recommendation letters, an essay, and transcripts.
Scholarship Amount: Varies
Wells County Foundation Scholarship Program
The Wells County Foundation offers 65 scholarships and the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for high school graduates and other students in Wells County, Indiana, pursuing higher education. Application criteria vary by scholarship.
Scholarship Amount: Varies by scholarship
Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education offers this scholarship for future educators. High school seniors and college students can apply for this renewable scholarship. Each recipient must agree to teach in Indiana at an eligible school for at least five years after graduation or repay the scholarship.
Scholarship Amount: Up to $10,000 a year (up to four years)
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Indiana
The Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) offers discounted tuition to out-of-state students attending in-person and online colleges in Indiana and seven other nearby states. On average, this voluntary program saves learners $7,000 annually. More than 70 schools participate in this program.
To get the discount, you must attend an eligible college in the Midwest. The following states participate in the MSEP:
Indiana
Kansas
Minnesota
Missouri
Nebraska
North Dakota
Ohio
Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Indiana
How long do you have to live in Indiana to get in-state tuition?
Students must live in Indiana for 12 months to qualify for in-state tuition. Out-of-state minors with resident parents can also qualify for in-state status.
How many colleges and universities are in Indiana?
As of June 2024, the NCES reports that Indiana has 67 four-year colleges and universities. These institutions include public, private, and for-profit schools, many of which offer online programs.
What is the cheapest college in Indiana?
In 2021-2022, Union Bible College charges the most affordable in-state tuition rate of Indiana's four-year schools. Community colleges may offer lower rates.
