Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2025

Online colleges in Indiana are great alternatives to on-campus schools for students with busy lives. In addition to flexible scheduling, the top online degree programs can offer quality academic experiences with services like tutoring and success coaching to help students excel.

Nearly half (46.7%) of all students in Indiana participate in at least some distance education, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Learners can pursue online degrees in Indiana at undergraduate and graduate levels in healthcare, criminal justice, business administration, and beyond.

Are you interested in distance learning in Indiana? Below, we'll highlight schools offering the best online degree programs in the state. We'll also answer frequently asked questions about accredited online colleges.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Indiana

Students interested in studying online can find great programs at schools across the state. Explore the Indiana online colleges below to find degrees that align with your academic needs.

1. Indiana University

Bloomington is home to Indiana University, a public research university offering top-ranked online degrees in 23 fields of study. Enrollment options are available in business, general studies, education, and beyond for students interested in associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Students learn on their schedules from on-campus faculty. Success coaching, academic advising, math support, tutoring, and career services help online learners excel. IU provides financial aid, including, scholarships, grants, and loans to 83% of its students to make online learning more affordable.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $11,790

Out-of-State: $40,482

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $10,133

Out-of-State: $31,932

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 82%

Retention Rate: 91%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

2. Ball State University

Ball State University in Muncie is consistently ranked among the top online programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Students can choose from over 100 flexible full-time and part-time programs, including an associate degree in criminal justice, bachelor's degrees in business administration and social work, and graduate degrees in journalism and nursing practice.

Nearly all students (97%) receive financial aid, including grants and scholarships. Tutoring, library services, and a student success specialist enhance the online learning experience.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $10,758

Out-of-State: $28,766

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $9,922

Out-of-State: $27,126

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 69%

Retention Rate: 77%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

3. University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana in Evansville consistently ranks among the nation's top five schools for courses certified through Quality Matters (QM). Students can choose from more than 30 programs at the bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and certificate levels, including accelerated degree completion options. Professional studies, electrical engineering, communication, and education are a few areas of study.

Online courses are taught by the same faculty teaching on-campus programs. The university offers affordable tuition and grants 99% of its students financial aid to lower costs.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $10,136

Out-of-State: $22,573

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $10,447

Out-of-State: $20,404

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 94%

Retention Rate: 69%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

4. Indiana State University

At Indiana State University in Terre Haute, students can choose from 100% online and hybrid programs at the undergraduate and graduate degree levels. Professional credentials are also available. Learners can study accounting, computer science, economics, and more. U.S. News & World Report ranks its online bachelor's in psychology and business programs among the nation's top 50.

The university offers low-cost tuition to all learners and financial aid to 95% of its students. Freshmen and transfer scholarships enhance degree affordability.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $9,992

Out-of-State: $21,734

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $8,100

Out-of-State: $15,930

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 92%

Retention Rate: 69%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

5. Trine University

Trine University is home to TrineOnline, which offers asynchronous online classes that start every eight weeks. Associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs are available in business analytics, finance, human resources, and more. Learners can transfer up to 90 credits and receive support from tutors and career services.

While traditional undergraduate studies cost about $35,600 annually, online undergraduates pay just $299 per credit. Students pursuing master's degrees pay $575 per credit. Trine extends financial aid to 96% of its enrollees. TrineOnline students pay no textbook fees and take their first course free of charge.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $35,600

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $47,850

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 92%

Retention Rate: 85%

Institution Type: Private university

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

6. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University, offering locations in Marian and Indianapolis, provides 160+ online degree programs at every level of education. Areas of study include addictions counseling, information technology leadership, nursing, sports leadership, and management. Learners can enjoy asynchronous courses, a generous transfer credit policy, and online tutoring services.

Online learners pay less than the stated tuition rate for traditional programs. Bachelor's degrees cost about $10,440 per year online, and graduate degrees cost $11,214 annually. All students (100%) receive financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $31,168

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $11,970

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 87%

Retention Rate: 79%

Institution Type: Private university

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

7. Anderson University

Anderson University is a Christian liberal arts institution with several 100% online degree programs. The school offers adult bachelor's degrees for students age 23+ exploring cybersecurity, communication, and criminal justice. Master's degrees are available for graduate students interested in divinity, theological studies, and more.

Tuition for traditional learners averages over $35,000 annually; however, online students pay less. Most bachelor's degrees cost $415 per credit, and most master's degrees cost $545 per hour. Students pay $595 per credit for the online MBA. All learners (100%) receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $35,640

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $10,008

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 52%

Retention Rate: 70%

Institution Type: Private university

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

8. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers more than two dozen online programs for students interested in associate, bachelor's, and graduate degrees. Fields of study include accounting, English, marketing, psychology, and art therapy.

Students learning online pay $496 per credit hour for most programs; however, Indiana TEACH and Indiana I-SEAL students pay $284 and $425 per credit hour, respectively. The college awards financial aid to 100% of enrollees. Online tutoring, academic advising, and other resources help learners excel in their studies.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $33,490

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $13,500

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 78%

Retention Rate: 67%

Institution Type: Private college

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

9. Indiana Institute of Technology

The Indiana Institute of Technology is a private university in Fort Wayne offering online certificates, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Programs are available in computer science, electrical engineering, general studies, human resources, and beyond.

Indiana Tech grants colleges credits for transfer, professional certifications, and specialized work training. Each online learner receives a student success advisor to help navigate their degree program. Most online undergraduate and graduate learners pay $399 and $545 per credit, respectively. All students receive financial aid to reduce costs.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $30,446

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $10,026

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 65%

Retention Rate: 66%

Institution Type: Private university

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

10. Vincennes University

Vincennes University offers over 400 courses through its distance education program and more than 27 fully online degrees. Students can pursue Associate of Arts and Associate of Science transfer degrees in behavioral sciences, IT, and law enforcement. Bachelor's degrees are available in nursing, homeland security, and technology.

More than nine out of 10 students (93%) receive financial aid to make learning more affordable. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Vincennes University 13th among top public schools and in the top 75 of regional colleges in the Midwest.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $6,886

Out-of-State: $16,289

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 52%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Other Featured Online Schools

Are you interested in discovering more online schools? Explore institutions outside of Indiana offering online college programs.

Strayer University

Strayer University offers flexible online programs for students interested in associate, bachelor's, or master's degrees exploring subjects like education, management, marketing, and more. The university offers tutoring, library access, and a virtual assistant to help students excel. Learners can enjoy affordable tuition and financial aid to reduce the cost of earning a degree.

National University

National University students can find accredited associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs focused on business, cybersecurity, clinical psychology, and more. The school offers more than 45 fully online degrees that last four weeks each and start every month. Learners receive guidance from online advisors, financial aid counselors, and other supporters.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers more than 200 online degrees in areas of study like psychology, math, engineering, business, and art and design. Programs are available at the associate, bachelor's, and master's degree levels. SNHU offers affordable tuition for undergraduate and graduate learners and provides financial aid to lower costs.

How We Rank Schools

Our team picked the schools in the rank list above by thoroughly vetting institutions with help from NCES and U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data. Every school has met the following criteria for delivering high-quality education:

• Accredited: The institutions have been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, guaranteeing recognized academic standards.
• Reputable: We verified that accredited schools in this list are respected, considering factors such as acceptance and retention rates.
• Affordable: The colleges and universities offer lower tuition rates, scholarships, or financial aid to make online degrees more affordable.
• Online resources: These schools support online learners by offering tutoring, library access, career services, or other student resources.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Indiana

While learning online comes with many benefits, challenges can also arise. Discover some of the pros and cons of online college programs.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Flexibility: Many programs offer asynchronous online classes without set class times.
• Self-paced learning: Some online programs allow students to navigate coursework at their pace.
• More degree options: Students can apply to online schools outside of their state and enjoy access to more programs.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Isolation: Online students sometimes feel distanced from their instructors and classmates.
• Technical requirements: Learners must be comfortable with distance learning technology to navigate online courses.
• Self-motivation: Students who aren't disciplined and self-motivated could struggle to keep up with coursework.

How To Choose the Best Online College in Indiana

Selecting the best online college in Indiana starts with picking your major, specialization, minor, and degree type (ex. bachelor's, master's, etc.). Knowing what you want to study and the degree you plan to pursue will help narrow your choices.

Next, look for online programs accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Check the school's reputation by researching retention rates and rankings.

Confirm you can meet the school's admission requirements and afford their programs via lower tuition, financial aid, or scholarships. Also, look for schools offering academic resources to help online learners excel. If you want to graduate fast, consider institutions with accelerated degree options such as self-paced learning and generous transfer policies.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Indiana Cost?

The cost of an online degree can depend on factors such as residency and enrollment status. However, on average, an online bachelor's degree at a public school in Indiana costs about $311 per credit for Indiana residents and just over $450 per credit hour for out-of-state students.

Tips on How To Make Online College in Indiana More Affordable

Applying to the cheapest online colleges in Indiana is a great way to save on your degree. Several online colleges in Indiana offer very affordable tuition. But this is just one way to lower costs.

According to NCES data, full-time, first-time undergraduate students in Indiana received $15,132 in grant or scholarship aid in the 2022-23 academic year. Review the list below to learn more about scholarships, grants, and other ways students can learn online for less.

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

Indiana Scholarships & Grants

In Indiana, students can apply for scholarships and grants to cover tuition, fees, and other school expenses. Explore the list below to find great opportunities.

Frank O'Bannon Grant

This grant offers Indiana residents funds to attend eligible public, private, and proprietary postsecondary institutions. Awards are based on financial need and determined by the FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI).

Award Amount: Up to $10,600 for private schools and $5,300 for public schools

Deadline: December 31st the year prior to applying for aid

Adult Student Grant

Working adults living in Indiana can qualify for funds to start or complete an associate or bachelor's degree or certificate. Applicants must demonstrate financial need to qualify.

Award Amount: Up to $2,000

Deadline: Submit FAFSA as soon as possible

Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship

This award is granted to high school and college students interested in education careers. Awardees must agree to teach for five years at an eligible Indiana school to avoid repayment.

Award Amount: Up to $10,000 annually

Deadline: January 31

Top Majors for Indiana Graduates

Majors are available at multiple degree levels across Indiana colleges and universities. Review the list below to discover some of the most popular majors among Indiana graduates.

• Business administration and management: Students learn to plan, direct, and manage organizational activities. A bachelor's degree prepares learners for careers as general and operations managers.
• Registered nursing: Common registered nursing programs include the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN), which teaches current RNs leadership skills to advance their careers.
• Psychology: Psychology programs explore how the brain motivates our actions. Bachelor's degrees prepare students for social worker roles and master's and doctoral programs that lead to psychology licensure.
• Health/healthcare administration: This major explores IT, ethics, management, and finance, to prepare students for healthcare leadership roles. Students interested in becoming medical and health services managers typically need a bachelor's degree.
• Accounting: Accounting programs teach students tax laws, accounting software, and financial statements. A bachelor's degree can open doors to careers as auditors and financial examiners.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in Indiana

Are you eager to enroll in a degree program at an online college in Indiana? Review the following FAQs to learn more before getting started.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Indiana?

Online degrees are typically completed in the same timeframe as traditional programs. However, you can pursue accelerated online degrees in Indiana with shorter terms, generous transfer credit policies, or self-paced learning to reduce your degree completion time by months or years.

Is Online College Right for Me?

Online college is a convenient learning option for busy students. But it's not the perfect fit for all learners. You must be self-motivated, have great time management skills, and feel comfortable learning without in-person interactions. If you possess these characteristics, online learning might be a good fit.

Is an Online University in Indiana Less Expensive Than a Traditional In-Person College?

On average, earning an online college degree costs slightly more than an in-person degree in Indiana ($311.50 per credit vs. $270.25 per credit). However, online learning helps you save on transportation costs, on-campus fees, and other expenses. Also, online programs at many schools qualify for financial aid.

What Are the Best Online Colleges for Bachelor's Degrees in Indiana?

U.S. News & World Report ranks Indiana University as the school offering the best online bachelor's degrees in Indiana. Ball State University is second in line. These institutions are ranked 19th and 25th in the nation.

Discover Online Degrees in Indiana

If you're ready to take the next step toward higher education online, explore the colleges and universities on Learn.org. Find out what programs are available at online colleges in Indiana and learn how they can provide a high-quality learning experience.