Best STEM Colleges in Indiana

STEM is an acronym for four academic disciplines: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students who earn a degree in one of these areas of study can find great careers in fields that include:

• microbiology
• computer engineering
• statistics
• biomedical engineering
• astronomy
• environmental science

Are you interested in earning a STEM degree? Below, we've listed some of the best STEM colleges in Indiana that offer both bachelor's and master's degree programs. Plus, if you need help paying for school, we also discuss several STEM colleges that offer financial aid.

Top STEM Colleges in Indiana

Starting a career in STEM typically requires a bachelor's degree, though some employers seek candidates with master's or doctoral degrees. The following schools offer undergraduate or graduate programs for students eager to enter the field.

1. Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington students can choose from undergraduate and graduate degrees in science, tech, and engineering. Some focus areas to consider include atmospheric science, computer science, game design, and economics.

IU Bloomington offers top online STEM degrees in computing and technology, applied science, mathematics, and science. The university also delivers the IU-MSI STEM Initiative, an academic and research partnership with Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) to promote STEM disciplines.

2. University of Notre Dame

At the University of Notre Dame, students can find great engineering, science, IT, and math programs. Some include:

• bioengineering
• electrical engineering
• civil engineering
• biochemistry

The university has earned high rankings as one of top stem degree programs in the U.S., according to U.S. News and World Report. Its bachelor's degree in computer science program has also earned high marks among all schools nationwide.

3. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute has been ranked the best engineering school for undergraduate degrees. Its civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering programs have also gained recognition.

Other STEM degrees at Ross-Hulman include software engineering, biomathematics, and nanoengineering. Students who need financial aid can find STEM scholarships like the FIRST Robotics Scholarship.

4. Ball State University

Muncie, IN, is home to Ball State University. This public research university also has Fishers, Indianapolis, and Fort Wayne campuses.

Attendees interested in STEM can enroll in on-campus programs like geology, computer and information technology, and mathematics. Online programs include applied cybersecurity and environmental systems analytics (data analytics) programs.

Students could earn free online STEM degrees with awards like the Ellison and Presidential scholarships.

5. Butler University

Butler University offers several three-year STEM programs students complete during traditional semesters and summer terms. They include:

• astronomy and astrophysics
• statistics
• software engineering
• mathematics

Students can reduce their STEM tuition with scholarships and grants for high school graduates and other first-year students, such as the Academic Scholarship Program and Butler University Grant.

6. University of Southern Indiana

At the University of Southern Indiana, students have access to more than 130 areas of study, including liberal arts, business, and education. You can also choose from STEM degrees like biophysics, civil engineering, and mathematics.

Students can apply for in-state scholarships to reduce the cost of their STEM degrees. The Harolyn Torain Multicultural Leadership Scholarship and Presidential Scholarship are great options.

7. Anderson University

Anderson University offers dozens of undergraduate programs, many of which are great for students seeking STEM careers. They include:

• cybersecurity
• biochemistry
• biology
• neuroscience
• coding

Graduate students can choose one of the following five new STEM master's degree programs:

• information technology management
• computer science
• professional business analytics
• business analytics
• cybersecurity management

8. Manchester University

Manchester University offers dozens of undergraduate programs, including STEM-related degrees like:

• biology-chemistry (pre-med)
• computer science
• software engineering
• systems analysis

Manchester offers scholarships to reduce student costs. Consider the $12,000 Director's Ward for 3.0 and lower GPAs and the $22,000 Presidential Scholarship for 3.9 and higher GPAs.

9. Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University is dedicated to helping progress the STEM field. The school offers STEM-related degrees like meteorology and mechanical engineering and up to $10,000 in tuition assistance via the Valpo STEM Scholarship Program.

Valpairso's Hoosier STEM Fellowship Program provides a fully-funded master's degree to STEM majors who want to teach in secondary education. The university has also partnered with Ball State University and other schools to establish a STEM continuing education and graduate program.

10. Trine University

Trine University in Angola is great for students seeking affordable online STEM degree programs. TrineOnline offers low-cost online and hybrid degrees in cybersecurity, engineering management, and healthcare informatics.

The university also offers on-campus programs for STEM majors. Actuarial science, biochemistry, design engineering technology, and mathematics education are some to consider.

11. Huntington University

Huntington University offers over 70 academic options, including over a dozen STEM-related degrees. Programs include:

• biology education
• game development
• mathematical modeling
• electrical engineering

Huntington is home to the Forester Fund, which awards $10 million in aid through different programs. STEM program enrollees could take advantage of scholarships and grants like the President's Scholarship and the Trustee Grant.

12. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College students can choose from campus-based STEM degrees like computer science and graphic design and online programs like mathematics and healthcare administration. Institutional scholarships like the campus-based Indiana 21st Century Scholars and online-based SMWC Woods Online Scholarship help cover tuition.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods has earned high marks for its STEM programs. The graphic design and healthcare administration programs have been ranked among the best of their types in the nation.

13. Earlham College

Earlham College is a private liberal arts school in Richmond. Students interested in STEM can pursue degrees like:

• data science
• physics and astronomy
• environmental sustainability
• biochemistry

The college offers Earlham Science Scholars, a National Science Foundation-funded program offering mentoring, research opportunities, and scholarships to Pell-eligible STEM students. Recipients receive up to $10,000 annually.

14. Wabash College

Wabash College offers 40 academic programs, including a dual-degree program in engineering. Here are additional STEM programs:

• biology
• biochemistry
• computer science
• physics

Enrollees can apply for merit scholarships, grants, and other financial aid to save on tuition. The college also shares organizations offering STEM grants like the American Institute of Physics and NASA.

15. Marian University

Marian University in Indianapolis offers bachelor's and master's degrees in STEM. Programs include:

• biomedical sciences
• mechanical engineering
• applied physics
• computer engineering

First-year enrollees who need help paying for their degrees can apply for the Saint Mary Academic Scholarship, which offers full tuition. Additional assistance includes the Assisi Academic Scholarship and Marian Tuition and Housing Grants.

FAQs About STEM Colleges in Indiana

STEM is a fantastic career for students seeking fulfilling, high-wage roles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM occupations bring in more than double the median annual wage of non-STEM occupations. If you're ready to enroll in an Indiana STEM college, review the following FAQs.

Which Indiana College Has the Best STEM Program?

Two universities in Indiana have excellent STEM programs. The University of Notre Dame has been recognized for its competitive engineering, mathematics, and physics degrees.

Indiana University Bloomington has ranked well in mathematics, computer science, and chemistry.

What Is the Largest University in Indiana?

One of the largest universities in Indiana is Indiana University Bloomington, which had an enrollment of 35,660 as of fall 2022. Ball State University is another one of Indiana's large schools with an enrollment of 14,416.

Do Indiana STEM Colleges Support Students in Finding Employment After Graduation?

Yes, Indiana STEM colleges help students prepare for life after graduation. At Indiana University Bloomington, students in STEM programs contact their academic departments for career help with resumes, interviews, internships, and more.

The University of Notre Dame offers the Meruelo Family Center for Career Development to help students start their careers.