Online Colleges That Accept Pell Grants in Indiana 2026

Indiana’s public and nonprofit universities offer a growing selection of fully online undergraduate degree programs across business, healthcare, STEM, and liberal arts disciplines. For students researching online colleges that accept Pell Grants, Indiana institutions combine public tuition structures with federal financial aid participation to create accessible pathways to degree completion.

Many public universities across Indiana, along with select nonprofit private institutions, participate in federal Title IV financial aid programs, allowing students enrolled in approved online programs to apply Pell Grant funds toward tuition and required fees. Below, we explain how Pell Grants work and highlight reputable Indiana institutions offering online degree pathways eligible for federal aid.

What Is a Pell Grant and Who Qualifies?

The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Unlike federal student loans, Pell Grants do not accrue interest and generally do not require repayment as long as students maintain eligibility standards.

Award amounts vary annually based on financial need, enrollment status, and cost of attendance. To receive funding, students must attend an accredited institution that participates in Title IV federal financial aid programs. In Indiana, most public universities and many nonprofit private colleges qualify.

Do Online Colleges in Indiana Accept Pell Grants?

Yes, many online colleges in Indiana accept Pell Grants if they participate in federal Title IV financial aid programs. Public institutions such as Indiana University, Purdue University, and Ball State University distribute federal aid to eligible students enrolled in approved undergraduate programs.

However, eligibility depends on the specific institution and degree pathway rather than the online format alone. Students should confirm that their chosen online program qualifies for federal funding and review each school’s financial aid policies before enrolling. Verifying accreditation and FAFSA participation can help ensure Pell funds are applied appropriately.

10 Online Colleges That Accept Pell Grants in Indiana

Indiana’s public and nonprofit universities offer a variety of fully online undergraduate degree pathways across business, education, healthcare, and STEM disciplines. The institutions below are accredited schools where eligible students may apply Pell Grant funding toward approved online programs.

1. Indiana University 

Indiana University (IU Online) unifies online offerings across the IU system, providing more than 200 degree and certificate programs. Undergraduate options include business administration, psychology, criminal justice, informatics, and interdisciplinary studies.

Indiana University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and participates in federal Title IV financial aid programs. Eligible undergraduate students may apply Pell Grant funds toward approved online programs. The system-wide structure allows students to access programs from multiple IU campuses while benefiting from a recognized public university brand.

2. Ball State University

Ball State University has been a pioneer in digital learning since the late 1990s and offers a range of fully online bachelor’s degree programs. Fields of study include education, communication studies, business administration, and applied technology.

Ball State University is regionally accredited by HLC and participates in federal financial aid programs. Pell Grant recipients enrolled in eligible online programs may use their awards to offset tuition and required fees. The university’s long-standing experience in online education may benefit students seeking structured academic support.

3. Purdue University West Lafayette

Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus offers select online undergraduate programs in engineering technology, professional studies, and related fields. As a flagship public research university, Purdue is widely recognized for strength in STEM disciplines.

Purdue University is regionally accredited by HLC and participates in Title IV federal financial aid programs. Eligible undergraduate students may apply Pell Grant funds toward approved online programs. Purdue’s reputation in engineering and technology may appeal to students pursuing technical career pathways.

4. Indiana State University

Indiana State University offers fully online bachelor’s degree programs in areas such as psychology, business administration, and criminal justice. The university has received national recognition for certain online programs, including psychology.

Indiana State University is regionally accredited by HLC and participates in federal financial aid programs. Pell Grant recipients enrolled in eligible online programs may use their awards to reduce tuition expenses. Competitive public tuition rates may enhance affordability for qualifying students.

5. University of Southern Indiana 

The University of Southern Indiana (USI) provides online undergraduate programs in business, health services, and liberal arts disciplines. USI is known for maintaining comparatively low “online only” tuition rates.

USI is regionally accredited by HLC and participates in federal Title IV financial aid programs. Eligible undergraduate students may apply Pell Grant funds toward approved online programs. Its lower tuition structure may allow federal aid to cover a substantial portion of required costs for qualifying students.

6. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University is a private, nonprofit institution known for its strong support services for adult learners and working professionals. The university offers fully online bachelor’s degree programs in nursing, business administration, criminal justice, and ministry-related fields.

Indiana Wesleyan University is regionally accredited by HLC and participates in federal Title IV financial aid programs. Eligible undergraduate students may apply Pell Grant funds toward approved online programs. The institution emphasizes structured course delivery and academic advising to help students remain on track toward graduation.

7. Indiana University Indianapolis

Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), now operating as IU Indianapolis, offers online undergraduate programs with strong ties to Indiana’s largest job market. Fields of study include business, health sciences, public affairs, and liberal arts.

IU Indianapolis is regionally accredited by HLC and participates in federal financial aid programs. Pell Grant recipients enrolled in eligible online programs may use their awards to offset tuition and required fees. Its urban setting and employer partnerships may benefit students seeking career networking opportunities.

8. University of Evansville

The University of Evansville is a private, nonprofit institution offering online undergraduate degree completion programs in liberal arts and professional studies. The university emphasizes small class sizes and personalized instruction.

The University of Evansville is regionally accredited by HLC and participates in Title IV federal financial aid programs. Eligible students may apply Pell Grant funding toward approved online programs. As a smaller institution, it may offer individualized advising and support for online learners.

9. Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University provides online undergraduate and certificate programs in leadership, ethics, and business-related disciplines. The university is known for academic rigor and strong graduate-level offerings.

Valparaiso University is regionally accredited by HLC and participates in federal financial aid programs. Pell Grant recipients enrolled in eligible undergraduate programs may use their awards to reduce tuition expenses. Institutional grants may further lower net costs for qualifying students.

10. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is a historic private institution offering fully online bachelor’s degree programs in areas such as leadership, business, and arts-related fields. The college has a long tradition of serving women and adult learners.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is regionally accredited by HLC and participates in federal Title IV financial aid programs. Eligible undergraduate students may apply Pell Grant funds toward approved online programs. The institution also provides institutional grant opportunities that may enhance affordability for Pell-eligible students.

How We Rank Schools

To develop this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), and official program information published by each institution. Because Pell Grants are federal awards, our evaluation prioritizes schools that maintain recognized accreditation and confirmed participation in Title IV financial aid programs.

We focus on public and nonprofit institutions in Indiana that offer accessible online undergraduate degree pathways and clearly communicate tuition and financial aid policies.

• Accreditation: Each school holds institutional accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring eligibility to distribute federal student aid.
• Federal Financial Aid Participation: Institutions must participate in Title IV programs and offer Pell-eligible undergraduate pathways.
• Online Accessibility: Schools must provide fully online or substantially online programs designed for remote learners.
• Affordability and Institutional Structure: We review public tuition rates, unified system models such as IU Online, and private nonprofit pricing to assess overall value.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How Much Does It Cost to Attend an Online College in Indiana With a Pell Grant?

Tuition in Indiana varies between public universities and private nonprofit institutions. Public institutions such as Indiana University, Purdue University, and Ball State University generally offer competitive in-state tuition, while private colleges may have higher published rates but provide institutional grants that reduce net cost.

Pell Grant award amounts depend on financial need, enrollment status, and federal funding limits. At lower-cost public institutions, a full Pell award may cover a significant portion of tuition and required fees, though students should also account for indirect costs such as textbooks, technology, and living expenses. Reviewing each institution’s published cost of attendance can help clarify potential out-of-pocket obligations.

How To Choose the Right Online College in Indiana If You Receive a Pell Grant

Selecting an online college in Indiana involves balancing academic goals with financial planning. Because Pell Grant eligibility depends on maintaining satisfactory academic progress, choosing a program with structured support services can help protect continued funding.

When comparing institutions, consider the following:

• Accreditation and Title IV Status: Confirm that the school is accredited and authorized to distribute federal financial aid.
• Public vs. Private Pricing: Compare public university tuition with private nonprofit net price after institutional grants.
• Program Strength: Evaluate whether the institution is known for strength in your intended field, such as STEM, business, or healthcare.
• Transfer Policies: If you have prior coursework, verify how credits apply toward degree completion.
• Student Support Services: Look for advising, tutoring, and financial aid counseling designed to help students remain eligible for funding.

Careful comparison can help ensure your Pell Grant supports steady progress toward graduation.

FAQs About Online Colleges That Accept Pell Grants in Indiana

Understanding how federal financial aid applies to online education in Indiana can help students make informed enrollment decisions. The questions below address common concerns about workforce training, institutional participation, and eligibility requirements.

Can You Use Pell Grants at Indiana Public Universities?

Yes, eligible students may use Pell Grants at Indiana public universities that participate in federal Title IV financial aid programs. Many fully online undergraduate programs qualify for federal funding. Students must complete the FAFSA and meet financial need requirements to receive an award.

Are There CDL Schools That Accept Pell Grants?

Some commercial driver’s license (CDL) programs may qualify for Pell Grant funding if they are offered through an accredited institution that participates in federal financial aid programs. Short-term or non-credit CDL training programs often do not qualify for Title IV aid. Students interested in CDL training should confirm whether the specific program is federally approved before enrolling.

Can Private Colleges in Indiana Accept Pell Grants?

Yes, private nonprofit colleges in Indiana may accept Pell Grants if they participate in federal financial aid programs. Tuition rates may be higher than public institutions, but institutional grants can reduce overall net costs. Students should compare full financial aid packages when evaluating private options.

Do Online Degree Completion Programs Qualify for Pell Funding?

Many online degree-completion programs qualify for Pell Grants if they are approved undergraduate pathways at participating institutions. Students must meet admission requirements and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Confirming program eligibility with the financial aid office can help avoid funding complications.

Is There a Lifetime Limit on Pell Grant Eligibility?

Yes, the federal government limits Pell Grant eligibility to the equivalent of 12 full-time semesters. This limit is measured through Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) percentages. Students can monitor their remaining eligibility through their federal student aid account.

Explore Online Colleges That Accept Pell Grants in Indiana

Federal Pell Grants can help make accredited online education in Indiana more affordable for students pursuing associate or bachelor’s degrees. Visit Learn.org to explore online colleges that accept Pell Grants, compare Indiana programs, and request information to help guide your next step.