Engineering is an exciting field where workers can apply their knowledge of mathematics and physics to solving complex, real-world problems. Whether you’re looking for an undergraduate or graduate degree, attending one of the best engineering schools in Indiana is an excellent way to begin your journey in engineering.
This article lists our carefully evaluated Indiana engineering school rankings and also outlines financial aid options for engineering students. Read on to find out more about the most noteworthy engineering schools in Indiana and how they can help engineering graduates find the best jobs for them.
How to Choose a Good Engineering School in Indiana
To choose the best engineering school in Indiana for you, you should consider cost, reputation, and the availability of accelerated dual degree options. Evaluating these factors will enable you to get the best out of your education.
Cost
The tuition cost of a program is one of the essential factors to consider before enrolling. To get the highest-value education, you should look for schools that balance high educational standards and affordability.
Reputation of the Program
The reputation of an academic program plays a significant role in your ability to get high-paying jobs when you graduate. Choosing a school with an excellent reputation among current students, alumni, and the general public is a great way to position yourself for employment at the most reputable companies in your chosen industry.
Accelerated Dual Degree Options
If you want to get an additional qualification in a smaller amount of time, universities that provide dual degree programs are always a wise choice. Graduating with dual degrees also significantly improves your chances of employment.
Indiana Engineering School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Engineering Programs in Indiana?
| Engineering School | Top Undergrad Program | Top Grad Program | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | Master of Science in Agricultural and Biological Engineering | #10 |
| University of Notre Dame | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Master of Science in Civil Engineering | #36 |
| Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | #114 |
| Indiana University Bloomington | Bachelor of Science in Intelligent Systems Engineering | Master of Science in Intelligent Systems Engineering | #68 (national) |
| Valparaiso University | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering | N/A | #172 (national) |
| Trine University | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Master of Science in Engineering Management | #69 (regional) |
| Purdue University Fort Wayne | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | Master of Science in Engineering (Systems Engineering Concentration) | #106 (regional) |
| Indiana Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Master of Science in Engineering Management | #108 (regional) |
| Purdue University Northwest | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (Power and Energy Systems Concentration) | Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering | #112 (regional) |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Master of Science in Chemical Engineering | #1 (undergraduate engineering programs) |
Indiana Engineering Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Engineering Schools in Indiana
To rank the best engineering schools in Indiana, we used US News & World Report’s breakdown of the best engineering programs as a guide. We also took into consideration the subject-specific rankings conducted by Times Higher Education, as well as factors such as graduation rate, acceptance rate, and affordability.
Best Engineering Schools in Indiana Explained
Indiana has many options for people who want to obtain a recognized bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree. Below is a list of the 10 best schools for engineering students in Indiana.
Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in Indiana
Below, we highlight the best undergraduate engineering schools in Indiana for people who want to begin a career in this highly profitable field. The schools outlined here represent the best college options in Indiana for Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering.
Best Engineering Associate Degree Schools in Indiana
- Ivy Tech Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering. Ivy Tech Community College’s AS in Engineering degree is a four-semester, 60-credit program designed to teach students the fundamentals of engineering and enable them to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
- Vincennes University | Associate of Science in Industrial Engineering. Students enrolled in this program are expected to complete 71 credit hours across two years. The curriculum covers critical topics like calculus, thermodynamics, and linear circuits. Graduates can go on to a bachelor’s program or an entry-level industrial engineering job.
- Indiana Institute of Technology | Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology. This associate degree program prepares graduates to pursue higher-level degrees or take up electrical engineering technician jobs. All classes for this 60-credit degree can be taken on campus or online.
- Purdue University Fort Wayne | Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology. This 60-credit degree emphasizes the use of software to develop and analyze designs. Participants in this program learn the analytic and communicative skills they need to work in design, manufacturing, and engineering companies.
Best Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Indiana
- Purdue University | Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering. This program provides a holistic learning experience by combining a nuclear engineering curriculum with other branches of engineering and computer science. Students who meet the requirements for this degree will be able to obtain the best nuclear engineering jobs.
- University of Notre Dame | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. University of Notre Dame’s BS in Mechanical Engineering equips students with the technological skills needed for industries like robotics, transportation, and manufacturing. Approximately 80 percent of graduates from this program continue to industry careers.
- Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Students in this 124-credit program learn about telecommunication systems, power systems, networking, information systems, and other in-demand electrical engineering areas.
- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering. This 192-credit program teaches students to apply their knowledge of mathematics, computer systems design, and software architecture to build technology-based solutions for business clients and organizations.
- Purdue University Fort Wayne | Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology. This 120-credit program is for people looking to kickstart their careers in the manufacturing and service industries. It equips students with the technical and soft skills needed to lead engineering teams and solve problems via engineering systems.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Graduate Schools for Engineering in Indiana
People with a bachelor’s degree can further their education by attending the best graduate engineering schools in Indiana. The list below highlights the highest-rated engineering master’s and PhD programs for engineering students looking to continue their education in Indiana.
Best Schools for Master’s in Engineering in Indiana
- Purdue University | Master of Science in Materials Engineering. This graduate program includes advanced-level coursework and intensive research. Students can choose between a thesis, no-thesis, and professional master’s program depending on whether they are interested in industry roles or academia.
- University of Notre Dame | Master of Science in Civil Engineering. University of Notre Dame’s MS in Civil Engineering degree provides students with high-quality training in structural engineering. Students in this master’s program have access to an ultra-modern laboratory in which to develop their technical skills and conduct research.
- Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering. Students in this 30-credit-hour master’s program take mathematics, statistics, and advanced biomedical engineering courses. They also have the option of choosing between life science and engineering electives.
- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Chemical Engineering. This degree involves coursework and research in a specific area of chemical engineering. Students dive into topics like thermodynamics, reaction engineering, and transport phenomena and apply these concepts to cutting-edge industry research.
- Purdue University Fort Wayne | Master of Science in Engineering (Systems Engineering Concentration). Students enrolled in this program can choose between a thesis and non-thesis option. It provides advanced courses in systems engineering and architecture, engineering economics, and manufacturing system design for sustainability.
Best PhD in Engineering Universities in Indiana
- Purdue University | PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering. This doctorate program takes between four to five years, depending on the student’s level of education. Some research areas students can explore are automatic control, computer engineering, and fields and optics.
- University of Notre Dame | PhD in Bioengineering. Students in this doctorate program combine knowledge of biology and several aspects of engineering to conduct research in a chosen area of bioengineering. Upon graduation, students can pursue careers in industry or in academia.
- Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis | PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students in this highly-ranked doctorate program choose one of five focus areas. These five areas include automatic control, power and energy, computer engineering, communications/signal processing, or VLSI and circuit design.
- Indiana University Bloomington | PhD in Intelligent Systems Engineering. Indiana University Bloomington’s Intelligent Systems Engineering PhD program allows students to research topics like user interface design, computational modeling, and big data. Students can go on to get jobs at top IT and software engineering companies.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Online PhD Programs
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Admission Requirements for Engineering Schools in Indiana
The basic admission requirements for engineering schools in Indiana differ depending on whether you are applying for a graduate or undergraduate program. The requirements for your specific engineering program will typically be listed on your chosen program’s admission page on the school’s website.
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Engineering Schools in Indiana: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Official high school transcripts
- ACT or SAT scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Online application and application fee
- IELTS or TOEFL scores (for international students)
Engineering Schools in Indiana: Graduate Admission Requirements
- Official college transcripts
- CV or resume
- Statement of purpose and letters of recommendation
- GRE or GMAT scores
- Proof of English proficiency (for international students)
- Online application and application fee
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Engineering in Indiana?
No, it is not hard to get into a school for engineering in Indiana. Most Indiana universities have acceptance rates above 70 percent. Indiana is an excellent choice for students who are looking for engineering universities with a lower barrier to entry.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Indiana for Engineering
- Ivy Tech Community College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. Ivy Tech Community College has an open admissions policy, making it one of the easiest colleges for engineering students and beyond to gain admission into. It provides associate degrees in engineering, electrical engineering technology, and mechanical engineering technology.
- Vincennes University | Acceptance Rate: 100%. Students looking to attend Vincennes University only require a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify for admission. This public university offers nine engineering associate degrees.
- University of Saint Francis – Fort Wayne | Acceptance Rate: 99%. The University of Saint Francis is a private university in Fort Wayne, Indiana with an acceptance rate of 99 percent. It offers a general engineering bachelor’s degree with concentrations in robotics, renewable energy, computational modeling, and aeronautics.
- University of Southern Indiana | Acceptance Rate: 94%. The University of Southern Indiana’s campus is located in Evansville, Indiana. Its high acceptance rate and its wide array of engineering bachelor’s degree programs make it a perfect place to study for people who want to get into college easily.
- Indiana State University | Acceptance Rate: 92%. Indiana State University in Terre Haute provides civil, industrial, and mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree programs for prospective engineers.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Online Schools for Engineering in Indiana
The best online schools for engineering in Indiana are Trine University, Indiana State University, Indiana Institute of Technology, and Purdue University. All the graduation rate statistics listed in the table below were obtained from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
| School | Graduation Rate | Top Online Engineering Program |
|---|---|---|
| Trine University | 60% | Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology |
| Indiana State University | 44% | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology |
| Indiana Institute of Technology | 36% | Master of Science in Engineering Management |
| Purdue University | 30% | Master of Science in Civil Engineering |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Engineering in Indiana
The most affordable colleges for engineering in Indiana are Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue University Northwest, Vincennes University, Purdue University Fort Wayne, and Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis.
How to Attend the Top Engineering Schools in Indiana With Financial Aid
The top engineering schools in Indiana have financial aid options to assist students who might otherwise be unable to cover their tuition costs and essential expenses. These options include federal aid, work-study programs, scholarships, and student loans. Students applying to Indiana universities will need to submit their FAFSA form to be considered eligible for financial aid.
Best Engineering Scholarships for Indiana Students
- Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship | Amount: Covers full tuition, fees, and book stipends. This scholarship award is available to Indiana residents with a high school diploma. There are other specific requirements for this program, but these conditions vary by county, as do dates and deadlines.
- Horatio Alger Association State Scholarships | Amount: $10,000. This award is reserved for high school seniors whose family gross income falls below $55,000 and who can demonstrate their capacity to overcome adversity. Recipients must also be US citizens, have a minimum GPA of 2.0, and have a record of community service.
- Indiana Department of Transportation Engineering Scholarship | Amount: $3,125 per semester. This scholarship is provided for engineering students at any Indiana university who have completed at least a year of study with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8. Recipients also get the chance to participate in paid summer internships.
- Equitable Excellence Scholarship | Amount: $20,000. High school seniors who plan to attend a recognized university in the US are eligible for the Equitable Excellence Scholarship. This scholarship also provides its recipients with mentorship and networking opportunities.
- Frank O’Bannon Grant | Amount: Varies by institution and EFC. This award is available to Indiana residents who have a high school diploma, have completed the FAFSA form before April 15, and are pursuing a first-time associate or bachelor’s degree. The amount awarded depends on Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Indiana Employment Outlook for Engineering
Indiana’s employment outlook shows favorable statistics for recent and incoming graduates. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Indiana’s unemployment rate has reduced from 4.5 to 2.2 between January 2021 and April 2022.
Highest-Paying Engineering Careers in Indiana
| Engineering Job | Engineering Degree | Average Salary in Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $96,880 |
| Electrical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $96,110 |
| Biomedical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $92,050 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $87,930 |
| Industrial Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $86,160 |
Best Engineering Jobs in Indiana Explained
The list below contains the best engineering jobs in Indiana. These jobs require a bachelor’s degree as a minimum requirement for entry. However, an advanced degree will increase your chances of getting senior roles or negotiating for a higher salary.
Does It Matter What Engineering School in Indiana I Go To?
Yes, it does matter what school in Indiana you go to for engineering. Some schools have a higher reputation among potential employers and command better employment outcomes for their students. If you are looking to begin a career as an engineer at a top company and get a high-paying job, you should consider a program at one of the best engineering schools in Indiana.
Additional Reading About Engineering
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Best Engineering Schools in Indiana FAQ
The schools in Indiana that offer engineering graduate certificates are Purdue University West Lafayette, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, and Purdue University Fort Wayne. These graduate certificate programs can be completed in two years or less.
You should get an Associate Degree in Engineering if you’re looking to land an engineering technician role or go on to obtain a bachelor’s degree, and you should get a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering if you want to get a high-paying job in the field.
No, community colleges and universities are not the same. The major difference between community colleges and universities is that, while the former typically only offer two-year undergraduate programs, the latter provides four-year undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
A PhD degree is necessary for engineers, especially if they are interested in a career in academia or research-based industries. However, a master’s degree is a suitable enough qualification for most engineering jobs.
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