The cheapest colleges in Indiana offer high-quality education at low tuition rates. Indiana offers a wide range of programs, including online degree programs, graduate degree options, and undergraduate majors in many fields of study. It is an excellent choice for local and international students alike. This article covers the best low-tuition colleges and the cheapest universities in Indiana.
If you are on a school search and are looking for low-tuition colleges, this article on the most affordable colleges in Indiana will put you on the right path. We cover average tuition costs, career options for popular majors, and ways to save money without jeopardizing your chance at a fulfilling college experience. For students interested in online education, we also discuss the cheapest online colleges in Indiana.
How Much Does College Cost in Indiana?
For the 2019–20 academic year, the average annual cost of tuition in Indiana was $9,268 for in-state students at public colleges, $29,533 for out-of-state students at public colleges, and $34,263 for students at private educational institutions. These figures are comparable to the national average for college tuition in the United States.
Factoring in expenses like room and board, the average annual cost of public education for in-state students in Indiana is $19,985. Meanwhile, the annual cost of a bachelor’s degree at a private university, including room and board, is $46,504. Online programs often have discounted rates and you can get the lowest tuition by attending school in-state and winning scholarships.
Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana: The Basics
| School | Location | Undergraduate Tuition | Graduate Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vincennes University | Vincennes, Indiana | $204/credit (in state), $507/credit (out of state) | N/A |
| Indiana University Northwest | Gary, Indiana | $224/credit (in state), $626/credit (out of state) | $294/credit (in state), $692/credit (out of state) |
| Indiana University South Bend | South Bend, Indiana | $230/credit (in state), $645/credit (out of state) | $303/credit (in state), $713/credit (out of state) |
| Indiana University Kokomo | Kokomo, Indiana | $242/credit (in state), $688/credit (out of state) | $382/credit (in state), $862/credit (out of state) |
| Indiana University Southeast | New Albany, Indiana | $242/credit (in state), $688/credit (out of state) | $317/credit (in state), $747/credit (out of state) |
| Purdue University Northwest | Hammond, Indiana | $246/credit (in state), $369/credit (out of state) | $311/credit (in state), $467/credit (out of state) |
| University of Southern Indiana | Evansville, Indiana | $275/credit (in state), $668/credit (out of state) | $410/credit (in state), $803/credit (out of state) |
| Ball State University | Muncie, Indiana | $320/credit (in state), $1,068/credit (out of state) | $431/credit (in state), $1,179/credit (out of state) |
| Indiana State University | Terra Haute, Indiana | $337/credit (in state), $727/credit (out of state) | $432/credit (in state), $562/credit (out of state) |
| Purdue University, Main Campus | West Lafayette, Indiana | $348/credit (in state), $948/credit (out of state) | $348/credit (in state), $948/credit (out of state) |
Cheapest Universities in Indiana: A Closer Look
In this section, we discuss in detail the 10 cheapest colleges in Indiana. We compare tuition for undergraduate and graduate studies for both in-state and out-of-state students. Other metrics considered include acceptance and graduation rates, student fees, accreditation, and popular programs available, including both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
Cheapest Online Colleges in Indiana
| School | Online Tuition | Programs Available Online |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana University East | $239/credit (in state, undergraduate), $347/credit (out of state, undergraduate), $317/credit (in state, graduate), $469/credit (out of state, graduate) | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Certificates |
| Purdue University Fort Wayne | $300/credit (in state), $719/credit (out of state) | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Certificates, Minors |
| Ball State University | $320/credit (in state, undergraduate), $1,068/credit (out of state, undergraduate), $431/credit (in state, graduate), $1,179/credit (out of state, graduate) | Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Certificates, Teacher Training, Summer Classes |
| IUPUI | $329/credit (in state, undergraduate), $1,077/credit (out of state, undergraduate), $420/credit (in state, graduate), $1,108/credit (out of state, graduate) | Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Certificates |
| Huntington University | $402/credit | Associate, Bachelor’s, Certificates |
Cheapest Colleges in Indiana by In-State Tuition
- Vincennes University | $204/credit
- Indiana University Northwest | $224/credit
- Indiana University South Bend | $230/credit
- Indiana University East (Online) | $239/credit
- Indiana University Kokomo | $242/credit
Cheapest Colleges in Indiana by Out-of-State Tuition
- Indiana University East (Online) | $347/credit
- Purdue University Northwest | $369/credit
- Huntington University (Online) | $402/credit
- Vincennes University | $507/credit
- Indiana University Northwest | $626/credit
Why Is College So Expensive?
There are many reasons why college is expensive. The cost of a college education depends on a multitude of factors, and offering high-quality education with professional facilities is expensive.
However, the sheer volume of applicants for college is the real cost driver. Higher enrollment has meant an expansion of financial-aid programs, a need to boost budgets for faculty compensation and on-campus student services, and a drop in financial support from state governments. Overall, the cost of college is composed of the following primary factors.
Tuition
Tuition is the primary cost of a college education and applies to both on-campus programs and online degrees. According to US News, in the last 20 years, the cost of education has more than doubled. While incomes have climbed just 67 percent since 1970, college tuition has increased at a higher rate.
Books and Supplies
According to the National Association of College Stores, the average student spends $413 a year on textbooks. This extreme cost can be lowered by renting used books, shopping at flea markets or second-hand stores, getting ebooks from the Internet, and printing and binding your textbooks from cheaper digital copies.
Housing and Food
Paying for living expenses like rent and utilities is one of the most expensive parts of going to college. You may be able to cut costs by renting off-campus housing or opting to cook instead of taking the meal plan. You should research the cost of rent in the city where your college is located to determine the most affordable possibilities. However, keep in mind the additional time and expenses of commuting and cooking.
Best Universities by State
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How to Save Money in College
- Differentiate between needs and wants. Budgeting can help you determine whether you have the means to spend on items that are not essential. Before spending, rank items in order of importance. After you’ve established your priorities, you can decide whether or not to include each item in your budget.
- Choose a cheap school. The majority of a college student’s budget is spent on tuition and fees, so the cost of attendance should be considered when selecting a college. Grants and scholarships can assist with expenses, and in-state public colleges are cheaper than out-of-state public schools and private universities.
- Look for used copies of textbooks. Renting old textbooks can save a lot of money in college. You can search for textbooks at second-hand stores, libraries, and online.
- Research the cost of housing. For many universities, living off campus is less expensive. However, if the institution is located in a large city such as New York or Los Angeles, where rent is notoriously high, living on campus will be less expensive.
- Cut back on paid entertainment. While cable TV can be expensive, online streaming platforms can be a cheaper form of entertainment. When it comes to live entertainment and socializing, you can look online for free activities or opt for options that come with a student discount.
- Share meals and eat out less frequently. Cooking for three or four people is just as simple as cooking for one and far less expensive. Cooking with your roommates and splitting the cost of ingredients is a good way to save. When you do go out to dine, keep an eye out for specials. Coupon apps can be a great way to save money.
How to Apply for Financial Aid in Indiana
To apply for financial aid in Indiana, you need to fill out your FASFA. Due to the COVID-19 emergency and other financially impactful circumstances, many FAFSA candidates have experienced financial adjustments. To apply for federal aid, complete the following steps.
- Fill out the FAFSA questions as directed, using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, if eligible.
- Apply for all other suitable scholarship applications that you are eligible for.
- To discuss changes to your financial status, contact the financial assistance office of the school you wish to attend.
- Keep in mind that the total amount of your financial aid award is correlated with your family’s current income. If your award is lower than you expected, apply for loans.
Scholarships for Students in Indiana
| Scholarship Title | Provider | Amount | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Indian Service Scholarship | The American Indian Education Fund | $500 to $2,000 | Applicant must be a degree-seeking student, a member of a Native American tribe recognized by the federal government, and have at least a 2.5 GPA. |
| Wells Fargo College STEPS Sweepstakes | Wells Fargo | Up to $5,000 | Available to full-time or part-time students attending high school, college, or trade school. Applicants must also be legal residents of the US. |
| Undergraduates Attending Tribal Colleges | The American Indian College Fund | Varies | Available for US citizens enrolled in a tribal, public, or private institution on a full-time basis with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Students must be registered as federal or state tribe members or descendants. |
| Undergraduate Scholarship Service | American Indian Education Fund | Up to $2,000 | Applicant must be an undergraduate student who can provide proof of tribal enrollment either for themselves or their parent. Must also be a full-time student with at least a 2.0 GPA. |
| Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship | Amazon | $10,000 annually, up to $40,000 total | Applicants must have completed an Advanced Placement computer science course and plan to continue their education at an accredited four-year college or university majoring in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, or another computer-related field of study. |
| A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship | American Indian Science and Engineering Society | Up to $1,000 for undergraduate students; up to $2,000 for graduate students | Available to undergraduate and graduate students of Native American heritage pursuing degrees in math, medical sciences, technology, physical science, natural resources, engineering, or science. |
| Chevron Corporation Scholarship | Chevron | $5,000 | Available to American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and First Nations students enrolled in either STEM or business studies. Applicants must also have a 3.0 GPA and be studying full-time. |
| Oracle Academy Scholarship | ORACLE/AISES | $10,000 | Available for Native American students pursuing degrees in computer engineering or computer science. Applicants must be either graduate students or in their junior or senior year of undergraduate studies and have a 3.5 GPA. |
| Health Profession Scholarship | Indian Health Service | Full tuition and fees plus a monthly stipend | Available for Native American students who are currently completing prerequisite coursework for undergraduate studies related to health and medicine. |
| “Be-Bold” No Essay Scholarship | Bold.org | $25,145 | Awarded to the student with the boldest Bold.org profile. |
How to Choose a Cheap College in Indiana
Choosing a college is a financial as well as an academic decision. Knowing how to compare universities and assess affordability is essential. When comparing the costs of universities, it’s important to evaluate not just the tuition, but also financial assistance options, graduation and job placement rates, and accommodation options.
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Look at the Net Price, Not the Listed Price
The listed price is the general cost of tuition. The net price, on the other hand, is the amount students pay after financial aid is taken into account. The vast majority of students receive some form of financial assistance, and this means that average costs are often lower than listed.
Using schools’ net price calculators can help you evaluate the real cost of different institutions by accounting for out-of-pocket expenditures and the financial aid you’re likely to get. On every school’s financial assistance page, there are net calculators. However, not all of them are standardized, and the results are estimates.
Apply to Universities That Offer Merit Scholarships
Many colleges give merit-based scholarships to students who meet certain academic requirements. Some institutions award merit aid more generously than others. Inquire about any merit-based aid available at the institution and make sure you understand the application process. There will likely be a personal essay to write and various documents to fill out.
Go Somewhere Where the Cost of Living Is Low
One of the most important factors determining education cost is location. On average, state schools have lower net prices than private institutions. Choosing to attend a school in your home state might also save you money on tuition. Many states offer grants and other financial assistance programs that are exclusively accessible to students who remain in the state.
For example, Ohio provides a grant for in-state nursing students, while North Carolina has a scholarship for students studying criminal justice in the public school system. Staying in your state can also help you save money on things like long-distance travel and accommodation.
Best Community Colleges by State
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Highest-Paying Jobs for College Graduates in Indiana
| Job Title | Average Salary in Indiana | Minimum Education |
|---|---|---|
| Judges and Magistrates | $137,190 | Professional degree |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $129,990 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Marketing Managers | $128,520 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Financial Managers | $124,690 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Lawyers | $123,370 | Professional degree |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $122,750 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Fundraising Managers | $117,600 | Bachelor’s degree |
| General and Operations Managers | $110,060 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Legislators | $45,750 | Bachelor’s degree |
Best Jobs for College Grads in Indiana: Explained
Accredited Online Colleges by State
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Is a Cheap College in Indiana Worth It?
Yes, cheap college in Indiana is worth it, especially if your desired field of choice requires college-level education. College is a great way to build skills, network, and gain access to a wider range of career options.
While there are many ways to pay for college, choosing an affordable program is the best way to keep costs down. Pursuing a degree from an affordable institution or going to an online school can be a great way to get college experience and the qualifications you need at a significantly lower cost.
Cheapest Colleges in Indiana FAQ
No, college is not free in Indiana, but Pell Grants are a way to make your education affordable. This excellent educational experience is made accessible to every qualifying student via the Indiana State Advantage, which includes free tuition for Pell-eligible students in Indiana, a $3,000 experience award, and a four-year guarantee.
You can score the best trade scholarships by applying in advance, communicating with your school’s financial aid office, and submitting good grades. Each school is different, and if you have a specific school in mind, you should look at their website for any financial aid services to see if they have a scholarship program.
The minimal amount for which you are qualified is referred to as a preliminary award. If you are subject to credit completion requirements, the grant will become effective when your current financial aid award cycle ends and your college certifies that you have completed the required credit hours.
Experts consider a college affordable if you can attend without borrowing more in total than your projected first year of income. You can also apply for scholarships or other merit-based aid. And if all else fails, check with the institution to see if they can make your financial aid offer more competitive.
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