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2020 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in IndianaAbout this List

The 2020 Best Colleges for Student Athletes ranking is based on key statistics and student reviews. Top-ranked colleges have both elite academic programs and competitive sports programs that support student athletes on and off the field. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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Best for Student Athletes
37 results

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  1. University of Notre Dame

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 1,289 reviews
    #1 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Freshman: The thing that stood out to me about the University of Notre Dame was my professors! They have all been willing to go the extra mile in order to teach, be it holding long office hours and staying later or staying back long after class has ended, especially before exams. Their passion not only for the subject but for our education really helped me through some tough courses. Furthermore, the community is excellent. Notre Dame is truly a family, and dorm communities are very distinct and strong. Each dorm has its own mascots and colors and become a part of a person's identity. It is similar to Greek life but without the negatives of rushing and hazing. Everybody is very kind and inclusive.
    Read 1,289 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 19% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,453 Net Price
    • 1370-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  2. Indiana University - Bloomington

    • 4 Year
    • Bloomington, IN
    • 4,455 reviews
    #2 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Alum: Indiana University has a lot to offer. You just have to go out, explore, and seek it. Every niche is available, so play to your strengths! If you want a learning community, you can live in a dorm that specializes in that. If you want to be away from campus, there are plenty of apartments. If you don't like the party scene, don't live in the Northwest neighborhood of campus, etc...It can be easy to feel alone on such a large campus, so finding a club, group, or people within your degree to connect with is critical, but IU has opportunity for that in abundance. As for academics, you get what you put in, as I would imagine for most universities. For my degree, I had plenty of opportunities for office hours, student tutoring at the library, and more.
    Read 4,455 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,488 Net Price
    • 1140-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  3. Purdue University

    • 4 Year
    • West Lafayette, IN
    • 4,557 reviews
    #3 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Sophomore: Purdue University is an overall great university. One of the best parts of Purdue I have experienced is the amount of diversity. Although Purdue is a school known for its great engineering program, I have met plenty of students within medical, business, agricultural, etc. Purdue also has a large international presence, where I have met many students with different backgrounds, have had the opportunity to learn about cultures as well. As a lifelong sports fan, Purdue also participates in the Big Ten Conference, which allows for incredible sporting events among with top tier collegiate athlete showcases. Purdue is a university where there is plenty of opportunity to fit in and find your place, as it is very diverse and doesn't fit a stereotype as a whole. Whatever path you chose, Purdue is a great school with great experiences to produce with it!
    Read 4,557 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Athletics
    • 57% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,117 Net Price
    • 1150-1380 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  4. Butler University

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 1,307 reviews
    #4 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Junior: I love Butler! The campus is beautiful and the classes are small, so you really get to know other students and professors. The professors are also very helpful when it comes to course work. We have our own police station that only works for the campus, not the city. We have a high ropes course and other activities that different organizations put on such as cookies and canvas and philanthropy events put on by the social Greek houses. Having access to the canal and downtown is also a very nice perk. There is a lot of construction and updates being made as part of the "2020 Vision" so tuition has increased, which is the only downfall.
    Read 1,307 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Athletics
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $38,051 Net Price
    • 1150-1320 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  5. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Terre Haute, IN
    • 396 reviews
    #5 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Freshman: A great school for engineering, and mathematics. This school provides a great place for talented students to work. With many challenges and many people/resources to help, Rose-Hulman is a dedicated to helping all of their students succeed. Overall, the campus setting is perfect for developing students, and the curriculum is updated every year in order keep up to date with the outside world. Lastly, Rose-Hulman prioritizes incorporating job experience into the student life in order to make their students top picks for businesses.
    Read 396 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $41,536 Net Price
    • 1260-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  6. University of Evansville

    • 4 Year
    • Evansville, IN
    • 682 reviews
    #6 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Freshman: The University of Evansville was very good about communicating with me about the school, the programs offered, and the beautiful campus life. After visiting campus a few time and talking with various different people about study abroad, athletics , and what majors options I had, I knew the best fit for me would be UE. There are exceptional staff all across campus and within each department! The student body is also very welcoming and inclusive!
    Read 682 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Athletics
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,046 Net Price
    • 1020-1260 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  7. Ball State University

    • 4 Year
    • Muncie, IN
    • 3,480 reviews
    #7 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Alum: The things I liked most about attending BSU were the student events, the many dining options around campus, including the buffet, and the faculty. Many were really inspiring and cared about the success of their students. Late Nite events were fun and there were many diverse social events. Not much of a party scene though.REALLY diverse population and an international campus. Loved that! I had friends from all over the world. Things students should know, campus housing and navigating help with housing can be tricky. I had a challenging roommate and there was little help on that front. Then, my next roommate was a foreign student who was bullied out of her room by her roommate and her roommate's friends...she was left with no room and no got no help until she found someone (like me) willing to have her join their room.
    Read 3,480 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Athletics
    • 62% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,535 Net Price
    • 1080-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  8. Earlham College

    • 4 Year
    • Richmond, IN
    • 250 reviews
    #8 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Junior: Earlham is an amazing college for those who choose to seek out the opportunities that it offers. A student can receive funding from the EPIC advantage program which will allow them to create an internship or research project that is fully funded and enables the student to gain experience. The small class sizes and overly qualified professors make the class room environment a caring and challenging one. Earlham has the capacity to build Rhode Scholar students, with the hands on professors and numerous research opportunities. For those saying it is is easy, then take different classes (because trust me, there are some difficult ones) the experience is what you make it.
    Read 250 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 52% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,721 Net Price
    • 1190-1400 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  9. Taylor University

    • 4 Year
    • Upland, IN
    • 1,045 reviews
    #9 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Sophomore: Taylor University is a family. You will find a great dorm environment no matter where you live and everyone is always nice. Instead of students looking down at their phones on the way to class, people always are looking up and smile and say hello to each other. The professors are wonderful too! They look out for their students and genuinely care for them. They offer opportunities for students to get real life experiences and put in effort to the student’s spiritual life.
    Read 1,045 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Athletics
    • 87% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,734 Net Price
    • 1040-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  12. Marian University Indianapolis

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 426 reviews
    #10 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Junior: Marian University boasts many quality attributes. Among them are a diverse mix of students, some from abroad, some local, some live on campus, many others commute. The vibrant city of Indianapolis and suburbs create an excellent atmosphere for an outlet away from campus studies. However the campus is compact and beautiful and easy to get around, complete with all amenities and resources needed for a quality college education. Classes are small, which allows the professors to interact more easily one-on-one with their students.
    Read 426 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Athletics
    • 59% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,902 Net Price
    • 1000-1200 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  13. Indiana University-Purdue University - Indianapolis (IUPUI)

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 3,595 reviews
    #11 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Junior: This is my first semester at IUPUI, I transferred from Ivy Tech Community College, where I obtained an Associate of Science in Human Services. My first connection with the IUPUI staff was insightful, made me want to work harder, and allowed me to feel with the proper steps I too can become a Jaguar! During orientation week I felt a sense of pride and togetherness as "established students" gave us incoming students a tour of the campus, everyone seemed connected in one way or the other- this experience made me eager to embark on my journey at IUPUI. As a first time generation college student having to navigate through the system and figure out how to apply for scholarships, grants, and other gifts for my educational funding was extremely overwhelming and can be slightly confusing. I just want to take what I already know and marry it to the knowledge that's to come, so that I can best serve my surrounding communities.
    Read 3,595 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Athletics
    • 80% Acceptance Rate
    • $9,744 Net Price
    • 1000-1190 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  14. Valparaiso University

    • 4 Year
    • Valparaiso, IN
    • 1,053 reviews
    #12 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Freshman: Valparaiso is a welcoming school! Valparaiso University is known for its meteorology program and physician assistants program. The meteorology program is nationally recognized. They launch weather balloons and have state in the art technology which includes a doppler radar. The campus is good size compared to most universities. The campus is close to downtown Valparaiso which is such a nice town. There are lots of good restaurants and coffee shops near campus.The faculty and staff here at Valpo are super friendly and extremely helpful.
    Read 1,053 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 84% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,099 Net Price
    • 1060-1270 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  15. Indiana Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Marion, IN
    • 1,001 reviews
    #13 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Freshman: Indiana Wesleyan University is a great school! It is super safe and you feel at home. Lots of activities and gets you involved in the community. The teachers also invest a lot in you. They have good relationships with the students. There are a lot of clubs and groups you can join and it is fun to pick and choose new ones. School spirit is really big at iwu, we love to support and cheer are teams. I think the one thing that helps the university grow is the amount a faith it has, which is a big plus. How we pray for each other and deeply care about the hard things. Iwu is a great big family!
    Read 1,001 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Athletics
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,008 Net Price
    • 1010-1220 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  16. Goshen College

    • 4 Year
    • Goshen, IN
    • 141 reviews
    #14 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Senior: Goshen is a wonderful place to spend 4 years! There are many smiling faces around and you are guaranteed to know at least 1 person in each class. Class sizes are small so you get to know your professors and classmates very well. Goshen tries to cultivate diversity and tries to acknowledge its privilege. There is always room to grow in those areas but overall and the effort is made.
    Read 141 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 64% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,446 Net Price
    • 980-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  17. Hanover College

    • 4 Year
    • Hanover, IN
    • 449 reviews
    #15 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Sophomore: Hanover College is absolutely wonderful! The environment is academically rigorous and, due to the small class sizes, professors are always available to help you. It is definitely a challenge, however, and the cost of tuition is outrageous. Fortunately, there are a lot more scholarships and grants available to students here than there might be at state schools, due to there being more private donors backing the institution.
    Read 449 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 84% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,455 Net Price
    • 1070-1260 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  18. DePauw University

    • 4 Year
    • Greencastle, IN
    • 526 reviews
    #16 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Freshman: I have only attended DePauw University for one semester which means there is a lot more on the campus for me to explore and participate in, but so far, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. There are many opportunities to study abroad and learn in an experimental setting rather than solely from textbooks. The relatively small class sizes are ideal because they allow me to form relationships with my professors and feel a sense of community that I would not have necessarily gotten at a larger institution. I am eager to see what other opportunities this beautiful campus has to offer.
    Read 526 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Athletics
    • 58% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,318 Net Price
    • 1180-1360 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  19. University of Indianapolis

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 991 reviews
    #17 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Freshman: The campus is overall great. The professors that I have had all care about you and your success at the school. The campus is pretty and small, which for me personally is a plus. It's easy to get to class from all parts of campus. The new apartments are awesome, but the freshman buildings are kind of iffy. There's a sushi place in the new Health Pavilion that you can use your swipes for, and everyone is friendly. I have had a great experience at Uindy so far!
    Read 991 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Athletics
    • 82% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,510 Net Price
    • 990-1180 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  22. University of Southern Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Evansville, IN
    • 917 reviews
    #18 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Sophomore: I really enjoyed my experience at USI. I am from Evansville, so my only complaint is that for my personal, "ideal," college experience it wasn't the best match for me due to a lot of students I had already knew or went to school with. I just imagined seeing all new faces I guess. All of my professors in my two semesters were excellent. There's ample resources if you need any help and all the staff is pretty friendly. The campus is a great size and it's always nicely maintained. Their housing options, although are few, are all solid choices. There's constant events/activities going on for free and so many clubs you can join!
    Read 917 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Athletics
    • 94% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,130 Net Price
    • 970-1170 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  23. Manchester University

    • 4 Year
    • North Manchester, IN
    • 427 reviews
    #19 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Sophomore: I loved Manchester! It is smaller than your traditional college, but that is what makes it great. I like when things are personal and Manchester is like a tight-knit community and everyone knows everyone. You will definitely feel like somebody and everyone will notice you! I have met several of the faculty and believe me when I say that they want what is best for your education. Manchester University offers so many resources to whatever major you choose. I would not change a thing!
    Read 427 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,657 Net Price
    • 865-1090 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  24. Trine University

    • 4 Year
    • Angola, IN
    • 576 reviews
    #20 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Sophomore: I love that it’s a small campus and that I can have more help from professors! The food is good compared to other colleges, and it takes 10 minutes tops to walk to class. There are two coffee shops on campus, one you can actually use meal swipes at for breakfast and lunch so that’s really nice. I would like to have a pool/swim team on campus. The closest is at the Y. Also at the coffee shops lunch starts at 10:30 am and you have to buy coffee instead of getting it with your meal swipe, so it would be nice to have lunch at 11 that way I don’t have to get up super early to get coffee included with my meal. There are “flex dollars” which you get $75 of a semester and you can use those to buy stuff with instead of actual cash if you run out of meal swipes, it’s extremely helpful!
    Read 576 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Athletics
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,176 Net Price
    • 970-1160 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  25. University of Saint Francis - Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Fort Wayne, IN
    • 422 reviews
    #21 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Junior: Saint Francis provides the perfect balance of small classes and a small campus. This campus is also perfect for commuter students because there are many places to study or relax. You'll learn to know everyone in your program and all the professors in your program will know your name. The class sizes are perfect because the professors still are able to work one-on-one with students as needed. You will always feel welcomed! The professors are always willing to help and although they have high expectations you never feel overwhelmed because they are well versed in their careers and are great communicators. The courses are rigorous and truly leave you feeling as though you are a better person or have learned much during the course of the semester.
    Read 422 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Athletics
    • 99% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,204 Net Price
    • 960-1140 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  26. Purdue University Fort Wayne

    • 4 Year
    • Fort Wayne, IN
    • 1,183 reviews
    #23 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Sophomore: I am currently a student at Purdue University Fort Wayne, and the atmosphere makes you feel welcomed! When I was first applying to college, I had no clue where I wanted to attend and thought about taking a gap year. I applied to this campus without any thought, and eventually started classes at Purdue Fort Wayne majoring in Human Services. My department professors are truly wonderful as they help me with any questions or concerns I have regarding anything. It's a small diverse university that gives you a great education for a lot less than some other universities.
    Read 1,183 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Athletics
    • 94% Acceptance Rate
    • $10,924 Net Price
    • 970-1170 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  29. Anderson University - Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Anderson, IN
    • 630 reviews
    #24 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Sophomore: One huge thing I like about Anderson University it that the community is big in that city! I can even break it down to even the staff at Anderson University wants the students to succeed in life. You have so much support at Anderson with professors, staffs, coaches, and even friends.

    One thing I do want to change is the open house hours. I get that we are a Christian University but we should still get the opportunity to hang with the other gender.
    Read 630 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,005 Net Price
    • 910-1110 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  30. Franklin College

    • 4 Year
    • Franklin, IN
    • 467 reviews
    #25 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Sophomore: Franklin College as a whole is a school that gives students amazing opportunities and return on investment after graduation. This is a private school of less than 2,000 students, so it does struggle in some aspects. But the most important part is, they are constantly working to improve the school! Last year there were many complaints regarding the food, so this year they upgraded and are getting a new company. They also just built a new science building in order to give the students the best education possible. Living in Franklin my whole life, I knew how extraordinary it was already. I just wish all of my peers had the same chance to get to know the campus like me! And becoming a journalism major might have been the best decision I've ever made in regards to college. The professors here are unmatched and stay completely dedicated to giving you the best education possible.
    Read 467 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,408 Net Price
    • 940-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  31. Indiana State University

    • 4 Year
    • Terre Haute, IN
    • 2,033 reviews
    #26 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Freshman: I visited the campus and instantly fell in love. From the desk workers, financial counselors, fo the tour guides, it was a breathe of fresh air. The campus is gorgeous! The dorms are very nice, clean, and new. This campus is one you’ll never forget you visited. It seems to be an average size school with about 13,000 students which is a good size for comfort in classes. They have many clubs and activities for students to join and many bonuses that come with having your student ID card. This is a great school that I would recommend anyone to visit!
    Read 2,033 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Athletics
    • 85% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,443 Net Price
    • 900-1110 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare
  32. Sponsored

    Riverside College of Health Careers

    • 2 Year
    • Newport News, VA
    • 14 reviews

    Sophomore: Riverside is an amazing college if you re pursuing the medical field. They offer an extraordinary amount of programs there like LPN, RN, X-ray tech, and physical therapy. I would however like to see them offer loans for school. They aren't eligible for student loans and this could help a lot of students not only pay for college, but build their credit as well.
    Read 14 Reviews

    • 55% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,812 Net Price
    Will You Get In?|Compare
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    Indiana Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Fort Wayne, IN
    • 544 reviews

    Freshman: I love you the small campus atmosphere that reminds me a lot of home. Everyone there is so kind, and you will never meet a stranger. The majority of the students are athletes, so the professors are very understanding of your busy schedule!
    Read 544 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,691 Net Price
    • 930-1150 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare
  36. Sponsored

    South University - Virginia Beach

    • 4 Year
    • Virginia Beach, VA
    • 110 reviews

    Alum: I attended SU Virginia Beach for my graduate degree. The Admissions team was professional and supportive. The faculty and support staff were always available to assist me. Graduation was great!
    Read 110 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,554 Net Price
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