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2019 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in IndianaAbout this List

The 2019 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
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  1. University of Notre Dame

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 1,272
    #1 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Freshman: I love Notre Dame! It's a beautiful place, inside and out. We've got all sorts of clubs, students and academic interests. Personally, I am very pleased with the Mass and Sacrament availability as well as all the Catholic-related activities. Of course, not everybody is Christian; Notre Dame is a home for all. I've already found some solid friends with whom I enjoy spending these cold (and warm) Indiana days. ND meets 100% of financial need; this assistance extends beyond tuition and has allowed me to get the full Notre Dame Experience. Everyone here is passionate about something, and one passion we all share is a love for Notre Dame, Our Mother. Go Irish!
    Read 1,272 Reviews

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

  2. Purdue University

    • 4 Year
    • West Lafayette, IN
    • 4,397
    #2 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Sophomore: I just finished my first year here and feel that I have gotten so much out of my experience already. I have been able to join organizations I care about. Within those organizations I have been able to really involve myself and secure a leadership position. I have also been able to get involved with research as an undergrad! This has been an awesome experience because I am already learning tangible skills. The campus is beautiful and compact enough to where I can get around just by walking. The faculty here is wonderful, and I have already started forming meaningful relationships with some of them.
    Read 4,397 Reviews

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

  3. Indiana University - Bloomington

    • 4 Year
    • Bloomington, IN
    • 4,347
    #3 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Sophomore: I am currently an undergraduate student, but I encourage many to attend Indiana University, Bloomington. Although the campus is huge, there are many opportunities to meet people from around the world. Many of the smaller classes have amazing professors. For example, my French professors are some of the best people I have ever met! The opportunity to work alongside amazing professors has made a huge difference in the way I advance my education. I'm looking forward to the next couple years.
    Read 4,347 Reviews

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

    Franklin College

    • 4 Year
    • Franklin, IN
    • 460

    Sophomore: I love my college. Transferring to Franklin college was one of the best decisions I have made. The campus is beautiful and the professors are great. The classes are organized well and in depth. I learned so much more material in the intro biology course at this school than my previous one. You really get what you put into college, and Franklin college offers so many opportunities. There are multiple living options as well. There is a variety of healthy food choices in the cafeteria. There are plenty of activities to keep you occupied on campus.
    Read 460 Reviews

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

  5. Ball State University

    • 4 Year
    • Muncie, IN
    • 3,385
    #4 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 3,385 Reviews

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

  6. University of Evansville

    • 4 Year
    • Evansville, IN
    • 665
    #5 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 665 Reviews

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

  7. Butler University

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 1,285
    #6 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 1,285 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Athletics
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $38,051 Net Price
    • 1150-1320 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Terre Haute, IN
    • 387
    #7 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Alum: This is THE best Engineering school. Professors are great and help students understand the material any time of day. The classes are the perfect size and their career services department went out of their way to help me land the perfect job. Though with the almost thousand companies coming to the campus during three job fairs it isn't really needed! I was welcomed by everyone and felt safe on campus. The food is now awesome thanks to locally sourced veggies and fruit, Some grown on campus. I love Rose-Hulman!
    Read 387 Reviews

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

  10. Taylor University

    • 4 Year
    • Upland, IN
    • 1,032
    #8 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Alum: Taylor University was overall good. From an academic standpoint, which is the main reason I attended, I have no complaints! Excellent professors that showed care and investment in their students, especially within my major (Exercise Science). Being a minority student on campus truly is a very different experience than what the majority culture would probably say about their experience though.
    Read 1,032 Reviews

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

  11. Earlham College

    • 4 Year
    • Richmond, IN
    • 248
    #9 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Sophomore: During my experience at Earlham College so far, it has been fantastic. I have met so many great people here in just one year. Everyone on campus is so nice and easygoing. The classes and professors are also wonderful. There is just a variety of majors and classes to take. Not just academics but there are curricular activities on campus as well. There are so many different clubs and sports that you can join. There is so much that one can do on and off of campus throughout the school year. I highly recommend applying for Earlham College or just coming to visit our campus sometime, you will truly love it!
    Read 248 Reviews

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

  14. Valparaiso University

    • 4 Year
    • Valparaiso, IN
    • 1,027
    #10 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Sophomore: Valparaiso University Is a beautiful college. I enjoy this college very much, the campus is beautiful, down town Valpo is less than one or two miles away! They have fun festivals during the summer! Something that I believe Valpo lacks is that I believe that is should offer classes yearly around rather than just every other semester. I bilieve that they should also get better Advisors. I started school May 2019 and through out my acadamics, I have tried to reach out to her many times , and through out those times she has only contacted me back ocne. This is very irriatating becuase they should be there to help us, and it honestly feels like she does not want anything to do with me when I ask for help.
    Read 1,027 Reviews

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

  15. Marian University Indianapolis

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 417
    #11 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Sophomore: Love the atmosphere! Love my professors! Love the area of where its located! I can't say enough good things about it. I think if you live close you should tour because it is the hidden gem of Indiana schools. Profs are great and super helpful. There are tons of resources on campus. It is a small school so you get all the attention you could ever need. We have access to a fabulous DO medical school if you are interested in research. We just built a new business school and just got a beautiful donation for the education college. Marian is a great place. We are so close to Indy it is great but we are also close to speedway and other surrounding cities so it is easy to commute if you need. Marian is just a great place.
    Read 417 Reviews

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

  16. Hanover College

    • 4 Year
    • Hanover, IN
    • 441
    #12 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 441 Reviews

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

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

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 3,473
    #13 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Junior: However, while I am thinking about transferring universities (simply just for preference), I would recommend this university to anyone! It's a dream come true. They have almost every major you can think of and everyone is very polite, the orientation was a breeze and my mentors were amazing and very informative. They made learning about the college fun. The classes are a workload but transitioning from a community college to a four year college (or jumping straight into it from HS), it's to be expected. You just have to manage your work, school, and social life well! The activities on campus are endless!
    Read 3,473 Reviews

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

  19. Goshen College

    • 4 Year
    • Goshen, IN
    • 134
    #14 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Senior: As a music major, Goshen College has phenomenal facilities! The concert hall is comparable to Carnegie Hall, and international names come through regularly to perform. Because the college is small, class sizes are often around 20 students, and professors are very accessible.
    Read 134 Reviews

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

  20. University of Indianapolis

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 948
    #15 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Junior: The smaller-sized classes make learning straightforward and easier as opposed to how they are at larger universities. Every professor I've had is 110% dedicated to seeing their students succeed & never pass up a one-on-one opportunity to help you if you're struggling. Being 10 minutes from downtown, Indianapolis makes it easy to grab a quick bite, see a last-minute concert, or just go exploring. While the university grounds are safe as can be, you should never venture off campus alone, especially at night. The friends I've made here are second-to-none and I love being able to see familiar faces around the small size university. I have had a great experience at UIndy thus far, and am overall happy with my decision to attend.
    Read 948 Reviews

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

  21. University of Southern Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Evansville, IN
    • 887
    #16 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Sophomore: University of Southern Indiana is a great university! This unviersity has so many opportunities to get involved in or out of campus. For my first year here on campus I met so many great new people that became great friends with me. These friends become like family and people I can count on, they may live far away but they are still great and stay in contact with you. This campus also has many opportunities to get to know your professors, advisors, and mentors. The University of Southern Indiana brought me not only great friends but amazing group orgianzations to be involved with also, I am currently apart of the Student Ambassadors that give tours of the campus and not only that but for next year I am not your Emerging Leaders Mentor Leader. This places has so many great opportunities that look outstanding on resumes when you go to apply for a job in the future. It is small but a safe campus that makes you feel at home.
    Read 887 Reviews

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

  22. Indiana Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Marion, IN
    • 977
    #17 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Alum: I had an excellent experience at this university during my three and a half years there. I had numerous opportunities to explore my passions and excel in my academics. I was employed in several on-campus positions including Residence Life and had wonderful opportunities in the Psychology department. I did find that some restrictions were a bit drastic compared to the way I was raised and there are some aspects of the campus culture that I could have done without; however, my overall experience was made amazing by my participation in the John Wesley Honors College! I would recommend this university to any student looking to pursue excellence and who doesn't mind a slightly conservative environment.
    Read 977 Reviews

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

  25. DePauw University

    • 4 Year
    • Greencastle, IN
    • 519
    #18 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Freshman: I will be attending DePauw University next fall and I am more than excited about the opportunities it has to offer. It will allow me to pursue all my career and extracurricular interests, along with being a very high academic school. I know I will have a ton of fun the next four years! It offers extremely good study abroad program opportunities and I cannot wait to go on one. The academics are very very good and professors work very well with students. Through the smaller class sizes, students get to know one another very well and get to also know the professors on a more personal basis.
    Read 519 Reviews

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

  26. University of Saint Francis - Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Fort Wayne, IN
    • 410

    Senior: My experience at the USF has been amazing! The classroom sizes are small and manageable allowing you to get to know your professors and faculty and provides more time for one-on-one help if needed. The faculty and staff truly care about you and want you to succeed, they go out of their way to help the students succeed. My classmates are my best friends and family, everyone cares about each other and helps one another succeed. The clinical settings are professional and instructors strive to obtain the most beneficial experiences for the students so that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to operate in the workforce following graduation.
    Read 410 Reviews

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

  27. Manchester University

    • 4 Year
    • North Manchester, IN
    • 410

    Freshman: My experience here at Manchester is great. It is really easy to connect with the professors here on campus. Everyone is friendly, it makes me feel like I’m at home! It’s wonderful seeing everyone work together to accomplish anything They would like to do.
    Read 410 Reviews

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

  28. Purdue University Northwest - Hammond Campus

    • 4 Year
    • Hammond, IN
    • 1,009

    Freshman: They are very accommodating to students who need extra help, whether that be in school, or outside factors that hinder your educational experience. If I could give any advice, it would be to use the resources available to you!
    Read 1,009 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 59% Acceptance Rate
    • $10,012 Net Price
    • 860-1070 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. Indiana University-Purdue University - Fort Wayne

    • 4 Year
    • Fort Wayne, IN
    • 1,153

    Senior: What most sparked my interest in Purdue Fort Wayne was there benefits for incoming freshman as well as their returning students. The dorms , so students would not have to drive to and from home, fast food and cafeteria on campus, keeps everything close so students don't even have to leave campus , and classes are not that far of a walk. They help their students by providing federal aid. With the help of that it deducts cost of things significantly. The annual in
    Read 1,153 Reviews

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

  32. Indiana State University

    • 4 Year
    • Terre Haute, IN
    • 1,993

    Freshman: I love how friendly everyone is! The campus is gorgeous and the town around it has so much to do. There are many different clubs and organizations to join, too! Fraternities and sororities here are much different- they are definitely not the stereotypical version from movies. Overall, it is a great, overlooked school!
    Read 1,993 Reviews

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

  33. Anderson University - Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Anderson, IN
    • 620

    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 620 Reviews

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

  34. Franklin College

    • 4 Year
    • Franklin, IN
    • 460

    Sophomore: I love my college. Transferring to Franklin college was one of the best decisions I have made. The campus is beautiful and the professors are great. The classes are organized well and in depth. I learned so much more material in the intro biology course at this school than my previous one. You really get what you put into college, and Franklin college offers so many opportunities. There are multiple living options as well. There is a variety of healthy food choices in the cafeteria. There are plenty of activities to keep you occupied on campus.
    Read 460 Reviews

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

    Manchester University

    • 4 Year
    • North Manchester, IN
    • 410

    Freshman: My experience here at Manchester is great. It is really easy to connect with the professors here on campus. Everyone is friendly, it makes me feel like I’m at home! It’s wonderful seeing everyone work together to accomplish anything They would like to do.
    Read 410 Reviews

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

    Indiana University - Bloomington

    • 4 Year
    • Bloomington, IN
    • 4,347

    Sophomore: I am currently an undergraduate student, but I encourage many to attend Indiana University, Bloomington. Although the campus is huge, there are many opportunities to meet people from around the world. Many of the smaller classes have amazing professors. For example, my French professors are some of the best people I have ever met! The opportunity to work alongside amazing professors has made a huge difference in the way I advance my education. I'm looking forward to the next couple years.
    Read 4,347 Reviews

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