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Colleges in Indiana

2018 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in IndianaAbout this List

The 2018 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.

Best for Student Athletes
40 results

Best Programs

Students

Social Scene

Campus

Athletics

  1. University of Notre Dame

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 1,243
    1 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Alum: Notre Dame is an amazing place to get a high quality education with great reputation and close-knit community feel with fun and spirited student life. It’s not necessary to be Catholic and people who aren’t religious at all won’t feel excluded, but it is especially amazing for people who are religious. I myself am not very religious but was raised in the faith and do appreciate it, so I enjoyed being around it and taking the required Theology and Philosophy courses. Everyone is extremely nice and collaborative! Very smart people here and caring professors. Single sex dorms is a negative as well as less opportunities for medical professions, as there is no hospital or medical focus here. I would say it’s best for business, engineering, or liberal arts. Although science is still good here and people get into great grad programs no matter what they want to continue on studying!
    Read 1,243 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 19% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,683 Net Price
    • 1350-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Indiana University - Bloomington

    • 4 Year
    • Bloomington, IN
    • 4,210
    2 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Sophomore: Bloomington, sometimes referred to as the most beautiful campus in the world, is an overall excellent university. They offer almost any major one could imagine, and if not there is a program where you can create your own! The athletics are one of a kind, with one of the most invested fan bases in the US. Bloomington is one of the best college towns, offering a wide variety of restaurants and bars near campus. Dorms and housing are similar to any campus, there are pricy options with hotel status housing, and economic housing that's much more affordable. Whatever option you choose, you are sure to become a family and make friends. Overall, this campus ranks high on all levels, from academics to athletics.
    Read 4,210 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,621 Net Price
    • 1060-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Purdue University

    • 4 Year
    • West Lafayette, IN
    • 4,219
    3 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Niche User: When I first went to this school, it took my breath away. Never had I felt so enclosed in such a large university. The experience was jaw dropping. Attending my first tailgate for the university was when I found why students were so proud to call themselves a Boilermaker. The experience was something I wish I could say I witnessed when going to other schools, but it was only unique to this school. I returned to the school several times for other sporting events and kept finding myself drawn to the school. I only knew about the athletics so I decided to dive deeper into the school and look at the academics. They are ranked so highly in so many aspects of education.
    I was surprised to find Purdue University was in the top 10 of best Engineering schools in the country. Despite the academics and athletics, the university stands out in being great for diversity, student groups and organizations, safety, and so much more!
    Read 4,219 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 56% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,693 Net Price
    • 1070-1320 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Ball State University

    • 4 Year
    • Muncie, IN
    • 3,268
    4 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Freshman: I was very hesitant to go away for college, but Ball State showed me every reason to love being away! Everyone is very friendly, and Ball State is truly my home away from home. If I had the chance to go back and choose another college, I wouldn't. As a nursing major, college can be very difficult. The teachers are very flexible as long as you contact them directly, don't be afraid to ask for help! The food served is actually a lot better than I expected and have places like Taco Bell, Chick-fil-a, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, and Papa John's right on campus! Ball State also strives to keep their campus as clean as possible and even have a building made of recyclable items. Ball State is small enough where it is not a hassle to get to class, but also large enough where you feel like you are getting that college experience you always dreamed of.
    Read 3,268 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Athletics
    • 62% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,369 Net Price
    • 990-1170 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Butler University

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 1,258
    5 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Alum: Choosing to go to Butler was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. It is a great school academically and provides all of the opportunities a student could want in terms of good professors, real life experience and a supportive culture. Looking at the social aspect of the school, Butler has a very-tight knit group of student that share similar values ("The Butler Way"). Also, it is great to be so close to Broad Ripple and Downtown as this is obviously a big advantage both professionally and socially. Diversity on campus is not great, but I do think it is getting better. All in all, I would 100% recommend Butler if you are still deciding. The BU degree is only becoming more valuable!
    Read 1,258 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Athletics
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • $33,290 Net Price
    • 1060-1268 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. University of Evansville

    • 4 Year
    • Evansville, IN
    • 647
    6 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Junior: University of Evansville is a great school. While challenging, the academics at this school are phenomenal and students are always pushed to succeed. Due to it being a small school, UE gives students the opportunity to work one on one with their professors and meet for office hours. Athletics are also a great asset to UE. Promoting the hard work of student athletes is something UE does a great job of. In addition, this school is VERY diverse giving students a chance to experience people fro other cultures.
    Read 647 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Athletics
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,068 Net Price
    • 990-1220 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Terre Haute, IN
    • 375
    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 375 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $41,691 Net Price
    • 1200-1430 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Earlham College

    • 4 Year
    • Richmond, IN
    • 225
    8 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Alum: As an Earlham alum, I can't say enough about the impact and amazing transformation this place has had on my life and the person I am today. If you want to be challenged to think critically, to change the world, to see the world, to develop life-long relationships with people you spent your time on campus with (be they classmates or faculty), and to study with a diverse population (that is unparalleled in a liberal arts school anywhere in this country) then Earlham is for you. Its important to visit and experience first hand the community and engagement that exists at this very special placee. I promise it will be worth your while.
    Read 225 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 58% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,567 Net Price
    • 1150-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Taylor University

    • 4 Year
    • Upland, IN
    • 1,018
    9 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Junior: Taylor is a great Christian school focusing primarily of getting a Christian education in order to build up characteristics of servant leaders. The school is making strides towards improving the positive nature of their diversity, which is encouraging during these times of racial tension. Taylor University has a lot to work on financially. Students are unable to attend the university without experience substantial debt as their financial aid programs are lacking. I'm hoping to see more improvement in his area in particular. Their academics are challenging and rewarding. I feel prepared academically for graduate school as I look on toward more practical living experiences in an apartment or home.
    Read 1,018 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 80% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,429 Net Price
    • 950-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  12. Sponsored

    Franklin College

    • 4 Year
    • Franklin, IN
    • 450

    Junior: I love Franklin College because they've given me the opportunities to be successful and excel in my career field. They helped me choose that career field by offering me an internship at a hospital where I realized that I want to pursue being a physician's assistant rather than a doctor. The community of Franklin is one big family, and I've made friendships that will last a lifetime. We're also in a unique spot being in a small town but only 30 minutes from Indianapolis. If I could go back and do it all again, I would choose Franklin every time!
    Read 450 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,031 Net Price
    • 940-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. DePauw University

    • 4 Year
    • Greencastle, IN
    • 507
    10 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Niche User: 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 507 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 58% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,863 Net Price
    • 1180-1360 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Marian University - Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 400
    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 400 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Athletics
    • 60% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,063 Net Price
    • 900-1140 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Valparaiso University

    • 4 Year
    • Valparaiso, IN
    • 1,002
    12 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Sophomore: I currently attend Valparaiso University. I am an Electrical Engineering major and in my second year. I love it here at Valpo! The university has so many people that care for each student. My experience here has been great. Every step of my journey toward my degree has not been easy. But, whether it be one of the professors, my academic adviser, or even another fellow student, there is always someone who has my back. The professors are always willing to give there time and effort to any student that needs it to help them succeed. I have many times dealt with a stressful situation, but ended up looking at it in a positive manner thanks to the great professors here. Overall, this is one of the greatest universities in the country and will always be my favorite.
    Read 1,002 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Athletics
    • 83% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,626 Net Price
    • 990-1200 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. Hanover College

    • 4 Year
    • Hanover, IN
    • 435
    13 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    College Sophomore: At first I was committed to IUPUI, but after going to an event with a buddy (who no longer attends Hanover), I discovered that I felt at home at Hanover. Upon arriving on campus, I knew this was the place i wanted to be for my collegiate career. The school is small enough that professors take interest in your activities and truly care about your success, but large enough to blend into the school if that is what you want. There are always events going on that are generally open to the students and the food at the Shoebox and Underground is simply fantastic. While it does cost a pretty penny, I believe the experiences I've had at Hanover and the connections I've made have really paid off, and that is only in my first year!
    Read 435 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 57% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,938 Net Price
    • 940-1150 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. University of Southern Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Evansville, IN
    • 845
    14 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Sophomore: I love USI. The campus is beautiful and safe. Great area to live in! Safe community. I am so happy I made the decision to come to USI. I have made so many life-long friends. I had amazing help from my advisor and other faculty and friends on deciding what I want to do with my future and they made it so easy. So many people here focus so much on their future. The food is amazing with all of the options. And we have a nationally ranked men's and women's basketball teams making it so exciting to go and watch them play. The dorms are up-to-date and so are all of the buildings. Very nice, new, and clean campus.
    Read 845 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Athletics
    • 92% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,649 Net Price
    • 890-1080 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Goshen College

    • 4 Year
    • Goshen, IN
    • 128
    15 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 128 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 62% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,398 Net Price
    • 870-1196 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

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

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 3,339
    16 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Freshman: Indiana University-Purdue University - Indianapolis (IUPUI) provides more degrees and majors than any other college or university in Indiana. Why is that so? The school is actually the combination of both Indiana University and Purdue University. Therefore, IUPUI offers degrees from both universities. While most other colleges claim they offer more opportunity, IUPUI is physically capable on fulfilling that promise. And as if it couldn't get any better, they also offer one of the lowest tuition costs in Indiana!
    Read 3,339 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $10,538 Net Price
    • 890-1130 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. University of Indianapolis

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 878
    17 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Freshman: I absolutely love this school! I am a proud Greyhound! I love the campus feel, and the staff is amazing! I can definitely say that I am getting the full college experience here. There is always some type of event going on the weekend or even during the week! I have never been bored while on campus! They offer great tips for our academic, personal, and social life which I believe is critical for college and for our further development for the real world and potentially grad school.
    Read 878 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Athletics
    • 86% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,909 Net Price
    • 890-1120 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  22. Sponsored

    Earlham College

    • 4 Year
    • Richmond, IN
    • 225

    Alum: As an Earlham alum, I can't say enough about the impact and amazing transformation this place has had on my life and the person I am today. If you want to be challenged to think critically, to change the world, to see the world, to develop life-long relationships with people you spent your time on campus with (be they classmates or faculty), and to study with a diverse population (that is unparalleled in a liberal arts school anywhere in this country) then Earlham is for you. Its important to visit and experience first hand the community and engagement that exists at this very special placee. I promise it will be worth your while.
    Read 225 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 58% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,567 Net Price
    • 1150-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  23. Indiana Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Marion, IN
    • 933
    18 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Freshman: IWU gives you many opportunities to grow in your faith with a community of like-minded individuals. The campus is beautiful and safe, and the dorms are similarly comfortable, but not quite worth the cost. Each professor teaches both the Word and their subject during class, which was very encouraging! Although, Marion, the surrounding town, is very unattractive and rundown and does not offer a lot to do after class.
    Read 933 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Athletics
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,519 Net Price
    • 920-1170 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  24. Manchester University

    • 4 Year
    • North Manchester, IN
    • 392
    19 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Junior: Manchester University is a smaller school, so the opportunity to get to know your professors and fellow students is much greater than a bigger university. The staff and faculty have been wonderful. Manchester was not my first choice, however we took a tour and by the end of the day I knew this is where I was meant to be. I can't imagine going anywhere else! I would certainly recommend Manchester University to anyone who doesn't want to get lost in the crowd and who really wants to be involved with the college campus life.
    Read 392 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,687 Net Price
    • 865-1090 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. Anderson University - Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Anderson, IN
    • 609
    20 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Freshman: I love AU! It has a great community of students and faculty. All the professors want to help all their students succeed! I absolutely love being a part of this school. They have many different majors and minors, and if they don't offer what you want, they will help you find a way to get there! All of the faculty members are so motivated to help their students, and you can tell they all love what they do. The athletics programs are pretty great too! The coaches are invested in their athletes and want to help them achieve their best!
    Read 609 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 66% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,515 Net Price
    • 910-1110 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Indiana State University

    • 4 Year
    • Terre Haute, IN
    • 1,931

    Freshman: My first semester at Indiana State University has been great! I have achieved 4.0 GPA and I made the Deans List. I enjoy the Aviation Program and I am excited for what my future holds. I intend to continue to work hard and take every opportunity the Indiana State University offers to me. With being enrolled in the Aviation Program, my costs increase for my schooling for the flight fees. I have worked to save money to help with my fees but I also find applying for what scholarships I can. I look forward to the remainder of my time at Indiana State University. Enjoying the sports activities, clubs and meeting many new people. I am proud to be a Sycamore and excelling to insure a great future for myself!
    Read 1,931 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Athletics
    • 86% Acceptance Rate
    • $10,681 Net Price
    • 790-1020 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. Purdue University Northwest - Calumet

    • 4 Year
    • Hammond, IN
    • 974

    Senior: If you want one of the top engineering schools, pick Purdue Northwest. The diversity of the students, the beauty of the campus, and most importantly the dedication of my professors to helping me strengthen my strong points and refine my weak points are only three examples of what makes Purdue phenomenal! I couldn't have made the Dean's List 7 consecutive semesters without the support, guidance and diligence of my professors.
    Read 974 Reviews

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

  30. Indiana University-Purdue University - Fort Wayne

    • 4 Year
    • Fort Wayne, IN
    • 1,116

    Freshman: IPFW is a very welcoming campus. They offer lots of clubs, and social events to get involved and to make new friends. The staff encourages you to meet new people, get involved in some way, and to do well on your academics. My experience with IPFW has been very great so far, the staff is very nice and willing to help you out in every way they can!
    Read 1,116 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 93% Acceptance Rate
    • $7,270 Net Price
    • 860-1080 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  31. Bethel College - Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Mishawaka, IN
    • 498

    Niche User: Bethel College made me feel like I was right at home! Most colleges have an atmosphere and community that tends be overwhelming; however, at Bethel I had no problem with communicating with the students and faculty. It's just such a beautiful school, and I couldn't imagine going anywhere else.
    Read 498 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 98% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,525 Net Price
    • 910-1150 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. Huntington University

    • 4 Year
    • Huntington, IN
    • 363

    Freshman: Huntington University has definitely changed how I view many different subjects. Including My Major which is Film Production. The professor and student relationship is unlike anything I have seen. You can actually feel as though that they know you, also all of them actually enjoy teaching the subject they are teaching! All of the students quickly become part of your family. If any one person has an issue everyone around is concerned for that individual and will help any way they can. I have personally experienced this during a crisis in my life. This college definitely impacted my life in the best possible way. 10 out of 10 would rate again.
    Read 363 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Athletics
    • 89% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,533 Net Price
    • 900-1150 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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2018 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana