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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

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Students

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Campus

Athletics

  1. University of Notre Dame

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 1,251
    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 1,251 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
    • 4,247
    2 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Freshman: Indiana Universities campus gives you the feeling of living in a small city. It's still small enough to see friends around campus, but big enough to give students the sense of freedom every young adult is looking for when leaving home for the first time. With that, the architecture is beautiful. The hilly streets and tree covered parks add to the breath taking sights as well. It has a great variety of majors, including some of the highest ranked schools in the nation: Kelly, Jacobs, and a few others. Indiana University also includes a number of outstanding graduate programs that have been ranked among the best in the United States. On top of the outstanding scenery and large variety of academics, Indiana University also offers tons of great social groups. This includes a very large Greek life community and practically any club you can think of. Overall, Indiana University will give you a great College Experience!
    Read 4,247 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
    • 4,267
    3 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Junior: My experience at Purdue has been great! At Purdue, students are offered great opportunities to participate in research, student led organizations, and extra curricular activities on throughout the year. Because Purdue is a research university, students and faculty definitely can develop a rapport that fosters a students growth in obtaining certain knowledge and skills. Purdue also offers many great opportunities for students to develop leadership through becoming members of one of the hundreds organizations on campus. Lastly, Purdue students can attend many sports events whether it be for the school's football team or even an intramural team game. Purdue has may eateries and study spots so people can meet up for lunch or dinner then study for upcoming exams. Together, Purdue is a great school for people to cultivate connections and develop necessary leadership skills for their careers and in life.
    Read 4,267 Reviews

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

    Earlham College

    • 4 Year
    • Richmond, IN
    • 230

    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 230 Reviews

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

  5. Ball State University

    • 4 Year
    • Muncie, IN
    • 3,305
    4 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Junior: I have truly enjoyed my experience at Ball State University. I am enrolled in Teacher's College in the Elementary Education Program. I have had the privilege of building long-lasting relationships with classmates and outstanding professors in this program. All of my education classes have around 15-25 students in them. I personally love this class size because it allows me to create more meaningful and authentic relationships with my professor in a setting where I can have more one-on-one instruction if needed. With the encouragement and help of professors and my advisor on campus, I have been introduced to the opportunity to travel and teach in England for the summer. I am excited to announce that I have made the decision to study abroad! Without Ball State's professors and immersive learning opportunities, I would not be heading in the positive direction with my career that I am today. I am so thankful that I chose Ball State University to earn my degree in Elementary Education!
    Read 3,305 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
    • 1,261
    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 1,261 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
    • 651
    6 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Junior: I have loved my college experience here. The small class sizes, individualized courses, and professors who actually care about your success. While academics are very important, the campus offers a variety of activities to help get students involved. If we don't have a club or activity you want, the best part is you can create it! The overall look and feel of the campus is like a home away from home.
    Read 651 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
    • 379
    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 379 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
    • 230
    8 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 230 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
    • 1,023
    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 1,023 Reviews

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

  14. DePauw University

    • 4 Year
    • Greencastle, IN
    • 508
    10 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 508 Reviews

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

  15. Marian University - Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 401
    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 401 Reviews

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

  16. Valparaiso University

    • 4 Year
    • Valparaiso, IN
    • 1,007
    12 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Freshman: The campus is beautiful, the people are lovely, and overall I feel confident in my decision here! The only negative experience that has occurred here was my friend needed medical assistance and she did not receive the best help. They accidentally disclosed her medical information to student and they did not give her roundabout transportation to the doctor.
    Read 1,007 Reviews

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

  18. 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?

  19. University of Southern Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Evansville, IN
    • 855
    14 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 855 Reviews

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

  20. Goshen College

    • 4 Year
    • Goshen, IN
    • 129
    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 129 Reviews

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

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

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 3,357
    16 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Alum: I loved my time at IUPUI. I found my fellow classmates to be very friendly and my professors to be helpful and always willing to discuss concepts I didn't understand. The placement in a large metropolitan area means students can easily find employment both during school and after graduation.

    The career services department is by far the best part of this university, after all, your career is what this is all about! They regularly sent me job openings, helped me polish my resume, set up networking events with alumni, and even gave me references when I eventually applied to a job. Overall, I found this school to be a great value and would encourage prospective students to get as involved as possible to really see how much there is to offer.
    Read 3,357 Reviews

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

  22. University of Indianapolis

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 894
    17 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Niche User: Great school and even more incredible faculty! Always willing to help out and want to help you succeed in every possible aspect! Class sizes are wonderful and you receive one on one time with professors to ensure you are always on top of assignments and answer any questions you may have. So much to do in the surrounding local areas and you have numerous chances to create lasting, life-long relationships with your peers through activities and events.
    Read 894 Reviews

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

  25. Indiana Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Marion, IN
    • 942
    18 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 942 Reviews

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

  26. Manchester University

    • 4 Year
    • North Manchester, IN
    • 397
    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 397 Reviews

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

  27. Anderson University - Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Anderson, IN
    • 610
    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 610 Reviews

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

  28. Indiana State University

    • 4 Year
    • Terre Haute, IN
    • 1,949

    Freshman: Indiana State University is an amazing campus with tons of diversity. I am a college freshmen and I love it. The professors are amazing at what they do and they really help and reach out to you when you need it because it is such a small campus. The athletics are also great! The campus environment is okay. The campus food is not the best thing in the world, but it will do for the time being. At least they have the commons food where the Burger King and Georges Cafe is. The dorms and housing is beautiful. I live in the towers and they are very nice, next year I will be moving into the sorority house though and those are also very nice. The parties on the weekend are good and most of the time safe. We have not had to many incidents with it not being safe on campus. Overall the student life is spectacular. Indiana State University is a excellent campus.
    Read 1,949 Reviews

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

  29. Purdue University Northwest - Hammond Campus

    • 4 Year
    • Hammond, IN
    • 981

    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 981 Reviews

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

  32. Indiana University-Purdue University - Fort Wayne

    • 4 Year
    • Fort Wayne, IN
    • 1,126

    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 1,126 Reviews

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

  33. Bethel College - Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Mishawaka, IN
    • 499

    Freshman: I liked how small Bethel College is, everything is all right there nice and close together! 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 499 Reviews

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

  34. Huntington University

    • 4 Year
    • Huntington, IN
    • 366

    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 366 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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