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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
    • 1,259
    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 1,259 Reviews

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

  2. Purdue University

    • 4 Year
    • West Lafayette, IN
    • 4,315
    2 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 4,315 Reviews

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

  3. Indiana University - Bloomington

    • 4 Year
    • Bloomington, IN
    • 4,283
    3 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Niche User: I loved the campus of Indiana University! It has old buildings and the typical historic campus feeling. The moment I arrived there, it felt like home.
    Also, the student life is awesome because everyone is involved and has tones of school spirit! All the alumni I know loved going to Indiana University and recommended it as a school I should apply to. After visiting, it became my top choice school for multiple reasons: it has an amazing top ranked business program, division 1 athletics, beautiful campus that is also safe, and the campus is large but easy to get around. This is definitely one of the best colleges I have been to.
    Read 4,283 Reviews

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

    Michigan State University

    • 4 Year
    • East Lansing, MI
    • 5,177

    Sophomore: MSU is an amazing place to be, and I am proud to be a student representing this school! Student life really helps each individual to be able to express themselves to the full extent. The classes and professors are very engaging allowing students to pave their own paths, as they learn. But, the support from all staff - professors, TAs, advisors, is absolutely incredible! As a student striving for success in the medical field, I am proud to be a student here.
    Read 5,177 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 66% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,970 Net Price
    • 990-1260 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Ball State University

    • 4 Year
    • Muncie, IN
    • 3,337
    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 3,337 Reviews

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

  6. University of Evansville

    • 4 Year
    • Evansville, IN
    • 660
    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 660 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Athletics
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,068 Net Price
    • 990-1220 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Butler University

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 1,274
    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 1,274 Reviews

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

    • 4 Year
    • Terre Haute, IN
    • 382
    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 382 Reviews

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

  10. Taylor University

    • 4 Year
    • Upland, IN
    • 1,027
    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 1,027 Reviews

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

  11. Earlham College

    • 4 Year
    • Richmond, IN
    • 237
    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 237 Reviews

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

  14. Valparaiso University

    • 4 Year
    • Valparaiso, IN
    • 1,019
    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 1,019 Reviews

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

  15. Marian University Indianapolis

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 405
    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 405 Reviews

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

  16. Hanover College

    • 4 Year
    • Hanover, IN
    • 438
    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 438 Reviews

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

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

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 3,412
    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 3,412 Reviews

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

  19. Goshen College

    • 4 Year
    • Goshen, IN
    • 131
    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 131 Reviews

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

  20. University of Indianapolis

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 917
    15 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Indiana

    Graduate Student: I'm a distance student, pursuing my Masters of Gerontology. I love my professors and the staff! They've gone out of their way to help me succeed there and I feel like part of the campus from 300 miles away. Their system of education for the distance students is easy to work within and fun. It's a great place to go to school long-distance and earn a degree.
    Read 917 Reviews

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

  21. University of Southern Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Evansville, IN
    • 868
    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 868 Reviews

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

  22. Indiana Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Marion, IN
    • 962
    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 962 Reviews

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

  25. DePauw University

    • 4 Year
    • Greencastle, IN
    • 510
    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 510 Reviews

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

  26. University of Saint Francis - Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Fort Wayne, IN
    • 409

    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 409 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Athletics
    • 97% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,031 Net Price
    • 900-1090 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. Manchester University

    • 4 Year
    • North Manchester, IN
    • 400

    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 400 Reviews

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

  28. Purdue University Northwest - Hammond Campus

    • 4 Year
    • Hammond, IN
    • 993

    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 993 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
    • 1,137

    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 1,137 Reviews

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

  32. Indiana State University

    • 4 Year
    • Terre Haute, IN
    • 1,973

    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 1,973 Reviews

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

  33. Anderson University - Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Anderson, IN
    • 615

    Junior: I love Anderson University. My experience here has changed my entire life and perspective on everything I do. The relationships I've created are second to none. I know going forward that my education is in good standing with professors I can rely on to make sure I have the adequate resources to accomodate a successful career. Despite being in a relatively low-income city, Anderson is incredibly safe. I can easily say that attending this university is one of the best decisions I have ever made.
    Read 615 Reviews

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

  34. Franklin College

    • 4 Year
    • Franklin, IN
    • 456

    Freshman: Well, it was really frustrating because I had a week to apply to this college. I wasn't expecting to, I applied in other places, but this college was going to help me financially. I had a week, I had my application fee waived and I rushed my SAT's. My counselor was on point, she would reply back to me really fast and she helped me get my paperwork in as soon as possible. I was already stressed about college in general, but Franklin College made it fast and easy.
    Read 456 Reviews

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

    Indiana University - Bloomington

    • 4 Year
    • Bloomington, IN
    • 4,283

    Niche User: I loved the campus of Indiana University! It has old buildings and the typical historic campus feeling. The moment I arrived there, it felt like home.
    Also, the student life is awesome because everyone is involved and has tones of school spirit! All the alumni I know loved going to Indiana University and recommended it as a school I should apply to. After visiting, it became my top choice school for multiple reasons: it has an amazing top ranked business program, division 1 athletics, beautiful campus that is also safe, and the campus is large but easy to get around. This is definitely one of the best colleges I have been to.
    Read 4,283 Reviews

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

    Earlham College

    • 4 Year
    • Richmond, IN
    • 237

    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 237 Reviews

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