2024 Colleges with the Best Student Life in Indiana

• Bloomington, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  4,926 reviews

Junior: Indiana University Bloomington is truly the most welcoming atmosphere I have ever been fortunate to experience. There is a wonderful blend of academics and social life with an enormous amount of opportunities for both. Not only are the students and faculty incredibly supportive, but the campus itself quite literally "blooms" with bright green forestry and wildlife (pun intended)! One of my favorite aspects of the university is that most of the upperclassmen become mentors for new incoming students. This continuous cycle of lending a hand gives students the chance to have 24/7 guidance and a chance to give back as they approach graduation. I have absolutely adored all of my professors and been challenged to achieve more than I ever dreamed of. If I had to recommend the university to change something, it may just be to hire more professors so that smaller class sizes are more common so that peers feel more like a family. However, even the larger lectures can be very energizing!... Read 4,926 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $13,386

• SAT range 1160-1380

• Notre Dame, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  1,417 reviews

Alum: Best decision I ever made. Extraordinary undergraduate engagement through inspired teaching and mentoring. Lifelong friendships with faculty and peers. A commitment to reasoned discourse. Study abroad encouraged and facilitated even if pre med. Gorgeous campus. Inclusive residential life. Brilliant yet helpful classmates from every state and over 100 countries. I still regularly talk to my roommates 34 years later. Unparalleled sports with far reaching esprit de corps. As an undergraduate English Philosophy Pre Med Major whose now a Pediatric Psychiatrist, I would love to do it all again. When I occasionally go back to campus I love perusing the bookstore stacks to see what kids are reading these days in the disciplines. I remain grateful they have not abandoned their mission to form young people to be a force for good in the world. When I talk to current students, they give me hope.... Read 1,417 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 15%

• Net price $30,513

• SAT range 1410-1550

• West Lafayette, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  5,060 reviews

Senior: Fantastic experience thus far. I have transferred from a lackluster institution and Purdue blows it out of the water. Academics within the Polytechnic Institute have been both challenging but rewarding to pursue by yourself--or better yet with others! Campus is beautiful and is rapidly expanding upon but more housing is needed on campus and by West Lafayette (thankfully downtown Lafayette is a great off campus place to be). Opportunities no joke pop up everyday due to the connections and reputation has for its students. And nearly everyone is both kind and helpful in every aspect of your academic career. Give it a consideration, you wont regret it if you love a bigger, but personable college experience!... Read 5,060 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $14,619

• SAT range 1190-1430

• Crawfordsville, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  180 reviews

Freshman: To me, Wabash is a great place for independent students or any men wanna be gentlemen. I am an international student in Wabash, and through some difficulties for the first time. The college has many facilities and offices to help me overcome those bad situations. About professors, never mind... I mean, you never need to mind how NICE they are! They are super nice, friendly, and always willing to help you whenever you need them (including mental health if you want to share to it with them). Wabash also has African and Asian professors, and overall! Perfect diversity and perfect environment. I had not expected much before I came here, but it is worth it.... Read 180 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $21,466

• SAT range 1140-1340

• Terre Haute, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  422 reviews

Sophomore: I completed my first year at Rose-Hulman during the 2022-2023 academic year. Overall, it was a great experience. Rose is a smaller college with a tight-knit community. The academics are engineering-focused and challenging. There are three 10-week quarters each year with an additional 11th week of final exams at the end of each one, as well as an online-only summer quarter. This means the classes are fast-paced, but resources like professor office hours and the Learning Center tutoring program make it doable. If you are interested in getting a degree in a STEM field and are up for the challenge, Rose is the place for you and will be very rewarding.... Read 422 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $39,294

• SAT range 1270-1480

• West Lafayette, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  506 reviews

Graduate Student: My overall experience with Purdue University Global has been nothing short of excellent! I am a full-time online student. The program I am enrolled in offers a synchronous and asynchronous option to attend seminars. The format allows me to have flexibility between school and my personal life. Each staff member and faculty member I have been in contact with has always been professional, kind, and eager to help or assist me in what I need. I have had an excellent experience overall and am proud to say I attend Purdue University Global!... Read 506 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $3,802

• SAT range —

• Muncie, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  3,855 reviews

Freshman: As an international student having no experience, I was skeptical about applying, but I must say the overall experience was wonderful, as the application process was seamless, and the documents needed for the processing of my application were not much. My questions were dully answered, and I was communicated if something was missing in my application. Furthermore, the availability of scholarships to indigent and non-indigents, makes the package astounding. You also don't need to submit another application; you are automatically considered for scholarships. The tuition fee and costs are affordable, and the opportunity to work on campus is granted to enrolled students. One thing I benefited from was the free application month. Also, this university is test and essay optional. Yes! What I love about this university was the fast replies and processing of my application. I received my admission decision in 3 days. The process of obtaining an I-20 didn't cause much of a hassle. Ogundele Ann... Read 3,855 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $12,968

• SAT range 1010-1210

• Angola, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  660 reviews

Junior: When I first transferred to Trine University, I was not sure of what I would expect. After spending a few weeks at Trine, I felt at home. The professors here don't just care about academic success, they also care about your wellbeing outside of the classroom. I constantly have professors check in on me everyday and it truly makes my day. Professors offer to have lunch with students instead of being cooped up in their office during those lunch hours. Students are not rude to each other here. They hold doors for others, offer meal swipes, and offer a lot of tutor help. The buildings are always kept pretty clean. The academic rates of graduation here are very high and about 99-100% of students in my major have graduated and gotten jobs right after school. Trine University not only cares about the academic success of students, but it cares about so much more than that.... Read 660 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $24,688

• SAT range 1030-1240

• Evansville, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,000 reviews

Junior: What I liked at the University of Southern Indiana was how all of the staff, faculty, employers, professors, and peers/students all made me feel welcome even after the very first time I stepped onto campus! The professors try to be as helpful as possible to make sure you can do everything in your power to succeed in your future career, and the different organizations/clubs are so inviting and ways to be a member of! Student worker positions are also super flexible and helpful too in ensuring academic success and well-being!... Read 1,000 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $13,719

• SAT range 1020-1230

• Upland, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,086 reviews

Junior: I have been enjoying my time at Taylor University. The professors are fantastic! They are fun, personable, knowledgeable, kind, caring and very helpful. The community is also very fun, as the students enjoy creating their own fun and we have quite a few traditions in each hall. A suggestion for improvement would be better communication between the administration and the students. Though the administration is doing their best, often things that should be communicated don't, and that leads to confusion and last minute plans.... Read 1,086 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $26,879

• SAT range 1080-1310

• Greencastle, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  588 reviews

Sophomore: I really like having small classes (<30 people) as there’s more participation and interaction with professors, your fellow students, and the material you are learning. It doesn’t make you feel like you are just one fish in the ocean of students. Teachers know who you are and some will try to even get to know you outside of the classroom. The campus is also small, which can be a pro or a con, but it is definitely a pro when you don’t want to walk far or take a bus to get to classes (especially in the winter)! Everything is <20 minute walk. Almost everywhere you go, you see someone you know. Taking classes outside of your major and minor (as any liberal arts college values) is super beneficial as it opens you up to new perspectives and broadens your understanding of society. However, a few things I would like to see changed is DePauw being more transparent with the students and making a space for students input. As well as creating a better connection the the Greencastle community.... Read 588 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $27,348

• SAT range 1160-1420

• Fort Wayne, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  488 reviews

Senior: well I like about the University of St. Francis is the sense of community on campus and the small atmosphere. It is nice to get to know a lot of the people around campus and having the small atmosphere to build closer connections with peers and professors! I also think that USF is very inclusive and has a goal of individual and group achievement. As for what USF could do better is communication. I think at times it is hard to know what is going on with different groups and what is needed to be completed for graduation. The financial services at USF aren’t the best either. I feel as if you talk to someone from financial services you can get a different answer from each person. For instants, the stacking of scholarships and athletics. I have had an issue with this over the last four years of being here and at times it is very frustrating. I feel as if USF wants money personally from you instead of giving the opportunity for students to go to school on a full ride.... Read 488 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 99%

• Net price $17,513

• SAT range 960-1150

• Indianapolis, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  479 reviews

Freshman: I love it! It has great athletics program and many perks. I go to Marian Ancilla in Plymouth, IN. It is a newer branch of Marian University and I really enjoy it. It is 3 hours and 30 min from my hometown in Bedford, IN. But, a lot to do on campus and I am wrestling with my high school friend. I really hope to do well with the 2 years there and transfer to Indiana University Bloomington,IN 47404. I am stage hand for Local 618 I.A.T.S.E. I will become a member. I do work at Indiana University Bloomington. It is also only 30 minutes from my home. A perfect fit. I love the sports plex at Marian---you have access to everything---yoga, hot tubs, pools, and classes. Of course, weight lifting. There is all newer styles of machines and old school weights----with plenty of spots to work out. I am happy with it for my first couple of years into my college career. I look forward to the many opportunities I am getting from Marian Ancilla.... Read 479 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $21,936

• SAT range 970-1180

• Richmond, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  333 reviews

Sophomore: It has been amazing! The small classrooms give me such close connections to staff and students. There are so many opportunities for everyone and so many fun events! I feel like I can be myself and people will accept me. My close connections in the classroom have led me to some on-campus job opportunities like a Supplemental Instruction Leader and a Peer Mentor.... Read 333 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $8,102

• SAT range 1000-1220

• Fort Wayne, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  619 reviews

Freshman: The faculty of geography department of IIT is superbly excellent. It has well qualified teacher staff almost all of them have phd degrees and are widely know for their researches. The faculty and curriculum is very disciplined and sincere, all the classes are held on regular basis, with sincerity towards enhancing students overall growth. Teachers are very supportive, understanding and friendly and are always in touch and cooperative with the students.... Read 619 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $21,397

• SAT range 930-1150

• Franklin, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  489 reviews

Freshman: Franklin has a beautiful small campus. I love to see the wild life running between the trees on Dame Mall every day. the buildings are not too far apart allowing for short walk times between classes, and lowering the risk of being late to class. I like the small school atmosphere allowing for a more personal relationship with professors and a more hands on approach to learning. The only thing I would like to see change is the dorms. Some of the buildings have only one washer and dryer and the rooms are too small and unaccommodating.... Read 489 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 95%

• Net price $21,929

• SAT range 960-1180

• Evansville, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  743 reviews

Freshman: The University of Evansville has fantastic faculty members committed to ensuring your success at UE and after. Each person I have talked to is willing to help find important information, has made sure I am excited for the transition from high school to college, and any questions I have are answered or directed to someone capable of answering. The only thing I would like to see change is the tuition rate. UE is a private school, which is an advantage to me personally. However, it also makes it extremely difficult to cover costs without completing school with a significant amount of debt. They do their best to award all financial aid they can to their students though!... Read 743 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $21,019

• SAT range 1050-1250

• Indianapolis, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  1,407 reviews

Alum: Attending Butler University with a full-ride scholarship as a violin major and biology minor, aiming for genetic counseling, offered financial freedom and musical excellence. The biology minor enhanced my skills for genetic counseling but came with academic pressure. Navigating both fields demanded exceptional time management and self-care. Success on this unique path depended on dedication, passion, and maintaining a balance between musical and scientific pursuits - all of which Butler University helped me accomplish. Not only did it provide a great education, but it offered me wonderful social experiences as well. I met amazing friends and worked with enlightening teachers. I had the opportunity to be concertmaster of my orchestra, which I would not have been able to do at a bigger institution. The proximity to Indianapolis offered a wealth of culture and activities, and the food scene in Indy is amazing!... Read 1,407 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $38,643

• SAT range 1150-1340

• Kokomo, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  469 reviews

Freshman: Being at IUK has given me an opportunity to stand on my own two feet and essentially start adulting. There are so many resources that this school offers to help keep you on track of your school work like peer tutors, study labs, academic advisors, and even programs where someone will check up with you weekly to help in anyway they can! I like the welcoming environment at IUK and the ability to start my own journey knowing that people are by my side.... Read 469 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $4,446

• SAT range 1000-1180

• Marion, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  1,149 reviews

Senior: Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) has an amazing community of Christ followers who genuinely care about your education and well-being. The professors challenge and support students. They go out of their way to help students and engage in meaningful relationships. In general, the students at IWU are very welcoming, and it is very easy to make friends and rely on others for support!... Read 1,149 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $22,098

• SAT range 990-1200

• Indianapolis, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3,910 reviews

Freshman: Since I moved into my dorm room on campus in August, I have felt nothing but welcomed and encouraged! I have made the most wonderful friends and met people with the same interests and desires. I have made relationships with professors that I am sure are only going to grow. The minute I was accepted by this school I had access to information, helpful sites, and other resources I could have only dreamed of before. I have so many options and opportunities by being on the IUPUI campus because the city life that growing around us opens so many doors. I am so thankful every day that I choose IUPUI to be my home for the next 4 years!... Read 3,910 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $11,550

• SAT range 1040-1230

• Valparaiso, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,135 reviews

Junior: Valparaiso University is a small school in Valparaiso, Indiana who's boasts are its rich history with the Lutheran church, its nationally ranked college of engineering, college of nursing, and meteorology program. When it comes to academics, Valpo has tried its best to support me in both my successes and struggles. While the structural portion of the civil engineering courses seems to be subpar currently, all other classes have been advantageous for my degree. The College of engineering has helpful professors and helping hands offered by other students because of its small size. Socially, Valpo may be a little more difficult to navigate because there is a low student population. But, Valpo does try to offer everything it can to suit your wants and needs. As a christian, I was struggling to find a group. But I found the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a worship service called Celebrate! in which I now participate weekly in both. Valpo has served me well.... Read 1,135 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $21,997

• SAT range 1070-1280

• Winona Lake, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  580 reviews

Senior: Hello! I’m Michaela Horvath and I’m in the Mechanical Engineering program at Grace College! I am a part time student as I am continuing my Mechanical Engineering Degree while working a full time job. I came back to finish my degree because it is important to me! While at Grace College I’ve met the best friends and professors there! I was a bit of a loner during high school but at Grace I was able to do some many activities and receiver opportunities that it was hard not to make friends! The professors are really nice as well, they will take time outside the typical 9-5 job to help you understand the problem or lesson you are struggling with! This place also made me closer to my faith when I was questioning it mostly during high school. To listen to how other interpret the Bible and what God is thinking while listening to other peoples stories was inspiring! I know that Grace college isn’t for everybody, but it’s the place for me.... Read 580 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $18,795

• SAT range 990-1220

• New Albany, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  720 reviews

Alum: Overall I had a pleasant experience with IUS. They have a beautiful, cozy, and accepting campus. They are very flexible with their class modalities. I took in person classes until 2020 and then took a combination of asynchronous and synchronous classes. They are also very affordable if you live nearby and commute to campus. I originally chose this university because it was close to home but now I cannot imagine having attended any other school. I highly recommend.... Read 720 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $6,344

• SAT range 980-1190

• Saint Mary Of The Woods, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  244 reviews

Freshman: My experience so far has been wonderful! They are easy to communicate with, they make sure I fully understand everything and they are always very pleasant. If someone doesn't have an answer to my question, they are quick to find out and get back to me. I am very excited to start my classes!... Read 244 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $15,694

• SAT range 960-1120