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2020 Top Private Universities in IndianaAbout this List

The Top Private Universities ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along for millions of reviews from students and alumni. The ranking compares top private colleges and universities in each state. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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  1. University of Notre Dame

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 1,280 reviews
    #1 Top Private Universities 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 1,280 Reviews

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

  2. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Terre Haute, IN
    • 393 reviews
    #2 Top Private Universities in Indiana

    Sophomore: Honestly I love everything about Rose-Hulman. From the Professors to the food to the campus everything is amazing, and nothing needs changed!
    Read 393 Reviews

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

  3. Wabash College

    • 4 Year
    • Crawfordsville, IN
    • 156 reviews
    #3 Top Private Universities in Indiana

    Sophomore: Great experience so far! Made friends effortlessly from the brotherhood instilled from day 1. Professor access also made it easy for me to find success in the classroom.
    Read 156 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 63% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,603 Net Price
    • 1070-1280 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  4. Butler University

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 1,297 reviews
    #4 Top Private Universities 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 1,297 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $38,051 Net Price
    • 1150-1320 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. DePauw University

    • 4 Year
    • Greencastle, IN
    • 522 reviews
    #5 Top Private Universities 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 522 Reviews

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

  6. University of Evansville

    • 4 Year
    • Evansville, IN
    • 676 reviews
    #6 Top Private Universities 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 676 Reviews

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

  7. Taylor University

    • 4 Year
    • Upland, IN
    • 1,036 reviews
    #7 Top Private Universities 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 1,036 Reviews

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

  8. Valparaiso University

    • 4 Year
    • Valparaiso, IN
    • 1,039 reviews
    #8 Top Private Universities in Indiana

    Freshman: Valparaiso is a welcoming school! Valparaiso University is known for its meteorology program and physician assistants program. The meteorology program is nationally recognized. They launch weather balloons and have state in the art technology which includes a doppler radar. The campus is good size compared to most universities. The campus is close to downtown Valparaiso which is such a nice town. There are lots of good restaurants and coffee shops near campus.The faculty and staff here at Valpo are super friendly and extremely helpful.
    Read 1,039 Reviews

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

  9. Earlham College

    • 4 Year
    • Richmond, IN
    • 248 reviews
    #9 Top Private Universities in Indiana

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

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

  12. Goshen College

    • 4 Year
    • Goshen, IN
    • 139 reviews
    #10 Top Private Universities in Indiana

    Senior: Goshen is a wonderful place to spend 4 years! There are many smiling faces around and you are guaranteed to know at least 1 person in each class. Class sizes are small so you get to know your professors and classmates very well. Goshen tries to cultivate diversity and tries to acknowledge its privilege. There is always room to grow in those areas but overall and the effort is made.
    Read 139 Reviews

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

  13. Saint Mary's College - Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 514 reviews
    #11 Top Private Universities in Indiana

    Sophomore: I love Saint Marys! My experience here has been amazing, to say the least. I have incredible opportunities here. I really love going to an all girls school. They really encourage me and every night is like a sleep over! The professors are wonderful and truly give me the one-on-one attention that I need.
    Read 514 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,664 Net Price
    • 1030-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Indiana Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Marion, IN
    • 986 reviews
    #12 Top Private Universities in Indiana

    Freshman: Indiana Wesleyan University is a great school! It is super safe and you feel at home. Lots of activities and gets you involved in the community. The teachers also invest a lot in you. They have good relationships with the students. There are a lot of clubs and groups you can join and it is fun to pick and choose new ones. School spirit is really big at iwu, we love to support and cheer are teams. I think the one thing that helps the university grow is the amount a faith it has, which is a big plus. How we pray for each other and deeply care about the hard things. Iwu is a great big family!
    Read 986 Reviews

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

  15. Hanover College

    • 4 Year
    • Hanover, IN
    • 446 reviews
    #13 Top Private Universities 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 446 Reviews

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

  16. Manchester University

    • 4 Year
    • North Manchester, IN
    • 416 reviews
    #14 Top Private Universities in Indiana

    Sophomore: I loved Manchester! It is smaller than your traditional college, but that is what makes it great. I like when things are personal and Manchester is like a tight-knit community and everyone knows everyone. You will definitely feel like somebody and everyone will notice you! I have met several of the faculty and believe me when I say that they want what is best for your education. Manchester University offers so many resources to whatever major you choose. I would not change a thing!
    Read 416 Reviews

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

  17. Marian University Indianapolis

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 420 reviews
    #15 Top Private Universities in Indiana

    Junior: Marian University boasts many quality attributes. Among them are a diverse mix of students, some from abroad, some local, some live on campus, many others commute. The vibrant city of Indianapolis and suburbs create an excellent atmosphere for an outlet away from campus studies. However the campus is compact and beautiful and easy to get around, complete with all amenities and resources needed for a quality college education. Classes are small, which allows the professors to interact more easily one-on-one with their students.
    Read 420 Reviews

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

  18. University of Saint Francis - Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Fort Wayne, IN
    • 416 reviews
    #16 Top Private Universities in Indiana

    Freshman: The art program at Saint Francis University in Fort Wayne, IN is premier. I attended summer art classes at Saint Francis while I was still in high school. I will be a freshmen at Saint Francis this year and I am so excited. I want to open my own gallery or art store after I get a graphic design degree from Saint Francis. I know the professors there are the best and I can't wait to learn more from them. GO COUGARS!
    Read 416 Reviews

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

  19. Huntington University

    • 4 Year
    • Huntington, IN
    • 373 reviews
    #17 Top Private Universities in Indiana

    Sophomore: I love the small class size and how connected I feel with my classmates and professors. One on one conversations with peers and professionals are vital to honing one’s craft, and that’s one of Huntington’s greatest strengths. While the food isn’t the greatest, there still is good community and resources for connection that make the campus homey, safe, and pleasant to live on. Also, as the the campus is small, the rooms are rather large and housing is very nice!
    Read 373 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 81% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,219 Net Price
    • 950-1170 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. University of Indianapolis

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 964 reviews
    #18 Top Private Universities in Indiana

    Sophomore: Overall, the University of Indianapolis is a great school. It is a smaller school, which is very useful in creating relationships with your professors which I have found very useful. The canal in the middle of campus that mimics the one of downtown Indy is very pretty. As an out of state student I really enjoy the school from an academic as well as a social viewpoint!They made me feel like I was at home and I can not wait to go back!
    Read 964 Reviews

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

  23. Trine University

    • 4 Year
    • Angola, IN
    • 568 reviews
    #19 Top Private Universities in Indiana

    Sophomore: I love that it’s a small campus and that I can have more help from professors! The food is good compared to other colleges, and it takes 10 minutes tops to walk to class. There are two coffee shops on campus, one you can actually use meal swipes at for breakfast and lunch so that’s really nice. I would like to have a pool/swim team on campus. The closest is at the Y. Also at the coffee shops lunch starts at 10:30 am and you have to buy coffee instead of getting it with your meal swipe, so it would be nice to have lunch at 11 that way I don’t have to get up super early to get coffee included with my meal. There are “flex dollars” which you get $75 of a semester and you can use those to buy stuff with instead of actual cash if you run out of meal swipes, it’s extremely helpful!
    Read 568 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,176 Net Price
    • 970-1160 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  24. Franklin College

    • 4 Year
    • Franklin, IN
    • 463 reviews
    #20 Top Private Universities in Indiana

    Sophomore: Franklin College as a whole is a school that gives students amazing opportunities and return on investment after graduation. This is a private school of less than 2,000 students, so it does struggle in some aspects. But the most important part is, they are constantly working to improve the school! Last year there were many complaints regarding the food, so this year they upgraded and are getting a new company. They also just built a new science building in order to give the students the best education possible. Living in Franklin my whole life, I knew how extraordinary it was already. I just wish all of my peers had the same chance to get to know the campus like me! And becoming a journalism major might have been the best decision I've ever made in regards to college. The professors here are unmatched and stay completely dedicated to giving you the best education possible.
    Read 463 Reviews

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

  25. Grace College

    • 4 Year
    • Winona Lake, IN
    • 510 reviews

    Junior: I loved everything about it! The professors are very welcoming and informative. The campus is clean and fun. Athletics are a big deal and professors are willing to accommodate to games and matches. There is a lake nearby for fun and many job opportunities. I would personally recommend on campus living for a better friendship experience. There are various friend groups so many opportunities to fit in! On weekends there are many student scheduled activities that allow students to be involved. I have had the absolute best experience and could not imagine myself at any other campus. However grace college is very expensive. I would recommend finding as many scholarships as possible to help with the cost. I also would recommend going to basketball, soccer, baseball games to keep yourself entertained.
    Read 510 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 82% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,324 Net Price
    • 990-1220 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Bethel University - Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Mishawaka, IN
    • 516 reviews

    Niche User: I love everything about Bethel College!I love everything about Bethel College! I love everything about Bethel College! I love everything about Bethel College! I love everything about Bethel College! I love everything about Bethel College! I love everything about Bethel College! I love everything about Bethel College! I love everything about Bethel College! I love everything about Bethel College! I love everything about Bethel College! I love everything about Bethel College! I love everything about Bethel College! I love everything about Bethel College! I love everything about Bethel College! I love everything about Bethel College! I love everything about Bethel College! I love everything about Bethel College! I love everything about Bethel College!
    Read 516 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 90% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,327 Net Price
    • 950-1160 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. Anderson University - Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Anderson, IN
    • 625 reviews

    Sophomore: One huge thing I like about Anderson University it that the community is big in that city! I can even break it down to even the staff at Anderson University wants the students to succeed in life. You have so much support at Anderson with professors, staffs, coaches, and even friends.

    One thing I do want to change is the open house hours. I get that we are a Christian University but we should still get the opportunity to hang with the other gender.
    Read 625 Reviews

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

  30. Indiana Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Fort Wayne, IN
    • 537 reviews

    Sophomore: I am a current student at this college and my experience has been great. I love my online classes and the professors are very helpful and knowledgeable when you have questions. I love the resources they have, especially the online tutors for math and essay review they are GREAT! Those tools are awesome for online students. My adviser is great and retention team is great as well. Any questions you have you can call or email for assistance; email is a great option for busy students that work during the day such as myself. I love this school, the book delivery system is also another bonus. Not having to worry about having the book or being able to afford the book is a great tool, they simply mail it to you with a return package and you drop it off at UPS once you are done. Everything is great with this school and they make it as easy as possible to get your education.
    Read 537 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,691 Net Price
    • 930-1150 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  31. Holy Cross College

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 127 reviews

    Junior: I overall enjoyed and continue to enjoy all that Holy Cross College has to offer. It is a smaller college, but that is not synonymous with being a lesser college. We are a close knit family and everyone around campus (be it student, faculty, or staff) knows each other appreciates each other. Being a small campus allows Holy Cross to achieve an experience that even Notre Dame does not have. The students and Professors are able to develop a relationship with each other. People are known by name at Holy Cross and they are remembered. As a student there, I have grown to know so many unique individuals beyond my class mates or Professors. This is the point the Holy Cross drives at and hits home own. We are not just a college at Holy Cross, we are a close knit diverse family all striving to help each other. There is no other university like it!
    Read 127 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,713 Net Price
    • 1010-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  32. Sponsored

    Campbellsville University

    • 4 Year
    • Campbellsville, KY
    • 440 reviews

    Graduate Student: I started school here in 2012. I was nervous, but quickly felt at home. The nerves went away within the first week. I knew I was exactly where I wanted and needed to be! I made lifelong friends there, and found my calling in social work (which I love!) I have also obtained my masters in Social Work through CU. CU will always hold a very special place in my heart 💜
    Read 440 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,523 Net Price
    • 930-1090 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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    Indiana Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Fort Wayne, IN
    • 537 reviews

    Sophomore: I am a current student at this college and my experience has been great. I love my online classes and the professors are very helpful and knowledgeable when you have questions. I love the resources they have, especially the online tutors for math and essay review they are GREAT! Those tools are awesome for online students. My adviser is great and retention team is great as well. Any questions you have you can call or email for assistance; email is a great option for busy students that work during the day such as myself. I love this school, the book delivery system is also another bonus. Not having to worry about having the book or being able to afford the book is a great tool, they simply mail it to you with a return package and you drop it off at UPS once you are done. Everything is great with this school and they make it as easy as possible to get your education.
    Read 537 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,691 Net Price
    • 930-1150 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  36. Sponsored

    Manchester University

    • 4 Year
    • North Manchester, IN
    • 416 reviews

    Sophomore: I loved Manchester! It is smaller than your traditional college, but that is what makes it great. I like when things are personal and Manchester is like a tight-knit community and everyone knows everyone. You will definitely feel like somebody and everyone will notice you! I have met several of the faculty and believe me when I say that they want what is best for your education. Manchester University offers so many resources to whatever major you choose. I would not change a thing!
    Read 416 Reviews

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