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2019 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
    • 1,263
    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 1,263 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
    • 385
    2 Top Private Universities 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 385 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
    • 150
    3 Top Private Universities in Indiana

    Freshman: Wabash College is a very challenging school to attend but the work is well worth the reward! The professors are extremely inviting, the atmosphere is uniquely exciting, and you will be a better man when you leave. Not to mention, 98% of students here have a job or are enrolled in a graduate program at the end of their four years here.
    Read 150 Reviews

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

    Michigan State University

    • 4 Year
    • East Lansing, MI
    • 5,205

    Freshman: I am attending Michigan State University this fall! While on my visit to campus I met quite a few students and teachers who were all very pleasant to chat with and spanned a variety of cultures. I loved that the dorms are bigger than many other universities, I didn't feel claustrophobic like I did on other college tours. The dorms, while nice, can never live up to how beautiful the campus actually is on the outside! With green grass and stunning architecture, there is a place for everyone and everything on campus!
    Read 5,205 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,684 Net Price
    • 1100-1320 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. DePauw University

    • 4 Year
    • Greencastle, IN
    • 512
    4 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 512 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
    • 661
    5 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 661 Reviews

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

  7. Butler University

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 1,274
    6 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 1,274 Reviews

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

    • 4 Year
    • Upland, IN
    • 1,029
    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 1,029 Reviews

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

  10. Valparaiso University

    • 4 Year
    • Valparaiso, IN
    • 1,021
    8 Top Private Universities 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 1,021 Reviews

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

  11. Goshen College

    • 4 Year
    • Goshen, IN
    • 131
    9 Top Private Universities 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
    • 64% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,446 Net Price
    • 980-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Indiana Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Marion, IN
    • 965
    10 Top Private Universities 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 965 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
    • 438
    11 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 438 Reviews

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

  16. Saint Mary's College - Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 505
    12 Top Private Universities in Indiana

    Senior: I have had a wonderful time at Saint Mary's College. I am from out of state and both the academics as well as administrative offices have been very helpful in providing me with an understanding of my finances and resources to use within the campus. I am active in a few clubs on campus and this has allowed me to make friends. The professors here are warm and inviting and masters at their crafts. I see many opportunities for growth in my Nursing career!
    Read 505 Reviews

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

  18. Earlham College

    • 4 Year
    • Richmond, IN
    • 245
    13 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 245 Reviews

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

  19. Marian University Indianapolis

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 406
    14 Top Private Universities 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 406 Reviews

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

  20. Huntington University

    • 4 Year
    • Huntington, IN
    • 369
    15 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 369 Reviews

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

  21. Manchester University

    • 4 Year
    • North Manchester, IN
    • 402
    16 Top Private Universities in Indiana

    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 402 Reviews

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

  22. University of Saint Francis - Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Fort Wayne, IN
    • 410
    17 Top Private Universities in Indiana

    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 410 Reviews

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

  25. University of Indianapolis

    • 4 Year
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 925
    18 Top Private Universities 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 925 Reviews

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

  26. Franklin College

    • 4 Year
    • Franklin, IN
    • 456
    19 Top Private Universities in Indiana

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

  27. Trine University

    • 4 Year
    • Angola, IN
    • 557

    Sophomore: This past year at Trine University I have become very close to all the people I have met. It is a great place to meet new people and to get involved. There are plenty of things to do at Trine. Some which include, participating in a sport, band, attending concerts or a sporting event, going to all of the fun activities throughout the year hosted by all of the different clubs, and much more. You'll always know what's going on around campus as well! They are great at advertising events! It's very easy to talk with professors too! Whether you need help or just want some clarification, just ask! I have loved every minute at Trine and I'm super excited to see what the next few years bring!
    Read 557 Reviews

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

  28. Grace College & Seminary

    • 4 Year
    • Winona Lake, IN
    • 504

    Senior: I would not want to go anywhere else! There are so many wonderful things but the best aspect is definitely the community and welcoming people within. The professors willing devote time out of class to help students academically. They also intertwine each and every major or field of study with Gods word! Lastly to top it all off the opportunity to graduate within three years with a bachelors is a great opportunity.
    Read 504 Reviews

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

  29. Anderson University - Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Anderson, IN
    • 616

    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 616 Reviews

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

  32. Bethel College - Indiana

    • 4 Year
    • Mishawaka, IN
    • 507

    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 507 Reviews

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

  33. Holy Cross College

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 122

    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 122 Reviews

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

  34. Indiana Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Fort Wayne, IN
    • 519

    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 519 Reviews

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

    Indiana University - Bloomington

    • 4 Year
    • Bloomington, IN
    • 4,301

    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 4,301 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,488 Net Price
    • 1140-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  36. Sponsored

    Manchester University

    • 4 Year
    • North Manchester, IN
    • 402

    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 402 Reviews

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