A liberal arts education shapes the way they think, communicate, and engage with the world. In Indiana, these colleges provide environments where rigorous academics meet personalized mentorship, small class discussions, and opportunities for hands-on experience.
Students are challenged to explore multiple disciplines, connect ideas across fields, and develop skills that carry into leadership roles, research, and professional life. Each institution has its own strengths, from immersive internships and community projects to robust study abroad programs and research initiatives.
Choosing the right college means finding a place that aligns with your intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and long-term goals. This guide highlights the best liberal arts colleges in Indiana, offering detailed insights into academics, campus culture, mentorship, and employment-focused opportunities.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana
1. DePauw University – Greencastle, IN
DePauw University is a private liberal arts college with a strong national reputation and rich history dating back to 1837. It offers more than 75 majors and minors, allowing students to explore liberal arts, sciences, and interdisciplinary fields while pursuing personal interests. Classes are small, and professors focus on collaboration, discussion, and hands‑on learning, helping students develop critical thinking and communication skills.
DePauw emphasizes experiential learning through internships, research, study abroad, and a senior capstone that connects academic work to real‑world problems. The campus also supports vibrant student life, with 100+ clubs, Greek life, athletics, and cultural events.
The university meets full demonstrated financial need for all first‑year students and maintains high graduation success and career outcomes.
2. Earlham College – Richmond, IN
Earlham College is a private liberal arts institution founded in 1847 by Quakers, grounded in values like integrity, peace, and community engagement. It offers undergraduate programs across arts, sciences, humanities, and social sciences, with options for self‑designed majors and dual‑degree engineering pathways.
Students engage closely with faculty through small classes, and the college promotes rigorous intellectual inquiry and ethical reflection. Earlham’s curriculum supports experiential learning through fieldwork, internships, research, and study abroad, helping students connect academic concepts with real‑world experiences.
The campus encourages collaboration, respect for diverse perspectives, and social justice engagement.
3. Wabash College – Crawfordsville, IN
Wabash College is a private liberal arts college for men, known for its longstanding traditions and strong academic focus. Founded in 1832, it offers 36 majors across natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences, with rigorous intellectual training in each discipline.
The curriculum emphasizes deep mastery of subjects, culminating in comprehensive senior examinations that include written and oral components. Small class sizes create close mentorship with faculty and collaborative learning. Wabash places strong value on leadership, character development, and intellectual curiosity.
Its community is tight‑knit, and students benefit from personalized advising and abundant support resources. Wabash also boasts a rich athletic tradition and one of the oldest college rivalries with DePauw University in the Monon Bell Classic.
4. Goshen College – Goshen, IN
Goshen College is a private liberal arts institution affiliated with the Mennonite Church USA, welcoming students of all backgrounds. Founded in 1894, Goshen focuses on a holistic liberal arts education that blends academic rigor with values like service, peace, and intercultural understanding.
The college offers undergraduate programs in humanities, sciences, social sciences, and professional studies, with opportunities for research, internships, and community engagement. Goshen is home to the Mennonite Historical Library and emphasizes global perspectives and social responsibility in its curriculum. With a small student body and personalized instruction, learners benefit from close faculty interaction and collaborative projects.
5. Hanover College – Hanover, IN
Hanover College is a private liberal arts college and the oldest private four‑year institution in Indiana, offering a broad liberal arts curriculum with more than 30 majors and the option to design your own. Situated on a scenic campus overlooking the Ohio River, Hanover encourages intellectual exploration, ethical leadership, and hands‑on learning through research, internships, and study abroad.
Faculty members are highly qualified, with most holding terminal degrees, and they provide individual mentorship in small classes. The college emphasizes strong fundamentals in writing, analysis, and reasoning across disciplines, preparing students for graduate study and diverse careers.
Hanover also offers unique features like a degree completion guarantee and close community bonds. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Hanover supports personal growth and academic curiosity within a supportive liberal arts environment.
6. Franklin College – Franklin, IN
Franklin College is a private liberal arts and sciences institution with a long tradition of academic excellence dating back to 1834. It offers over 50 majors and 43 minors that span the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and pre‑professional pathways. The college emphasizes immersive learning through internships, research opportunities, and study‑away programs, helping students connect classroom knowledge with real work experiences.
Small class sizes and a supportive faculty foster individual growth and mentorship. Franklin was the first college in Indiana to admit women, reflecting its longstanding commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Franklin also partners with local organizations and industries to expand career readiness and professional development.
7. Saint Mary‑of‑the‑Woods College – Saint Mary‑of‑the‑Woods, IN
Saint Mary‑of‑the‑Woods College (SMWC) is a private Catholic liberal arts college with a tradition of integrating intellectual growth with spiritual and ethical formation. Founded in 1840 as Indiana’s oldest Catholic college, SMWC now offers majors in more than 40 fields, preparing students for careers while encouraging deep inquiry into meaning and purpose.
Its curriculum blends liberal arts core courses with professional and experiential learning, promoting critical thinking, leadership, and community service. SMWC is also known for unique programs such as the Mari Hulman George School of Equine Studies, one of the few of its kind in the U.S. The college consistently earns recognition in regional rankings for academic quality and student support.
Frequently Asked Questions – Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana
Do these colleges offer internship or co-op opportunities?
Yes. Most liberal arts colleges partner with local businesses, nonprofits, and organizations to provide hands-on work experiences during studies.
Are there career services to help students prepare for employment?
Absolutely. Career centers offer resume building, interview prep, job fairs, networking events, and alumni mentorship programs.
Can I gain practical work experience while studying?
Yes. Many programs integrate research, service learning, or campus-based employment that gives students practical skills for future careers.
Do colleges help with professional networking and industry connections?
Yes. Faculty, alumni networks, and college events connect students with potential employers in diverse fields.
Are there programs that combine academics with professional training?
Some liberal arts colleges offer pre-professional tracks, internships for credit, and interdisciplinary programs that prepare students for specific industries.