Indiana is one of the Midwest’s top states for engineering, manufacturing, and technology. From car design and construction to renewable energy and robotics, the state’s economy runs on innovation, and that means engineers are always in demand. In fact, Indiana ranks among the top 10 states in the U.S. for engineering jobs, with thousands of openings every year in areas like mechanical, civil, electrical, and industrial engineering.
For anyone hoping to build a career in this field, getting the right education is key. The school you choose can make a big difference, not just in what you learn, but in the kind of experience, training, and connections you gain before stepping into the job market.
That’s why we took the time to review several engineering colleges across Indiana, looking at things like program strength, accreditation, hands-on learning, and student success. Here’s our list of the best engineering schools in Indiana, where you can get a solid education and a strong start in your engineering career.
Best Engineering Schools in Indiana
1. Purdue University
Purdue, in West Lafayette, is known as a powerhouse for engineering. Their College of Engineering offers a long list of majors: mechanical, civil, electrical, aerospace, biomedical, chemical, materials, environmental, computer, and more. Their graduate programs are also top-tier.
One thing that stands out: many of their engineering degrees are ABET-accredited (which means they meet high standards in engineering education). For example, the Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s program is officially ABET-accredited. Also, their Biomedical Engineering program is accredited by ABET.
2. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Rose-Hulman is a smaller, more focused place, almost all about STEM and engineering. They offer majors like Mechanical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, NanoEngineering, Engineering Design, etc. Their programs emphasize hands-on work and project-based learning.
One cool feature is their R² dual degree program, where you can take graduate-level courses while finishing your undergrad, so you end up with both a bachelor’s and a master’s faster. Their engineering design major is pretty special: students work for real clients, build prototypes, test, iterate, etc.
Rose-Hulman’s engineering programs are also ABET-accredited (they make sure their degrees match professional standards).
3. IUPUI (Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis)
IUPUI’s engineering and technology programs are offered under their Purdue School of Engineering & Technology. They have a range of Bachelor of Science degrees, including Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Motorsports Engineering, and a general Engineering degree.
One standout is their Energy Engineering program, which is interdisciplinary. Students there take courses across chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. They may also dive into topics like hybrid and electric vehicles, renewable energy, and energy systems.
Their Mechanical Engineering program is ABET-accredited, which means it meets a recognized standard of quality.
4. Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University’s College of Engineering combines small-college attention with big-university resources, creating an environment where students get hands-on experience right from the start. The college offers degrees in Civil, Electrical, Computer, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as a general Integrated Engineering option for students who want a broader focus.
The programs are ABET-accredited, meaning they meet national standards recognized by employers and graduate schools. What makes Valpo stand out is its balance of strong technical training and real-world application.
5. University of Southern Indiana (USI)
The University of Southern Indiana (USI) offers a growing and modern engineering program through its Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. Students can major in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Electrical Engineering, and the university emphasizes a balance of technical skill, design thinking, and teamwork.
USI’s programs are ABET-accredited, which guarantees that the curriculum meets recognized engineering standards. One thing that sets USI apart is its focus on hands-on learning; students spend a lot of time in labs, design studios, and team projects that simulate real-world engineering challenges.
The school has strong partnerships with local industries, giving students access to internships and co-op experiences in the Evansville area and beyond.
6. Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW)
Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) gives students the advantage of earning a Purdue engineering degree in a smaller, more personal campus environment.
Its College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science (ETCS) offers ABET-accredited programs in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as related majors like Computer Science, Construction Engineering Technology, and Industrial Engineering Technology.
What makes PFW stand out is its emphasis on practical learning. Students take part in co-ops and internships with local and national companies, often landing full-time positions after graduation.
7. Indiana State University
Indiana State University (ISU), located in Terre Haute, offers strong and hands-on engineering programs through its College of Technology. While it’s not a traditional engineering school like Purdue, ISU focuses on applied engineering, mechanical engineering technology, civil engineering technology, and electronics systems technology, all designed to prepare students for real-world technical and management roles in industry.
At ISU, students spend a lot of time in labs and workshops, learning how to design, build, and troubleshoot equipment and systems. The programs are ABET-accredited, ensuring that graduates meet national quality standards for engineering and technology education.
8. University of Evansville
The University of Evansville (UE) is a small private university in Evansville, Indiana, known for its personalized education and strong engineering programs. The College of Engineering and Computer Science offers degrees in civil, electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering, as well as computer science.
One of UE’s biggest strengths is its small class sizes, which means students get a lot of one-on-one attention from professors. Classes focus on both theory and hands-on learning, and students start working on design projects as early as their freshman year.
All engineering programs at UE are ABET-accredited, ensuring a high-quality education that meets national standards. The university also offers special programs like cooperative education, where students alternate between classroom study and paid industry work.
9. Trine University (Angola, Indiana)
Trine University’s Allen School of Engineering and Computing is known for its strong focus on practical, hands-on learning. The school offers several ABET-accredited programs, including mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, biomedical, computer, and software engineering. Students benefit from guaranteed internship opportunities before graduation, ensuring valuable real-world experience.
Trine also provides modern laboratories, small class sizes, and a $2,000 renewable engineering grant for new students. The university itself is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
10. Indiana Tech (Fort Wayne, Indiana)
Indiana Tech’s Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences prepares students for today’s fast-changing tech world with a blend of innovation and hands-on learning. The school offers ABET-accredited degrees in mechatronics and robotics engineering, computer engineering, and mechanical engineering technology.
Courses combine classroom theory with real projects, allowing students to design and build systems from the ground up. With strong lab facilities and a career-focused curriculum, Indiana Tech helps graduates stand out in both the engineering and technology industries.
Conclusion
Engineering is one of those careers that never goes out of style, and in a state like Indiana, it’s full of real opportunities to grow, build, and make a difference. Whether you want to design machines, build infrastructure, or work with emerging technologies, these schools give you the foundation to do it right.
Each of the colleges on this list offers something unique, but they all share one goal: preparing students to solve real problems and succeed in the engineering world. So, if you’re serious about becoming an engineer, take a closer look at these schools and find the one that fits your goals. Your journey to shaping the future could start right here in Indiana.