Indiana is known for more than basketball and friendly communities; it’s also home to a strong education system and growing industries that keep the state’s economy moving. From healthcare and business to engineering, technology, and education, Indiana produces skilled professionals who play important roles both locally and across the country.
The good thing is, you don’t have to leave the state to prepare for these careers. Indiana has several colleges and universities that offer strong programs in these fields, and many of them are now available fully online. This means you can study from anywhere, on your own schedule, while still earning a respected degree from a reputable school.
But if you’re going to invest your time and money, it’s important to choose a school that truly delivers value. A good online college should offer quality teaching, solid student support, affordable tuition, and flexible learning options.
With these qualities in mind, we researched and compared several institutions to bring you this list of the best online colleges in Indiana, schools that combine academic strength with real flexibility and value.
Best Online Colleges in Indiana
1. Ball State University
Ball State provides over 100 online programs including bachelor’s, master’s, certificates, and licensures. Their Criminal Justice & Criminology major is among the online bachelor’s degrees offered.
The online format is mostly asynchronous, meaning you do coursework when it fits your schedule rather than fixed lecture times. Ball State also ensures its online degrees are authorized in other states so out-of-state students can enroll. Students online get access to the same faculty as on campus, financial aid options, and tools to help with costs.
2. Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU)
At IWU, online students have several perks: no application fee for many online programs, rolling admissions, and several start dates throughout the year. Academic support includes 24/7 tutoring with Tutor.com, library and research help via their Online Campus Library Services (OCLS), free Microsoft Office subscription, and technical help if you run into issues.
They accept up to 90 transfer credits, which means it may take less time and money to finish if you already have college work. IWU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, so the degree is respected.
3. Indiana University East (IU East)
IU East offers a variety of online degrees: bachelor’s, master’s, certificates, and post-bachelor’s programs. For 2024-2025, undergraduate tuition for Indiana residents is about $257 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay a higher (≈ $378/credit).
Graduate programs cost about $342/credit for residents and more for non-residents. IU East also has “reciprocity” arrangements: residents of certain counties in Western Ohio benefit from in-state rates. Online learners get the same IU faculty and degree recognition as on-campus students.
4. Purdue University (West Lafayette)
Purdue’s online offerings cover many fields, bachelor’s, master’s, certificates, and professional development. These programs are delivered by the same faculty who teach on campus, and they maintain Purdue’s strong reputation for academic rigor.
Tuition and fees vary by program, and Purdue has an online cost calculator so you can estimate what your particular degree will cost. Online students are eligible for financial aid similar to on-campus students. Convenient, flexible scheduling makes it suitable for working students, but costs depend heavily on the program you choose.
5. Indiana State University
Indiana State offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs available fully online or in hybrid formats. Their online courses are taught by the same faculty as on campus, and students get full access to academic advisors, online tutoring, and IT support.
The university allows rolling admissions and provides a tool to estimate tuition & fees. Indiana State also participates in credit transfer and bachelor’s completion options to help those who started college but didn’t finish.
6. Vincennes University (VU)
Vincennes University’s distance education arm offers over 400 online courses and more than 27 complete degree programs entirely online. Some of the fully online bachelor’s degrees include Homeland Security and Public Safety (with a Cybercrime concentration) and Health Care Services Administration.
Programs are developed and taught by credentialed faculty, and VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Admission for online students requires at least 24 college credits for degree-seeking enrollment.
7. Indiana Tech (Indiana Institute of Technology)
Indiana Tech offers multiple online degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, including business, cybersecurity, information technology, and health care. Their online students have support through career services, academic advising, and a student success center.
Tuition is fixed per credit hour, often the same for in-state and out-of-state learners, making budgeting easier. The university emphasizes that students can “move at their own pace” in many of their online courses, which is helpful if you are working or have family obligations.
8. University of Indianapolis (UIndy)
UIndy provides a strong online platform with degree programs in education, business, health sciences, criminal justice, and more. Online students get the same professors and curriculum as on-campus, with synchronous (live class) and asynchronous (self-paced) courses.
UIndy offers 24/7 tech support, virtual library access, and online advising. They also provide aid and scholarships specifically for online learners, helping reduce the cost burden.
9. Trine University
Trine University offers online bachelor’s programs in areas such as technology, business, and education, plus flexible credit transfer for prior learning or work experience. Tuition is competitive for online students, and many programs run in accelerated modules (shorter terms) so you can complete courses faster.
Support services include online counseling, tutoring, and writing help. Trine’s online platform aims to replicate classroom interaction while letting students study from anywhere.
10. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
IUPUI is one of Indiana’s top public universities and offers a wide range of online bachelor’s and master’s programs through IU Online. Students can choose from degrees in areas like business, public affairs, health sciences, and informatics.
Online classes are designed to be flexible, allowing you to learn on your own schedule while still getting full access to faculty and resources. Tuition for Indiana residents starts at about $289 per credit hour, while non-residents pay around $400 per credit hour. IUPUI’s online programs are fully accredited and widely respected across the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are online degrees from Indiana colleges respected?
Yes. Most online degrees from accredited Indiana colleges carry the same value as traditional on-campus degrees. Employers mainly care about the school’s accreditation and the quality of your program, not the learning format.
2. How long does it take to earn an online degree in Indiana?
Most bachelor’s programs take about four years to complete, while associate degrees take two years. However, many schools offer flexible schedules that let you finish faster if you take extra courses or transfer previous credits.
3. Can I get financial aid as an online student?
Absolutely. Online students in Indiana are eligible for the same federal and state financial aid as on-campus students. You can apply through the FAFSA and also check if your school offers scholarships for distance learners.
4. What are the admission requirements for online colleges in Indiana?
Requirements vary by school, but most ask for a high school diploma or equivalent, transcripts, and sometimes standardized test scores or a personal statement. Graduate programs may also require work experience or recommendation letters.
5. What can I study at online colleges in Indiana?
Indiana’s online schools offer a wide range of programs, from business, education, and healthcare to computer science, criminal justice, and engineering. Some even provide specialized certificates for people looking to upgrade skills quickly.
6. How do I know if an online college is accredited?
You can verify accreditation by checking the school’s website or visiting the U.S. Department of Education database. Accreditation ensures your degree meets recognized academic standards and is accepted by employers and other institutions.