Online Schools and Colleges in Indiana

Indiana colleges are finding ways to draw more students in a time when national enrollment numbers are trending down. Some universities reported record-setting numbers of incoming freshmen, attributing the increase in part to reaching out to more students living in other states. Offering classes online makes that possible; both students living in Indiana and those from across its borders are taking advantage with up to a third of the student body at the University of Indiana taking at least one class online. Learn how you can take advantage of the online degree options at colleges and universities in Indiana below, with answers to important questions on how to compare schools, pay for online credits and more.

Online schools and colleges in Indiana provide alternatives to on-campus learning. Distance programs offer flexible scheduling options and multiple delivery methods, and many online programs are more affordable than on-campus options.

This guide includes resources for prospective students, links to scholarships and grants, and information about average tuition prices and typical earning potential for graduates.

Many public and private universities and community colleges in Indiana offer online programs. Prospective students should search for schools that suit their academic and financial needs. Resources such as the Indiana Commission for Higher Education website can aid this search. Click the link below for more information about Indiana universities.Search All Accredited Schools in Indiana

A postsecondary degree often leads to higher earning potential. A 2018 report from CHE found that Indiana graduates’ increased earnings surpassed the cost of college within a few years.

While no degree guarantees a specific career or salary, data shows that higher degree levels correspond with greater earnings. The table below illustrates that trend nationwide.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Earning a postsecondary degree in Indiana can lead to more advanced career opportunities and higher earning potential. According to a report by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE), Indiana residents with no college degree were more than twice as likely to file for unemployment.

Prospective students should carefully consider how they intend to fund their college education. Learners can reduce the overall cost of earning a degree by applying for financial aid from independent organizations and the government. At least one-third of graduates from Indiana public institutions benefitted from state-sponsored aid between 2008 and 2015, according to a 2018 CHE report.

The cost of college depends on the type of institution and whether the student qualifies for in-state tuition. The table below compares average Indiana tuition rates to the national averages.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

The figures above only account for tuition and fees. However, students must often pay other education-related expenses. The list below highlights potential fees for distance learners.

In-state learners often pay lower tuition rates than out-of-state students. Some schools charge in-state tuition rates to all online learners, regardless of residency status. Students should check with each prospective school’s admissions office or financial aid office for tuition information.

State exchanges and reciprocity agreements can also qualify out-of-state students for discounted tuition rates. Indiana participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program which offers lower tuition rates for students in participating states who attend participating Indiana schools. CHE provides additional information about interstate reciprocity agreements, including details on State Authorization for Reciprocity Agreements.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Students can apply for scholarships and grants to help offset the cost of an education. Unlike student loans, scholarships and grants do not require repayment. Below are some scholarship and grant programs open to learners at online schools and colleges in Indiana.

Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports students from public Indiana high schools who graduate at least one year early. Applicants must enroll as full-time students at an eligible institution.
Amount: $4,000

Who Can Apply: Applicants must be pursuing a four-year degree in a qualifying academic subject, such as agriculture, journalism, public relations, finance, engineering, technology, public service, or sales.
Amount: $2,000

Who Can Apply: Applicants for this scholarship must live in Vanderburgh, Warrick, Posey, Gibson, or Pike County. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in marketing, public relations, advertising, or graphic design.
Amount: $5,000

Who Can Apply: This grant assists professionals enrolled in postsecondary certificate courses for workforce training. The organization pays full tuition and fees for qualifying certificates, such as advanced manufacturing and quality assurance credentials.
Amount: Up to 100% coverage of tuition

Who Can Apply: This grant supports professionals returning to college to finish a degree or enrolling in a postsecondary program for the first time. Applicants must be Indiana residents working toward their first associate or bachelor’s degree.
Amount: $2,000

Who Can Apply: This need-based grant is available to U.S. citizens who plan to attend an eligible Indiana postsecondary institution. Applicants must be full-time students and must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Amount: Based on financial need

Who Can Apply: The federal government awards Pell Grants based on financial need. Applicants must be undergraduate students and must submit the FAFSA form. Recipients can renew their application for up to six years.
Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: The government administers this grant through the financial aid office of qualifying schools. Students apply through their financial aid office and receive grants based on financial need, which is determined by their FAFSA form.
Amount: $100 to $4,000 per year

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) sets nationwide standards for postsecondary education. Both the ED and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) approve accrediting agencies.

To receive accreditation, institutions and programs must meet set standards of academic and professional quality. Online schools and colleges in Indiana can carry several types of accreditation.

State and federal initiatives support online learners pursuing a degree. Below are statistics about online education and information about three initiatives that assist adult learners in Indiana.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

This statewide work-study program helps low-income students access paid internships. The program matches 50% of internship funds for employers. Applicants must be Indiana residents and enrolled in an Indiana college.

A joint effort by the Departments of Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services, this program helps adults advance their current careers and transition into new jobs.

Students planning to attend online schools and colleges in Indiana should carefully research academic and financial options before applying. Below are some resources to help prospective online students learn about institutions, locate financial aid options, and keep track of applications.