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2023 Best Nursing Schools in Indiana

22 Schools Ranked
$43,981 Average Earnings
$28,130 Avg Student Debt

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for nursing students. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Also there are many trade schools and bpptcamp that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Nursing Degree Search has created the Best Nursing Schools in Indiana to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 22 schools in Indiana to see which programs offered the best educational experiences for nursing students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Nursing Schools in Indiana

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, Indiana
1,940 Total Awards
$43,610 Average Earnings
$26,260 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Purdue University Northwest the best school in Indiana for nursing students working on their degree. Located in Hammond, Indiana, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,940 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,260 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $155 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Purdue Northwest, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,610 during the early years of their career.

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#2

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, Indiana
31,118 Total Awards
$35,780 Average Earnings
$11,090 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 22 schools in Indiana that were part of this year’s ranking, Ivy Tech Community College landed the # 2 spot on the list. Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The school has a large population, and it awarded 31,118 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,090 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Ivy Tech Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,780 during the early year of their career.

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#3

Saint Mary's College

Notre Dame, Indiana
415 Total Awards
$44,893 Average Earnings
$38,743 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Saint Mary’s College. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Nursing Schools in Indiana list. Notre Dame, Indiana is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 415 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $38,743 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from St. Mary’s College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,893 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Saint Mary’s College

#4

Purdue University - Main Campus

West Lafayette, Indiana
13,356 Total Awards
$53,430 Average Earnings
$24,656 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Purdue University - Main Campus. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Indiana list. This large public school is located in West Lafayette, Indiana, and it awarded 13,356 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,656 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $391 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Purdue graduates make an average of $53,430 annually.

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#5

Ball State University

Muncie, Indiana
6,518 Total Awards
$42,329 Average Earnings
$26,497 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at Ball State University helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in Indiana. Ball State University is a fairly large public school located in Muncie, Indiana that handed out 6,518 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Ball State accumulate an average of $26,497 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $283, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Ball State graduates make an average of $42,329 annually.

Read full report on Ball State University

#6

University of Southern Indiana

Evansville, Indiana
2,556 Total Awards
$38,819 Average Earnings
$21,374 Avg Student Debt

University of Southern Indiana came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Indiana ranking. Located in Evansville, Indiana, the medium-sized public school handed out 2,556 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $21,374 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $146, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, USI graduates make an average of $38,819 annually.

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#7

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, Indiana
1,025 Total Awards
$47,875 Average Earnings
$41,401 Avg Student Debt

Valparaiso University landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Valparaiso University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Valparaiso, Indiana that handed out 1,025 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Valpo accumulate an average of $41,401 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $310 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Valpo graduates make an average of $47,875 annually.

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#8

Goshen College

Goshen, Indiana
227 Total Awards
$73,422 Average Earnings
$21,344 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Goshen College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Located in Goshen, Indiana, the very small private not-for-profit school handed out 227 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Goshen accumulate an average of $21,344 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Goshen graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $73,422 during the early year of their career.

Full Goshen College Report

8,172 Total Awards
$52,865 Average Earnings
$33,365 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. IUPUI is a public institution located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The school has a large population, and it awarded 8,172 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from IUPUI accumulate an average of $33,365 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $187. During the early years of their career, IUPUI graduates make an average of $52,865 annually.

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696 Total Awards
$55,001 Average Earnings
$33,979 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, University of Saint Francis - Fort Wayne did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 696 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from University of St. Francis Fort Wayne accumulate an average of $33,979 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $273, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, University of St. Francis Fort Wayne graduates make an average of $55,001 annually.

Full University of Saint Francis - Fort Wayne Report

#11

University of Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana
1,525 Total Awards
$48,080 Average Earnings
$41,234 Avg Student Debt

University of Indianapolis landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 1,525 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from UIndy accumulate an average of $41,234 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $345 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UIndy graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,080 during the early year of their career.

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#12

Marian University

Indianapolis, Indiana
1,063 Total Awards
$42,396 Average Earnings
$54,997 Avg Student Debt

Marian University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #12 on the list. Marian University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Indianapolis, Indiana that handed out 1,063 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $54,997 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $339.After graduating from Marian, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,396 during the early years of their career.

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3,385 Total Awards
$46,269 Average Earnings
$32,440 Avg Student Debt

Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global ranked #13 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Indiana list. IWU is a private not-for-profit institution located in Marion, Indiana. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3,385 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from IWU accumulate an average of $32,440 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $346.After graduating from IWU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,269 during the early years of their career.

Full Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global Report

#14

Indiana University - Southeast

New Albany, Indiana
952 Total Awards
$39,554 Average Earnings
$19,200 Avg Student Debt

Indiana University - Southeast came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Indiana ranking. Located in New Albany, Indiana, the small public school handed out 952 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Indiana University - Southeast accumulate an average of $19,200 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Indiana University - Southeast graduates make an average of $39,554 annually.

Read full report on Indiana University - Southeast

#15

Bethel University - Mishawaka

Mishawaka, Indiana
348 Total Awards
$42,447 Average Earnings
$25,810 Avg Student Debt

Bethel University - Mishawaka came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Indiana ranking. Located in Mishawaka, Indiana, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 348 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $25,810 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Bethel University graduates make an average of $42,447 annually.

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#16

Indiana University - South Bend

South Bend, Indiana
924 Total Awards
$42,131 Average Earnings
$24,085 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, Indiana University - South Bend did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Indiana University - South Bend is a small public school situated in South Bend, Indiana. It awarded 924 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $24,085 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Indiana University - South Bend, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,131 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Indiana University - South Bend

#17

Indiana State University

Terre Haute, Indiana
2,573 Total Awards
$45,808 Average Earnings
$29,651 Avg Student Debt

Indiana State University landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Indiana State is a medium-sized public school situated in Terre Haute, Indiana. It awarded 2,573 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $29,651 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $186 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Indiana State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,808 during the early year of their career.

Full Indiana State University Report

#18

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came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Indiana ranking.

Full Report

#19

Indiana University - Kokomo

Kokomo, Indiana
687 Total Awards
$37,664 Average Earnings
$21,639 Avg Student Debt

Indiana University - Kokomo came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Indiana ranking. Indiana University - Kokomo is a small public school located in Kokomo, Indiana that handed out 687 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,639 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, IU Kokomo graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,664 during the early year of their career.

Full Indiana University - Kokomo Report

#20

Indiana University - East

Richmond, Indiana
911 Total Awards
$45,174 Average Earnings
$20,766 Avg Student Debt

Indiana University - East came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Indiana ranking. IU East is located in Richmond, Indiana and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 911 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $20,766 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from IU East, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,174 during the early years of their career.

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630 Total Awards
$42,191 Average Earnings
$23,966 Avg Student Debt

Indiana University - Northwest did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #21 on the list. IU Northwest is a public institution located in Gary, Indiana. The school has a small population, and it awarded 630 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $23,966 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, IU Northwest graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,191 during the early year of their career.

Full Indiana University - Northwest Report

#22

Vincennes University

Vincennes, Indiana
3,085 Total Awards
$37,687 Average Earnings
$15,774 Avg Student Debt

Vincennes University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #22 on the list. Vincennes University is a fairly large public school located in Vincennes, Indiana that handed out 3,085 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,774 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $142 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Vincennes University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,687 during the early year of their career.

Full Vincennes University Report

Best Nursing Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 22 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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