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Best Value Nursing Schools in Indiana

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2023 Best Value Nursing Schools in Indiana

Highlighting Quality Schools With More Affordable Prices

22 Schools Ranked
$24,425 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$24,717 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. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Nursing Degree Search has created the Best Value 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 value experiences for nursing students with the aim of identifying those quality schools that are more affordable than some of their counterparts.

This ranking is not just a list of inexpensive schools. We also consider each school's quality, since we believe a low-quality school may not be a 'bargain' at any price. Specifically, our score for quality is discounted by the published tuition and fees charged by the given college. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The more quality your dollar buys, the better the value.

For nationwide and regional rankings, we use out-of-state tuition and fees in our calculations. For statewide rankings, we use average in-state tuition and fees.

Top Value Nursing Schools in Indiana

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, Indiana
3,594 Total Awards
$8,927 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found Ivy Tech Community College to be the best value school for nursing students in Indiana. Ivy Tech Community College is located in Indianapolis, Indiana and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,594 degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Ivy Tech Community College are $8,927 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,847 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Ivy Tech Community College graduates make an average of $35,780 annually.

Ivy Tech Community College did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our Best Nursing Schools in Indiana list.

Read full report on Ivy Tech Community College

#2

Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, Indiana
633 Total Awards
$14,349 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 22 schools in Indiana that were part of this year’s ranking, Purdue University Northwest landed the # 2 spot on the list. Purdue University Northwest is a medium-sized public school located in Hammond, Indiana that handed out 633 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Purdue Northwest are $14,349 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $27,454 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 $152 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Purdue Northwest graduates make an average of $43,610 annually.

Purdue Northwest not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #1 on our Best Nursing Schools in Indiana list.

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#3

Purdue University - Main Campus

West Lafayette, Indiana
227 Total Awards
$28,794 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Purdue University - Main Campus. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Nursing Schools in Indiana list. Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, the large public school awarded 227 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Purdue undergraduate students pay an average of $28,794 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $19,291 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $358, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Purdue, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,430 during the early years of their career.

Purdue not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #4 on our Best Nursing Schools in Indiana list.

Full Purdue University - Main Campus Report

#4

Indiana University - Southeast

New Albany, Indiana
61 Total Awards
$20,934 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent programs at Indiana University - Southeast helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best value nursing schools in Indiana. This small public school is located in New Albany, Indiana, and it awarded 61 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Indiana University - Southeast are $20,934 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,692 in student loans.After graduating from Indiana University - Southeast, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,554 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Indiana University - Southeast

#5

Vincennes University

Vincennes, Indiana
160 Total Awards
$15,253 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Vincennes University is a great place for nursing students who want to get the most value for their educational dollar. Vincennes University is a public institution located in Vincennes, Indiana. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 160 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Vincennes University are $15,253 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,699 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $149, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Vincennes University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,687 during the early years of their career.

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#6

Ball State University

Muncie, Indiana
208 Total Awards
$27,524 Average Tuition & Fees

Ball State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #6 on the list. Located in Muncie, Indiana, the large public school handed out 208 degrees in 2020-2021.

Ball State undergraduate students pay an average of $27,524 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $23,205 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $267. During the early years of their career, Ball State graduates make an average of $42,329 annually.

Ball State also took the #5 spot in our Best Nursing Schools in Indiana rankings.

Read full report on Ball State University

#7

University of Southern Indiana

Evansville, Indiana
332 Total Awards
$21,812 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Southern Indiana ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in Indiana list. Located in Evansville, Indiana, the medium-sized public school awarded 332 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at USI are $21,812 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $22,145 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 $161 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, USI graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,819 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on University of Southern Indiana

#8

Indiana University - South Bend

South Bend, Indiana
87 Total Awards
$20,934 Average Tuition & Fees

Indiana University - South Bend landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value nursing programs. Indiana University - South Bend is a public institution located in South Bend, Indiana. The school has a small population, and it awarded 87 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Indiana University - South Bend are $20,934 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $24,591 in student debt by the time they complete 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.

Full Indiana University - South Bend Report

#9

Indiana University - Kokomo

Kokomo, Indiana
156 Total Awards
$20,934 Average Tuition & Fees

Indiana University - Kokomo ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in Indiana list. Indiana University - Kokomo is a small public school located in Kokomo, Indiana that handed out 156 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at IU Kokomo are $20,934 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $25,529 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. 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.

Read full report on Indiana University - Kokomo

#10

Indiana University - East

Richmond, Indiana
82 Total Awards
$20,934 Average Tuition & Fees

Indiana University - East came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools in Indiana ranking. Located in Richmond, Indiana, the small public school handed out 82 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at IU East are $20,934 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,870 in student loans.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.

Read full report on Indiana University - East

85 Total Awards
$20,934 Average Tuition & Fees

Indiana University - Northwest landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value nursing programs. Indiana University - Northwest is a small public school located in Gary, Indiana that handed out 85 degrees in 2020-2021.

IU Northwest undergraduate students pay an average of $20,934 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,008 in student loans.After graduating from IU Northwest, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,191 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Indiana University - Northwest

738 Total Awards
$32,101 Average Tuition & Fees

Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value nursing programs. Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis is a large public school located in Indianapolis, Indiana that handed out 738 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at IUPUI are $32,101 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $24,941 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 $173 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, IUPUI graduates make an average of $52,865 annually.

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816 Total Awards
$9,239 Average Tuition & Fees

Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value nursing programs. IWU is a private not-for-profit institution located in Marion, Indiana. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 816 degrees in 2020-2021.

IWU undergraduate students pay an average of $9,239 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $33,493 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $344, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.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 State University

Terre Haute, Indiana
283 Total Awards
$20,862 Average Tuition & Fees

Indiana State University ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in Indiana list. Terre Haute, Indiana is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 283 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Indiana State are $20,862 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $25,069 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $151, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Indiana State graduates make an average of $45,808 annually.

Read full report on Indiana State University

#15

Purdue University Global

Indianapolis, Indiana
1,207 Total Awards
$14,436 Average Tuition & Fees

Purdue University Global did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #15 on the list. Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, the large public school handed out 1,207 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Purdue University Global are $14,436 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $36,097 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $133, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Purdue University Global graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,154 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Purdue University Global

205 Total Awards
$33,390 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Saint Francis - Fort Wayne ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in Indiana list. Located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 205 degrees in 2020-2021.

University of St. Francis Fort Wayne undergraduate students pay an average of $33,390 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $31,657 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $290 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from University of St. Francis Fort Wayne, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $55,001 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on University of Saint Francis - Fort Wayne

#17

Bethel University - Mishawaka

Mishawaka, Indiana
51 Total Awards
$30,830 Average Tuition & Fees

Bethel University - Mishawaka landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value nursing programs. Bethel University - Mishawaka is a small private not-for-profit school located in Mishawaka, Indiana that handed out 51 degrees in 2020-2021.

Bethel University undergraduate students pay an average of $30,830 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,149 in student loans.After graduating from Bethel University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,447 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#18

Goshen College

Goshen, Indiana
61 Total Awards
$35,940 Average Tuition & Fees

Goshen College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools in Indiana ranking. Goshen, Indiana is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 61 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Goshen are $35,940 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $26,144 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Goshen graduates make an average of $73,422 annually.

Read More…

#18

Saint Mary's College

Notre Dame, Indiana
58 Total Awards
$48,010 Average Tuition & Fees

Saint Mary’s College ranked #18 on this year’s Best Value 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 58 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at St. Mary’s College are $48,010 a year. On average, students take out $23,729 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, St. Mary’s College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,893 during the early year of their career.

In addition to its best value ranking, and one of the reasons why the school is on the list, St. Mary’s College is ranked #3 for overall quality in Indiana.

Read More…

#20

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, Indiana
157 Total Awards
$44,796 Average Tuition & Fees

Valparaiso University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #20 on the list. Valparaiso, Indiana is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 157 students in 2020-2021.

Valpo undergraduate students pay an average of $44,796 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $26,241 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $261 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Valpo, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,875 during the early years of their career.

Full Valparaiso University Report

#21

Marian University

Indianapolis, Indiana
387 Total Awards
$36,600 Average Tuition & Fees

Marian University landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value nursing programs. Marian University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Indianapolis, Indiana that handed out 387 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Marian are $36,600 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $28,681 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 $192. During the early years of their career, Marian graduates make an average of $42,396 annually.

Read full report on Marian University

#22

University of Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana
212 Total Awards
$33,516 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Indianapolis came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools in Indiana ranking. UIndy is a private not-for-profit institution located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 212 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at UIndy are $33,516 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,903 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $309 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UIndy graduates make an average of $48,080 annually.

Read full report on University of Indianapolis

Best Value 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

  • 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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