Updated: Sep 13, 2023, 12:15pm
From the heart of the Hoosier State to its far-reaching corners spanning Muncie and Terre Haute, colleges throughout Indiana offer an impressive selection of bachelor’s degree programs that can be completed anytime, anywhere. Online colleges in Indiana encompass a broad spectrum of academic disciplines, preparing students for careers in business, healthcare, education, technology and the humanities, to name a few.
The rising popularity of distance learning has eliminated many hurdles limiting access to higher education, allowing student learners to attend top-tier institutions and learn from expert faculty without having to uproot their lives. Whether you’re an Indiana resident or an out-of-state student eyeing a program at a Indiana-based school, online college can help you achieve your educational goals.
In this article, we overview 10 of the best online colleges in Indiana, including tips and tricks for getting the most out of an online education.
Our Methodology
Best Indiana Online Colleges
Should You Enroll in an Online College in Indiana?
Enrolling in an online college in Indiana can provide a flexible, convenient way to earn a bachelor’s degree, but you should consider a few key factors before committing to an online program. Ask yourself the following questions to help with the decision-making process:
- What’s your budget? Distance learning can be a cost-effective way to earn a degree without incurring excessive expenses. While some colleges offer tuition deals to online learners, such as reduced rates or in-state prices for out-of-state students, costs still vary considerably by institution. Research tuition rates and financial aid opportunities before deciding on a school.
- How do you prefer to learn? There are slight variations in delivery formats for online programs, catering to diverse learning preferences and schedules. Fully online, asynchronous models provide the most flexibility to working professionals, but they also require a high level of self-motivation. Hybrid and synchronous formats involve more rigid schedules but offer more face time and interaction with peers and instructors.
- What programs does the school offer? Some schools provide a broad selection of online degrees, while others only offer a handful of degrees in core subjects. Confirm that your prospective school delivers your desired degree online with a curriculum that aligns with your academic interests and career goals.
- Is the school accredited? Ensure your prospective school holds institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Accreditation validates the quality of a higher education institution to other schools and employers. We’ll elaborate on the importance of accreditation below.
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Accreditation for Online Colleges in Indiana
Online colleges and universities can pursue accreditation on two levels: institutional and programmatic. Many accrediting agencies exist; most reputable accreditors hold recognition from CHEA or ED. Below we break down the importance of accreditation at each level.
Institutional Accreditation
Institutional accreditation is a voluntary yet rigorous quality assurance process that determines whether an institution’s academic and organizational structures meet established standards. Institutional accreditation not only ensures the quality of your education, but also provides the following benefits:
- Seamless credit transfer: Most higher education institutions only accept transfer credits from accredited schools.
- Meet grad school requirements: Holding an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university is a prerequisite for many graduate programs.
- Qualifying for federal financial aid: Being enrolled at an accredited institution is an eligibility requirement for federal student aid programs.
To find out if a school is accredited, you can check its official website or search CHEA’s directory.
Programmatic Accreditation
Programmatic accreditation verifies the quality of specific academic departments and programs within an accredited institution, ensuring they meet industry-specific standards. While programmatic accreditation is not relevant for all disciplines, many fields—such as business, engineering, counseling, psychology, nursing and education—require or highly encourage it.
Holding a degree from a programmatically accredited institution is especially crucial for students pursuing majors or career paths with specific licensing requirements.
How To Find the Right Indiana Online College for You
Consider Your Future Goals
Finding the right Indiana online college for you can be tricky given the plethora of options available. Before enrolling in any school or program, make sure to consider your academic interests and professional goals.
Degree offerings and curricula can vary considerably among schools; it’s important to find an online degree program that aligns with your future plans. Assessing factors such as course availability, concentration offerings and accreditation can help you make an informed decision.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Online college expenses can widely vary depending on several factors, including whether you enroll in a public or private institution or on a part- or full-time basis. The average annual tuition for the schools in our ranking is around $14,900. For comparison, the National Center for Education Statistics reports that the average cost of undergraduate tuition and fees at a public university is around $9,375 per year, while private schools average about $32,800.
Several financing options exist for online college students. Submitting the FAFSA is the first step to determining your eligibility for federal student aid. Additional financing avenues include the following:
- Private loans
- Grants
- Work-study programs
- Scholarships
These options are worth looking into as they cater to diverse financial circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Colleges in Indiana
What colleges offer online classes in Indiana?
Several colleges and universities offer online classes and degree programs in Indiana. Every school featured in our ranking offers online courses and degree programs across a wide variety of disciplines.
Are online college degrees respected?
Online college degrees are generally respected by employers and educational institutions. The curricula, rigor and quality of online degree programs is often comparable to traditional on-campus education. Attending an accredited institution ensures your degree is recognized by other educational institutions and prospective employers.