Best Nursing Schools in Indiana in 2024 (Online & On-Campus)

The demand for nurses has never been higher. In May 2011, the median salary for a registered nurse employed in a hospital was $33.56 per hour. At the doctorate level, the average DNP nurse’s salary in most states is approximately $150,000 per year.

The Baby Boomer generation is now retiring, leaving a huge gap and huge shoes to fill. More and more nursing positions are opening every day in a variety of clinical settings and hospitals, and they need you!

However, finding the right nursing program is difficult. There are hundreds of schools to choose from in the United States, and finding the perfect one isn’t an easy task. There are so many options with so many aspects it can feel impossible to choose. That’s why we’ve helped to narrow down your search to find you the perfect fit! We’ve made the Top Nursing Schools in Indiana so you can hand-pick the elements you’re looking for without all of the research.

Keep in mind every school has admission requirements so it would be worth checking each school as you come to your decision. Common requirements are a 3.0 average GPA, or a “B” grade in mathematics and chemistry. Make sure you know what each school expects before applying.

List of the Best Nursing Schools in Indiana

1. Purdue University

Purdue University offers unique and fulfilling nursing programs. Through advanced research and evidence-based care, students will be taught to deliver quality healthcare around the world.

• Tuition: $10,002
• Acceptance Rate: 59%
• Graduation Rate: 73%
• RN to BSN degree
• RN to MSN degree
• MSN degree
• DNP degree
• PhD degree

2. Marian University

Marian University offers several pathways to a BSN degree for all kinds of students. Through cutting-edge technology and hands-on learning, students will gain an exceptional education to quality healthcare.

• Tuition: $30,500
• Acceptance Rate: 56%
• Graduation Rate: 54%
• Online RN to BSN degree
• ABSN degree
• Traditional BSN degree

3. Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University teaches their students to be adaptive and visionary as well as strong clinicians to create the best health care professionals in the field today.

• Tuition: $36,160
• Acceptance Rate: 81.9%
• Graduation Rate: 67%
• BSN degree
• MSN degree

4. University of Indianapolis

The University of Indianapolis takes pride in its thorough nursing programs. With experienced faculty and high testing rates, students can expect to receive revolutionary education that will improve themselves and the healthcare field.

• Tuition: $26,290
• Acceptance Rate: 73.4%
• Graduation Rate: 52%
• BSN degree
• MSN degree
• Accelerated programs available

5. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis has some of the oldest nursing programs in the state. Whether you’re just starting, already have your associates degree, or are looking for graduate school, IUPUI will be sure to have a program for you.

• Tuition: $9,056
• Acceptance Rate: 69.7%
• Graduation Rate: 44.7%
• RN to BSN degree
• Traditional BSN degree
• MSN degree
• DNP degree
• PhD degree

6. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University offers an education by experienced faculty by combining hard facts and hands-on learning experiences. Combine learning with the promoted Christ-like kindness, and students will be on their way to changing the world.

• Tuition: $24,728
• Acceptance Rate: 95%
• Graduation Rate: 65%
• BSN degree
• RN to BSN degree
• MSN degree
• DNP degree

7. Ball State University

At Ball State University, students will get to practice what they learn in the classroom in a simulation lab on live volunteers. The settings include hospitals or a care clinic.

• Tuition: $9,498
• Acceptance Rate: 60.5%
• Graduation Rate: 59.9%
• BSN program
• MSN program

8. Bethel College

Bethel College combines a faith-based practice with a patient-centered curriculum to teach students the art of healing in the real world.

• Tuition: $27,580
• Acceptance Rate: 66.5%
• Graduation Rate: 69.8%
• ADN degree
• Online RN to BSN degree
• BSN degree
• MSN degree

9. Indiana University – Bloomington

Indiana University at Bloomington prides itself on its world-class faculty and state-of-the-art clinics. Through cutting-edge technology and hands-on learning, students will exceed all workforce expectations.

• Tuition: $10,388
• Acceptance Rate: 78%
• Graduation Rate: 77.8%
• Traditional BSN degree
• RN to BSN degree
• Accelerated BSN degree

10. Goshen College

Goshen College understands nursing is about holistic care for patients. Through compassionate and sensitive faculty, students will be taught in various clinical settings close to campus.

• Tuition: $30,900
• Acceptance Rate: 65.9%
• Graduation Rate: 72%
• BSN degree
• MSN degree
• DNP degree

11. University of Saint Francis

University of Saint Francis offers a unique learning experience by combining care with Franciscan values. Saint Francis offers one of the widest selections of nursing programs.

• Tuition: $27,220
• Acceptance Rate: 95%
• Graduation Rate: 51%
• ASN degree
• LPN to ASN program
• BSN degree
• RN to BSN program
• MSN degree
• RN to MSN program
• BSN to DNP program

12. University of Evansville

University of Evansville offers unique and fulfilling nursing degrees in Indiana. Students will be taught critical thinking, judgment, and holistic care in a variety of settings as they provide quality health care.

• Tuition: $32,946
• Acceptance Rate: 69.7%
• Graduation Rate: 64.8%
• RN to BSN program
• BSN degree

13. Saint Mary’s College

Saint Mary’s College offers a DNP nursing program. Students will be given rigorous coursework and clinical instruction to prepare them to work in a variety of settings all over the country.

• Tuition: $37,400
• Acceptance Rate: 80%
• Graduation Rate: 81%
• DNP degree

14. Anderson University

Anderson University is a Christian college in Indiana. Students are given modern instruction by experienced faculty combined with Christian values to create some of the best health care professionals in the field.

• Tuition: $27,690
• Acceptance Rate: 59.6%
• Graduation Rate: 62.8%
• Accelerated BSN degree
• Traditional BSN degree

15. Huntington University

Huntington University is another Christian institution in Indiana. Huntington offers a broad curriculum mixed with Christian principles to achieve academic excellence and Christ-like faith.

• Tuition: $24,822
• Acceptance Rate: 83.9%
• Graduation Rate: 58.9%
• RN to BSN degree
• BSN degree

16. Bethel University – Mishawaka

Bethel University in Mishawaka prepares students with leadership skills and a thorough education so they can serve in healthcare settings around the world with Christ-like compassion.

• Tuition: $26,590
• Acceptance Rate: 66.5%
• Graduation Rate: 69.8%
• ADN degree
• BSN degree
• MSN degree
• RN to BSN degree
• RN to MSN degree

17. University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana offers extensive clinical experience and a broad curriculum to students seeking to become nurses in the healthcare world.

• Tuition: $7,178
• Acceptance Rate: 69%
• Graduation Rate: 40.7%
• BSN degree
• RN to BSN degree
• MSN degree
• DNP degree

18. Indiana University – East

Indiana University – East offers excellent nursing programs. With a creative curriculum that teaches students well-developed problem-solving skills when it comes to caring for individuals, families, and the community.

• Tuition: $6,930
• Acceptance Rate: 62%
• Graduation Rate: 26.8%
• BSN degree
• RN to BSN degree (offered online)
• MSN degree

19. Indiana University – South Bend

Indiana University – Southbend is training nurses to think critically, be culturally sensitive, be an effective communicator and collaborator, and has extensive knowledge of the healthcare field.

• Tuition: $6,986
• Acceptance Rate: 76%
• Graduation Rate: 27%
• BSN degree
• RN to BSN degree
• MSN degree

20. Indiana State University

Indiana State University has been offering exceptional nursing programs since 1963. With invested faculty and state-of-the-art courses, students can expect the best from Indiana State.

• Tuition: $8,580
• Acceptance Rate: 85.5%
• Graduation Rate: 40%
• Traditional BSN degree
• Accelerated BSN degree
• MSN degree
• DNP degree
• FNP degree

21. Indiana University – Southeast

Indiana University – Southeast offers unique and exciting nursing programs. Through cutting-edge technology and clinical simulations, students can expect the receive the knowledge and skills they need in the healthcare field.

• Tuition: $6,949
• Acceptance Rate: 84.6%
• Graduation Rate: 32%
• BSN degree
• RN to BSN degree
• MSN degree

22. Indiana University – Kokomo

Indiana University at Kokomo offers some intriguing and interesting nursing programs. Through skills, simulation, and study abroad programs, students will learn to heal the mind, body, and soul of their patients.

• Tuition: $6,941
• Acceptance Rate: 71%
• Graduation Rate: 29%
• Traditional BSN degree
• RN to BSN degree
• MSN degree
• MSN-FNP degree

23. Indiana University – Northwest

Indiana University – Northwest offers a variety of nursing programs to students in all walks of life. Students will have the opportunity to use state-of-the-art simulation labs coupled with supervised clinical experiences to accompany their education.

• Tuition: $6,963
• Acceptance Rate: 79%
• Graduation Rate: 32.7%
• BSN degree
• RN to BSN degree
• MSN-FNP degree

24. Vincennes University

Vincennes University is an excellent school for nursing. With caring faculty, cutting-edge technology, and a modern, state-of-the-art curriculum, students can expect the best education at Vincennes.

• Tuition: $5,270
• Acceptance Rate: unknown
• Graduation Rate: 30.8%
• ASN degree
• BSN degree
• LPN program

25. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is a Catholic college with values in justice and caring. Faith coupled with a rigorous curriculum and advanced technology will give students the best nursing experience there is.

• Tuition: $28,932
• Acceptance Rate: 59%
• Graduation Rate: 14.5%
• BSN degree
• RN to BSN degree

26. Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College is dedicated to giving their students a top-notch education. Students will care for real patients in a variety of clinical settings and simulations.

• Tuition: $3,354
• Acceptance Rate: unknown
• Graduation Rate: 9%
• ASN degree
• LPN program

 

Ranking Methodology

Schools on this list were ranked mostly by NCLEX-RN pass rates, with other quality-indicating factors such as total enrollment, tuition, and acceptance rate slightly affecting the rankings to push the higher-quality schools toward the top. See our methodology page for more detail.