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The University of Notre Dame commands attention among Indiana's 9 Catholic colleges with a 96.8% graduation rate and $99,980 median earnings, yet accepts just 12.9% of applicants. This selectivity contrasts sharply with neighbors like University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne, which accepts 98.1% of students while maintaining solid career outcomes at $55,362 median earnings. Indiana's Catholic institutions span from $20,361 to $43,465 in net costs, reflecting varied approaches to affordability. The state's 21st Century Scholars program covers full tuition for qualifying students, making these faith-based educations more accessible. With major employers like Eli Lilly and Cummins driving Indiana's economy, these colleges prepare graduates for careers in manufacturing, healthcare, and beyond. Saint Mary's College demonstrates strong women's education outcomes with 76.5% graduation rates, while smaller institutions like Calumet College of Saint Joseph serve working adults in industrial regions near Chicago.
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Schools
$27,022
Avg. Net Price
$59,178
Avg. Earnings
58.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Catholic Colleges in Indiana

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 8,923 $27,823 96.8% 12.9%
2 1,399 $28,552 76.5% 83.9%
3 560 $20,739 29.9%
4 2,336 $23,594 60.9% 93.8%
5 1,599 $20,361 60.7% 98.1%
6 896 $43,465 52.3% 78.2%
7 533 $26,470 29.5% 76.2%
8 217 $25,172 95.2%
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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Notre Dame different from other Catholic colleges in Indiana?

Notre Dame accepts only 12.9% of applicants compared to the state average of over 80% for Catholic colleges. Graduates earn $99,980 median salary, nearly double other Catholic institutions in Indiana. The 8,923-student university maintains a 96.8% graduation rate.

How affordable are Indiana's Catholic colleges compared to national averages?

Net costs range from $20,361 at University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne to $43,465 at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. The 21st Century Scholars program covers full tuition for qualifying Indiana residents, making Catholic education accessible for low-income students.

Does size affect graduation rates at these Catholic institutions?

Smaller colleges show mixed results. Holy Cross College enrolls just 533 students but graduates only 29.5%, while Saint Mary's College with 1,399 students achieves 76.5% graduation rates. Size alone doesn't determine success at Catholic colleges.

What career outcomes do Catholic college graduates achieve in Indiana?

Median earnings span $43,845 to $99,980, with most graduates earning between $50,000-$60,000 annually. Indiana's strong manufacturing and healthcare sectors, including employers like Eli Lilly and Cummins, provide career opportunities for Catholic college graduates statewide.

Where do Indiana's Catholic colleges concentrate geographically?

Three colleges cluster in Notre Dame, including the flagship university, Saint Mary's College, and Holy Cross College. Others spread across Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and smaller communities, serving both urban and rural Catholic populations throughout Indiana.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.