Cheapest Education Colleges in Indiana

Purdue University Northwest delivers the state's most affordable education degree at just $8,463 net cost, while graduates earn $41,342 annually. This creates an unusual pattern where the cheapest program produces the highest-earning graduates. Indiana's teacher shortage has prompted districts to partner with universities for alternative certification pathways, benefiting from major employers like Eli Lilly and Indiana University Health that support educational initiatives through corporate partnerships. The 12 programs span from $8,463 to $25,580, with private colleges averaging $20,000 more than public options yet showing mixed graduation outcomes.

Programs

$8,463 – $25,580

Net Price Range

$31,767

Avg. Program Earnings

63.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Education, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Purdue University Northwest Hammond, Indiana	$8,463	$8,419	44.0%	72.8%
2	Huntington University Huntington, Indiana	$13,710	$29,982	68.2%	77.5%
3	Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, Indiana	$13,945	$9,992	83.1%	52.7%
4	Goshen College Goshen, Indiana	$15,725	$37,760	60.5%	93.5%
5	Manchester University North Manchester, Indiana	$19,268	$37,090	44.8%	66.4%
6	University of Evansville Evansville, Indiana	$20,230	$42,676	71.3%	76.3%
7	University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, Indiana	$20,361	$35,420	60.7%	98.1%
8	Anderson University Anderson, Indiana	$22,144	$35,640	49.4%	51.8%
9	Marian University Indianapolis, Indiana	$23,594	$39,100	60.9%	93.8%
10	Taylor University Upland, Indiana	$24,327	$39,104	76.6%	74.6%
11	DePauw University Greencastle, Indiana	$24,546	$57,070	80.0%	65.8%
12	Trine University Angola, Indiana	$25,580	$35,600	67.6%	91.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Purdue Northwest's education program strong for the cost?

At $8,463 net cost, Purdue Northwest graduates earn $41,342 annually, creating the best return on investment among Indiana education programs. The 44% graduation rate reflects the working adult population it serves in the industrial Hammond area.

How do private college costs compare to outcomes in Indiana education programs?

Private colleges average $20,000 more than public options, with Taylor University at $24,327 achieving 76.6% graduation rates. However, DePauw University graduates earn just $22,192 despite the $24,546 net cost, showing mixed value propositions.

Is Purdue's main campus worth the higher cost for education majors?

Purdue's main campus costs $13,945 net with an 83.1% graduation rate, significantly higher than other programs. The West Lafayette location provides access to the state's premier education research facilities and student teaching placements.

Where do Indiana education graduates find the best job opportunities?

Indiana's teacher shortage creates immediate opportunities, while healthcare employers like Indiana University Health hire education graduates for training roles. The 21st Century Scholars program helps qualifying students access these programs tuition-free at public universities.

More Education, General Rankings

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.