Cheapest Engineering Colleges in Indiana

Indiana University-South Bend offers the state's most affordable engineering program at just $8,364 net cost, making quality technical education accessible to students across northern Indiana. The $32,301 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options reflects Indiana's split between accessible public universities and specialized private institutions. With major employers like Cummins Engine and Eli Lilly driving demand for engineering talent, graduates enter a job market where manufacturing and pharmaceutical companies actively recruit from Indiana schools. The 21st Century Scholars program further reduces costs for qualifying students, while acceptance rates above 80% at most schools ensure broad access to engineering education.

Programs

$8,364 – $40,665

Net Price Range

$64,087

Avg. Program Earnings

58.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Engineering, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Indiana University-South Bend South Bend, Indiana	$8,364	$8,179	35.7%	86.9%
2	Indiana University-Indianapolis Indianapolis, Indiana	$11,408	$10,449	53.9%	82.9%
3	Purdue University Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, Indiana	$11,513	$9,254	32.5%	80.7%
4	Indiana State University Terre Haute, Indiana	$12,188	$9,992	41.1%	92.3%
5	University of Southern Indiana Evansville, Indiana	$12,621	$10,136	52.0%	94.4%
6	Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington, Indiana	$15,342	$11,790	81.2%	82.4%
7	Ball State University Muncie, Indiana	$15,898	$10,758	63.3%	69.0%
8	Manchester University North Manchester, Indiana	$19,268	$37,090	44.8%	66.4%
9	Bethel University Mishawaka, Indiana	$19,726	$33,320	57.2%	99.5%
10	Hanover College Hanover, Indiana	$21,826	$42,894	63.6%	74.1%
11	Taylor University Upland, Indiana	$24,327	$39,104	76.6%	74.6%
12	DePauw University Greencastle, Indiana	$24,546	$57,070	80.0%	65.8%
13	Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Terre Haute, Indiana	$40,665	$56,674	81.7%	73.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Indiana University-South Bend so much cheaper than other engineering programs?

As a public regional campus, IU-South Bend operates with lower overhead costs and receives state funding that keeps tuition affordable. The $8,364 net cost represents significant savings compared to flagship campuses, though the 35.7% graduation rate suggests students should carefully consider support services and program completion rates.

How do acceptance rates affect engineering program accessibility in Indiana?

Most Indiana engineering programs maintain acceptance rates above 80%, with Indiana State University accepting 92.3% of applicants. Only Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and DePauw University have more selective admission processes, reflecting their specialized focus and higher costs.

Is the $40,665 cost at Rose-Hulman worth the investment?

Rose-Hulman's 81.7% graduation rate ranks among the highest in the state, suggesting strong student support and program quality. The significant cost premium reflects its specialized engineering focus and small class sizes, though students should weigh this against more affordable public options.

Does Indiana's manufacturing economy provide good job prospects for engineering graduates?

Indiana's economy relies heavily on manufacturing and healthcare, with companies like Cummins and Eli Lilly providing engineering career paths. The state's automotive and pharmaceutical industries create steady demand for engineering graduates, particularly in mechanical and chemical engineering specializations.

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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.