Cheapest Religion/Religious Studies Colleges in Indiana

Indiana University-Indianapolis stands out among Indiana's 19 religion programs with its remarkably low $11,408 net price, making quality theological education accessible to students across economic backgrounds. The state's religious studies market spans from this affordable public option to premium private institutions reaching $38,472, creating opportunities for every budget. Indiana's strong healthcare sector, anchored by employers like Indiana University Health and major pharmaceutical companies, offers meaningful career paths for religion graduates interested in chaplaincy, ethics consultation, and spiritual care roles. Public universities dominate the most affordable tier, with Purdue University and IU-Bloomington both maintaining net costs below $16,000 while delivering graduation rates above 80 percent. The 21st Century Scholars program further reduces barriers for qualifying Indiana residents, making religious studies education even more attainable.

Programs

$11,408 – $38,472

Net Price Range

$31,127

Avg. Program Earnings

63.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Religion/Religious Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Indiana University-Indianapolis Indianapolis, Indiana	$11,408	$10,449	53.9%	82.9%
2	Oakland City University Oakland City, Indiana	$12,820	$27,150	70.0%	55.7%
3	Huntington University Huntington, Indiana	$13,710	$29,982	68.2%	77.5%
4	Martin University Indianapolis, Indiana	$13,879	$12,830	33.3%
5	Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, Indiana	$13,945	$9,992	83.1%	52.7%
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	University of Indianapolis Indianapolis, Indiana	$18,748	$36,136	55.8%	76.1%
9	Manchester University North Manchester, Indiana	$19,268	$37,090	44.8%	66.4%
10	Calumet College of Saint Joseph Whiting, Indiana	$20,739	$22,650	29.9%
11	Wabash College Crawfordsville, Indiana	$21,906	$49,125	77.1%	61.5%
12	Anderson University Anderson, Indiana	$22,144	$35,640	49.4%	51.8%
13	Franklin College Franklin, Indiana	$22,762	$37,350	63.4%	92.9%
14	Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Marion, Indiana	$23,069	$31,168	66.3%	86.7%
15	Marian University Indianapolis, Indiana	$23,594	$39,100	60.9%	93.8%
16	Earlham College Richmond, Indiana	$24,516	$51,840	67.9%	73.2%
17	DePauw University Greencastle, Indiana	$24,546	$57,070	80.0%	65.8%
18	Saint Mary's College Notre Dame, Indiana	$28,552	$51,430	76.5%	83.9%
19	Butler University Indianapolis, Indiana	$38,472	$45,980	80.2%	82.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Indiana University-Indianapolis the most affordable option for religious studies?

IU-Indianapolis offers the lowest net price at $11,408 among all 19 Indiana religious studies programs. The university's public funding structure and Indianapolis location provide access to internships and service opportunities in the state's largest metropolitan area. With an 82.89% acceptance rate, the program welcomes students from various academic backgrounds while maintaining quality education standards.

How do public and private religious studies programs compare in cost?

Public universities in Indiana average significantly lower net costs, with three of the top five most affordable programs being public institutions. IU-Indianapolis leads at $11,408, followed by Oakland City University at $12,820 as the most affordable private option. The gap widens considerably, with some private programs reaching over $23,000 in net costs while maintaining similar career outcomes.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Indiana religious studies?

Higher-priced programs often show stronger graduation rates, though exceptions exist across the spectrum. Purdue University combines affordability with an impressive 83.1% graduation rate at $13,945 net cost. Meanwhile, some higher-cost private institutions like Martin University show significantly lower completion rates at 33.3%, demonstrating that price doesn't always guarantee success.

What career opportunities exist for religious studies graduates in Indiana?

Indiana's healthcare sector offers substantial opportunities for religious studies graduates, particularly in chaplaincy and spiritual care roles at major health systems. The state's manufacturing base, including companies like Eli Lilly and Cummins, increasingly values ethics and diversity professionals with religious studies backgrounds. Graduates earn around $31,127 annually, with additional growth potential in nonprofit leadership and community service organizations throughout the state.

More Religion/Religious Studies 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.