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Notre Dame stands apart among Indiana's Division I colleges with a 96.8% graduation rate and median earnings of $99,980, yet admits just 12.9% of applicants. This selectivity contrasts sharply with the state's public options, where Indiana University-Bloomington welcomes 82.4% of students at $15,342 net cost and Purdue's West Lafayette campus accepts 52.7% while delivering $72,424 in graduate earnings. The variation extends beyond academics to affordability, with Butler University costing $38,472 compared to Indiana University-Indianapolis at $11,408. These differences matter in a state where manufacturing giants like Cummins and pharmaceutical leader Eli Lilly create demand for engineering and science graduates. Indiana's 21st Century Scholars program covers full tuition for qualifying students, making even private institutions more accessible. The ten Division I schools range from Purdue Fort Wayne's 32.5% graduation rate to Notre Dame's near-perfect completion record, reflecting how institutional mission shapes student outcomes. With acceptance rates spanning from Notre Dame's competitive 12.9% to Valparaiso's open 94.2%, students find options matching varied preparation levels while staying connected to Indiana's growing healthcare and advanced manufacturing sectors.
10
Schools
$18,840
Avg. Net Price
$63,163
Avg. Earnings
67.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division I Colleges in Indiana

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 8,923 $27,823 96.8% 12.9%
2 39,637 $13,945 83.1% 52.7%
3 36,571 $15,342 81.2% 82.4%
4 13,770 $15,898 63.3% 69.0%
5 4,383 $38,472 80.2% 82.1%
6 16,582 $11,408 53.9% 82.9%
7 1,477 $20,230 71.3% 76.3%
8 6,620 $12,188 41.1% 92.3%
9 2,229 $21,583 67.0% 94.2%
10 5,450 $11,513 32.5% 80.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Notre Dame different from other Indiana Division I colleges?

Notre Dame combines the highest graduation rate at 96.8% with top earnings of $99,980, but admits only 12.9% of applicants. This creates a much more selective environment compared to Indiana's public universities, which typically accept 70-90% of students while maintaining strong outcomes in their own right.

How do costs vary between Indiana's Division I schools?

Net prices range from $11,408 at Indiana University-Indianapolis to $38,472 at Butler University. Public options like Purdue ($13,945) and IU-Bloomington ($15,342) fall in the middle, while Indiana's 21st Century Scholars program can eliminate tuition costs entirely for qualifying residents.

Is Purdue University worth the higher acceptance rate compared to other engineering schools?

Purdue accepts 52.7% of applicants while delivering $72,424 in median graduate earnings, making it more accessible than Notre Dame but still selective. With 39,637 students, it offers extensive research opportunities and strong connections to Indiana's manufacturing sector, including companies like Cummins.

Does school size affect graduation rates among Indiana Division I colleges?

Smaller schools show mixed results. Notre Dame (8,923 students) achieves 96.8% graduation rates, while tiny University of Evansville (1,477 students) reaches 71.3%. Large Purdue (39,637 students) maintains 83.1%, suggesting institutional support matters more than enrollment size.

Where do Indiana Division I graduates earn the most after college?

Notre Dame leads at $99,980 median earnings, followed by Butler at $77,235 and Purdue at $72,424. Even mid-tier options like Ball State produce $51,833 earners. These figures reflect Indiana's strong job market in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology sectors.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.