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Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn $101,253 annually, the highest among Indiana's 53 small colleges, reflecting the state's strong engineering and manufacturing sectors. The Hoosier State's compact college market spans from highly selective institutions like Trine University's regional campuses with 24.4% acceptance rates to open-access schools serving 100% of applicants. Net prices range dramatically from $6,276 to $40,665, while graduation rates vary from 34.7% at Vincennes University to perfect 100% completion rates at specialized programs. Indiana's 21st Century Scholars program helps bridge affordability gaps for qualifying students. Major employers like Eli Lilly and Cummins create strong demand for graduates in healthcare, engineering, and business fields. Small colleges here serve 845 students at intimate Wabash College to larger institutions approaching 5,000 enrollment. The state's mix includes technical institutes, liberal arts colleges, and specialized schools like Mid-America College of Funeral Service. Butler University combines academic quality with Indianapolis proximity, while schools like Oakland City University offer affordable options at $12,820 net price. Aviation Institute of Maintenance targets Indiana's aerospace sector, graduating 59.1% of students into $42,759 average earnings.
50
Schools
$21,581
Avg. Net Price
$52,304
Avg. Earnings
57.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in Indiana

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 273 $21,976 100.0% 24.4%
2 177 $36,219 100.0% 100.0%
3 2,224 $40,665 81.7% 73.0%
4 4,383 $38,472 80.2% 82.1%
5 845 $21,906 77.1% 61.5%
6 160 $30,293 59.1%
7 470 $12,820 70.0% 55.7%
8 337 $25,456 55.7%
9 1,804 $24,546 80.0% 65.8%
10 145 $14,989 69.1% 71.8%
11 1,890 $24,327 76.6% 74.6%
12 3,739 $10,215 34.7%
13 1,927 $23,069 66.3% 86.7%
14 2,446 $9,082 45.4% 77.6%
15 1,016 $13,710 68.2% 77.5%
16 2,308 $6,276 44.7% 85.8%
17 1,477 $20,230 71.3% 76.3%
18 1,511 $18,406 69.9% 84.6%
19 1,070 $22,144 49.4% 51.8%
20 2,344 $25,580 67.6% 91.9%
21 1,399 $28,552 76.5% 83.9%
22 58
23 958 $21,826 63.6% 74.1%
24 3,147 $18,748 55.8% 76.1%
25 560 $20,739 29.9%
26 2,582 $5,970 36.9% 80.3%
27 1,034 $26,584 63.5%
28 265 $28,374 30.8%
29 2,229 $21,583 67.0% 94.2%
30 872 $22,762 63.4% 92.9%
31 3,088 $8,257 33.4% 85.2%
32 2,336 $23,594 60.9% 93.8%
33 3,807 $8,364 35.7% 86.9%
34 612 $24,516 67.9% 73.2%
35 1,599 $20,361 60.7% 98.1%
36 895 $19,268 44.8% 66.4%
37 1,004 $29,530 52.9%
38 164 $13,879 33.3%
39 761 $15,725 60.5% 93.5%
40 896 $43,465 52.3% 78.2%
41 2,446 $19,086
42 1,069 $19,726 57.2% 99.5%
43 1,361 $21,318 31.4% 64.7%
44 183 $41,410
45 124 $23,193 53.6%
46 533 $26,470 29.5% 76.2%
47 189 $17,866 62.7%
48 217 $25,172 95.2%
49 155 $7,187 36.4% 89.1%
50 114 $13,539 28.6% 100.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology stand out among Indiana small colleges?

Rose-Hulman graduates earn $101,253 annually, nearly $24,000 more than Butler University's $77,235. The Terre Haute engineering school maintains an 81.7% graduation rate with 73% acceptance rate, serving 2,224 students. Its focus on STEM fields aligns perfectly with Indiana's manufacturing base including Cummins and other major employers.

How affordable are Indiana's smallest colleges compared to larger institutions?

Net prices span $6,276 to $40,665 among the state's 53 small colleges. Vincennes University costs just $10,215 annually while serving 3,739 students. Indiana University-East offers another budget option at $9,082. The 21st Century Scholars program covers full tuition for qualifying Indiana residents at participating schools.

Is Wabash College worth the investment for male students?

Wabash College graduates earn $69,952 annually, ranking among the top earnings despite serving only 845 students in Crawfordsville. The men's college maintains a 77.1% graduation rate with 61.5% acceptance rate. At $21,906 net price, it offers strong return on investment for liberal arts education in a small setting.

Does Indiana offer specialized career training at small colleges?

Aviation Institute of Maintenance graduates 59.1% of its 160 students into $42,759 average earnings in Indianapolis. Mid-America College of Funeral Service in Jeffersonville serves 337 students with 55.7% graduation rates and $44,505 earnings. Both target specific Indiana industries with hands-on training programs.

Where can students find the highest graduation rates among small Indiana colleges?

Trine University's regional campuses and Chamberlain University both achieve 100% graduation rates, though serving different populations. Trine's Angola campus enrolls 273 students with highly selective 24.4% admissions. Rose-Hulman follows at 81.7% graduation rate, while DePauw University maintains 80% completion among 1,804 students.

What job opportunities connect Indiana small college graduates to state employers?

Butler University's Indianapolis location provides direct access to Eli Lilly pharmaceutical opportunities, with graduates earning $77,235 annually. Engineering programs at Rose-Hulman and Trine connect to manufacturing giants like Cummins. Healthcare programs at Chamberlain lead to $92,405 earnings, reflecting Indiana's growing medical sector.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.