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Notre Dame commands attention with a 96.8% graduation rate and $99,980 median earnings, yet Indiana's suburban college market reveals surprising variety beyond this Catholic powerhouse. Mid-America College of Funeral Service in Jeffersonville graduates students earning $44,505 in a specialized field serving the region's aging population. The state's 21st Century Scholars program makes education accessible at schools like Indiana University-Northwest, where students pay just $5,970 net price. Manufacturing giants like Cummins and healthcare leaders including Eli Lilly create demand for graduates across disciplines. Acceptance rates span from Notre Dame's selective 12.9% to University of Southern Indiana's open 94.4%, reflecting different missions within Indiana's suburban communities. Regional campuses of major universities provide affordable pathways, while specialized institutions like College of Court Reporting train students for niche careers. The graduation rate variance from 29.5% to 96.8% often correlates with institutional support systems and student preparation levels.
16
Schools
$19,654
Avg. Net Price
$53,342
Avg. Earnings
52.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Suburban Colleges in Indiana

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Suburb-Large 8,923 $27,823 96.8%
2 Suburb-Large 337 $25,456 55.7%
3 Suburb-Large 5,786 $8,463 44.0%
4 Suburb-Midsize 5,344 $12,621 52.0%
5 Suburb-Large 1,399 $28,552 76.5%
6 Suburb-Large 58
7 Suburb-Large 560 $20,739 29.9%
8 Suburb-Large 2,582 $5,970 36.9%
9 Suburb-Small 2,229 $21,583 67.0%
10 Suburb-Large 872 $22,762 63.4%
11 Suburb-Large 3,088 $8,257 33.4%
12 Suburb-Small 183 $41,410
13 Suburb-Large 533 $26,470 29.5%
14 Suburb-Large 189 $17,866 62.7%
15 Suburb-Large 155 $7,187 36.4%
16 Suburb-Large 76

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Notre Dame stand out among Indiana's suburban colleges?

Notre Dame achieves a 96.8% graduation rate with graduates earning $99,980 median salary, the highest in the state. The university accepts only 12.9% of applicants, making it highly selective. With 8,923 students and a net price of $27,823, it offers substantial financial aid despite its elite status.

How affordable are Indiana's suburban colleges for residents?

Net prices range from $5,970 at Indiana University-Northwest to $41,410 at College of Court Reporting. The 21st Century Scholars program covers full tuition for eligible Indiana students. Public regional campuses like IU-Southeast cost $8,257, while private colleges average around $22,000-$28,000.

Where do graduates find employment opportunities in Indiana?

Indiana's economy centers on manufacturing with Cummins and healthcare through Eli Lilly. Graduates earn between $30,337 and $99,980 depending on their field. Specialized programs like funeral service and court reporting prepare students for specific regional needs, while broader degrees serve the state's industrial base.

Is admission competitive at Indiana's suburban colleges?

Acceptance rates vary dramatically from Notre Dame's selective 12.9% to University of Southern Indiana's open 94.4%. Most regional campuses accept 70-90% of applicants, providing accessible higher education. Valparaiso University admits 94.1% despite maintaining a 67% graduation rate.

Does graduation rate correlate with school size in Indiana?

Small specialized schools show mixed results. Mid-America College of Funeral Service enrolls just 337 students with a 55.7% graduation rate, while tiny Horizon University with 58 students achieves strong outcomes. Larger regional campuses like Purdue Northwest struggle with 44% graduation rates despite serving 5,786 students.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.