DEGREES

Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Indiana

Written By: Nurse.org Staff

Expert review by: Kathleen Gaines

MSN, RN, BA, CBC

17 Min Read Published May 1, 2024

Considerations
Tuition Cost Factors
Salary & Job Outlook
Next Steps
Considerations
Licensure

Fountain in downtown Indianapolis at night

Becoming a registered nurse (RN) in Indiana is an excellent decision because the state has densely populated cities like Indianapolis, which are ripe with nursing positions. Whether you're interested in working in the state for personal reasons or want to study and work close to home, The Hoosier State has several Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) options.

This article explores the best nursing schools in Indiana, including tuition, program length, and available online BSN programs to help you find a school that suits your nursing journey. Read on to learn more about becoming a nurse in Indiana.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

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Top 10 Nursing Schools in Indiana

This is a panel-reviewed selection based on several factors, including,

Reputation
NCLEX pass rate
Tuition
Acceptance rate, when available
Only ACEN or CCNE-accredited schools are eligible

Our selection panel includes 4 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.

Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC
Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN

Because nursing careers take different forms, the top 10 Indiana nursing schools are ranked in no particular order.

1. Anderson University

In-State Tuition

$33,070 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$33,070 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

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Anderson Bible School was founded in 1917 during the Church of God Movement. Over time, the school changed its name to Anderson University to reflect the growing size of the student body and the academics offered.

The university incorporates Christian instruction in all its majors, including the BSN program. Although Anderson’s nursing program isn’t the largest, graduates have an impressive average five-year pass rate of 92% and find work all over the world.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 52%
Percent Enrolled Online: 9%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,380
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,380

Contact Information:

Address: 1100 E 5th St, Anderson, IN
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 69%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $56,035

2. University of Saint Francis

In-State Tuition

$32,870 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$32,870 per year

Accreditation

ACEN

Online?

Another school founded on religious principles, the University of Saint Francis follows Catholic and Franciscan teachings and values. While students can get as much of a religious education as they’d like at USF, religion isn’t heavily tied into the nursing program.

The BSN is a four-year degree that requires 900 hours of clinical experience, not including the time students spend with USF’s state-of-the-art equipment. USF also offers an MSN program that boosts a 100% employment rate for MSN graduates within six months of graduation. With connections with hospitals in the area, USF excels at preparing students for a long, successful career.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Percent Enrolled Online: 19%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,045
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,045

Contact Information:

Address: 2701 Spring St, Fort Wayne, IN
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 68%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $53,017

3. Goshen College

In-State Tuition

$36,660 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$36,660 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

Goshen College is another private Christian school that stands out for being incredibly small. The college has an undergraduate student body of under 800. But Goshen’s nursing program can’t be overlooked as it’s home to the oldest BSN program in Indiana. Whatever Goshen has been doing for nearly 70 years with nursing students is working, too; 96% of last year’s grads passed the NCLEX on their first try, the same percentage of nursing students that were employed one year after graduating.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Percent Enrolled Online: 2%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,505
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,505

Contact Information:

Address: 1700 S Main St, Goshen, IN
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 80%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $54,996

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

4. Huntington University

In-State Tuition

$27,914 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$27,914 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Considered one of the best all-around schools in the Midwest, Huntington University teaches students to be well-rounded individuals. Since its founding in 1897, Huntington has grown into a leader in film, psychology, social work, and nursing.

Huntington only has one main nursing degree, a traditional BSN. Just last year, the nursing program saw 100% of recent grads find employment. While the price might seem high, 90% of Huntington’s students receive some form of financial aid, so nurses likely won’t pay full price.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Percent Enrolled Online: 13%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $840
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $840

Contact Information:

Address: 2303 College Ave, Huntington, IN
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 82%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $48,432

5. Marian University

In-State Tuition

$37,600 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$37,600 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

While Marian University is a private, Christian school that doesn’t offer in-state tuition, it’s consistently ranked among the most affordable colleges in the region. Located in Indianapolis, the tuition may be steep, but roughly 99% of students receive financial aid.

Marian University's location is ideal for nursing school students, too. BSN students can take advantage of the proximity to hospitals when it comes time for clinicals. Also, “highly qualified” high school applicants may receive direct admission into the nursing program.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Percent Enrolled Online: 24%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,710
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,710

Contact Information:

Address: 3200 Cold Spring Rd, Indianapolis, IN
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 76%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $58,464

6. University of Indianapolis

In-State Tuition

$33,252 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$33,252 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

University of Indianapolis students are committed to service, and there are plenty of volunteer, internship, and job opportunities in and around the city. The variety of professional experiences at this college benefits BSN students, who focus on a combination of coursework and clinicals for six semesters following their freshman year. The University also offers a second-degree accelerated BSN program and an ABSN distance online learning program.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Percent Enrolled Online: 12%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,386
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,386

Contact Information:

Address: 1400 E Hanna Ave, Indianapolis, IN
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 61%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $60,821

7. Indiana Wesleyan University

In-State Tuition

$29,684 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$29,684 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Indiana Wesleyan University may be based in Marion, Indiana, but its reach extends across the state and beyond state borders. Multiple campuses offer different programs, including an online campus where current RNs can complete their BSN. Traditional and graduate students will study and complete clinicals in Marion or in spots in Kentucky, Ohio, and elsewhere in Indiana. The traditional BSN is a huge program, so competition to get in may not be as tough at Indiana Wesleyan.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Percent Enrolled Online: 12%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,060
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,060

Contact Information:

Address: 4201 South Washington Street, Marion, IN
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 78%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $63,353

8. Saint Mary’s College - Indiana

In-State Tuition

$48,880 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$48,880 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

St. Mary’s is a women’s college, so only women should be looking at applying for the BSN program. They also have a study abroad program designed just for nurses. After graduating, over 90% of nursing students find a position as a nurse or are enrolled in grad school. St. Mary’s opened a brand new state-of-the-art simulation center in 2021 that offers an ultra-realistic patient experience. So, if you’re looking for a private education with a study abroad program that’s designed for women, this is the school for you!

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Percent Enrolled Online: 3%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,945
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,945

Contact Information:

Address: 133 Le Mans Hall, Notre Dame, IN
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 83%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $59,599

9. Valparaiso University

In-State Tuition

$43,400 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$43,400 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Valparaiso University, often called Valpo, is a Lutheran-minded private university with an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. Despite being Lutheran-based, Lutheran students don’t even make up a quarter of the roughly 2,500 students. So, any student interested in earning a BSN can feel welcome at Valpo.

The university offers traditional, accelerated, and RN-to-BSN programs. The traditional BSN is the most popular, and its curriculum provides a well-rounded education. Students have the opportunity to make a difference in the local and global communities through service-learning trips to Costa Rica, China, Thailand, Italy, Germany, and Ireland.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Percent Enrolled Online: 3%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,840
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,840

Contact Information:

Address: US Highway 30 and Sturdy Road, Valparaiso, IN
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 77%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $62,934

10. Purdue University

In-State Tuition

$8,972 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$31,410 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Purdue University is the only public school to make this list, but it could easily be the best school for nursing in the state. As one of Indiana's premier colleges, the university has established strong relationships with some of the best hospitals in the area.

BSN students at Purdue reduce the time it takes to finish their degree through experiential learning, the process of earning credits based on professional and volunteer experience. Indiana locals looking to earn a degree will likely apply regardless, so nursing school admissions could be tough.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Percent Enrolled Online: 12%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $299
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,047

Contact Information:

Address: 420 University Blvd, Indianapolis, IN
Website*

School Success:

Retention Rate: 71%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $58,015

4 Key Factors That Affect Nursing School Tuition

Keep in mind that colleges and universities reserve the right to change tuition rates at any time. The yearly tuition rates listed here will vary for each student depending on various factors, including:

Transfer credits
Completed competency exams
Amount of credits taken per year
Financial aid awards

Check with the specific school for current tuition rates.

Nurse Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),

Indiana nurses earn a median wage of $68,890.
Indiana employs 22.39 nurses for every 1,000 residents, above the national average.

Indiana is home to large cities, including the bustling Indianapolis area. Busy areas need nurses, and nearly 67,000 nurses are currently working in Indiana.

If Indiana is your home state or the state you dream of living in, you can rest assured that you can find the perfect nursing position for you!

Next Steps

While private schools made up the majority of this list, students should apply to both private and public schools. The costs can differ widely, as can the quality of education. Also, don’t cross schools off your list just because you’re dying to go to one school over another! Always apply to more than one school.

Once you’ve selected some schools, the next steps are to:

Contact each school’s admissions offices. Everything you need to know about college applications you can learn from the admissions office. Admissions counselors are there to walk you through the steps and make sure you complete your application correctly. They can answer any questions you have about the required materials, minimum test scores, and potential scholarships.

Make sure you meet the nursing school requirements. In your research, you’ll find out that nursing schools often have additional, stricter admissions requirements than the college they’re a part of. Before you send an application, make sure you’ll be nursing school eligible when it’s time to apply.

Submit your application(s). When you’re ready, all that’s left is to prepare your materials and send them! Fortunately, some schools use the Common App, an all-in-one application that lets you apply to multiple schools at once. This can be a huge time saver! While applying, you’ll need to submit:

High school transcript (GPA)
ACT and/or SAT scores
College entrance essay(s)
Letter(s) of recommendation

Additional materials could also be required by a school, so make sure you prepare all required materials well ahead of the admissions deadline. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Important Considerations When Comparing Schools

After you’ve applied to some programs, you’ll start getting acceptance letters. Hooray! Next comes the hard part: picking the school where you’ll earn your BSN. Weighing the pros and cons of colleges and their nursing programs is a good way to determine which school is the best fit for you.

When choosing a school, factors you’ll want to consider include:

Annual tuition and total program cost (these can be different)
Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
Cost of living in the area/on-campus
Distance from hospitals (how long will commuting for clinicals take?)
Acceptance rate (both for the school and the nursing program)
Length of the program (accelerated or traditional)
Potential career outcomes
Unique aspects to each program (study abroad, all women’s school, etc.)
School accreditation (regional and national)

Why you should care about the nursing program’s accreditation

When a school is accredited, it means that the academics have met the rigorous standards of an accrediting agency. Without proper accreditation, you may be ineligible for federal financial aid, and it may be difficult to find work. Look for schools with national or regional accreditation and an accredited nursing program.

The two nursing accreditation organizations to look for are

If a school is accredited by one of these institutions, then their nursing program adheres to strict national standards. Furthermore, if you plan on attending a graduate or doctoral program, a prerequisite is a BSN from an accredited nursing program.

Getting a License in Indiana

Indiana joined the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) in 2020, so graduates with permanent residency in Indiana will also be qualified and licensed to work in other states that participate in the eNLC.

So, by the time you graduate, you’ll be looking to become licensed in over half the states!

To get a license in Indiana, you’ll need to:

Submit Proof of Education
Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
Pass a criminal background check, submit your fingerprints, and pay an application fee
Apply through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency

While only “Proof of Education” is required, earning a BSN is still a smart decision. Bachelor’s degrees are slowly being required in more and more places, and you never know where your nursing career will be in the future!