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Rankings / By State

Best Biology Colleges in Indiana

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker Updated 2026-07-13 32 schools Agent Insights
32
Schools
$56,221
Avg. Earnings
61%
Avg. Graduation
$19,738
Avg. Net Price
$23,508
Avg. Debt

CollegeRanker Research

What Surprised Us Most

  1. Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $43,283 at the low end to $99,980 at the top. That 2.3× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.

  2. Indiana University-Northwest offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $43,361 against $5,130 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.

  3. The most budget-friendly option on this list is Indiana University-Northwest, at $5,130 annually in net price.

  4. Completion rates separate this field: University of Notre Dame graduates 96% of its students, well above the 61% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.

  5. Debt-to-earnings ratios favor University of Notre Dame: graduates owe only 0.19× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.

Surprising Comparisons

The Takeaway

A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.

What This Means for Students

For students evaluating these schools, begin with Indiana University-Northwest and University of Notre Dame. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.

Why this ranking matters

These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $54K ten years after enrollment.

How we measure this — full methodology →

How we rank · 4 pillars

Economic outcomes30%
Social mobility35%
Value (earnings vs. cost)20%
Academic quality15%

Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →

$54K
Median grad earnings
10 yrs after entry
61%
Average graduation rate
Across the list
$20K
Average net price
After grants/aid
76%
Average admit rate
Selectivity
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
32 institutions ranked
2026-07-13 Last updated
100% Public / federal sources

Source datasets

Methodology

Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.

See the full methodology and weights →

Confidence notes

  • Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
  • Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
  • Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.

Limitations

  • Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
  • Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
  • An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
  • Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.

At a Glance

How the Top Schools Compare

School Earnings Net Price Graduation Score
$99,980
▲ +78% vs avg
$26,780 96%
82
2
DePauw University
#2 overall
$70,527
▲ +25% vs avg
$22,264 77%
78
3
Earlham College
#3 overall
$50,797
▼ -10% vs avg
$24,714 68%
77
$69,952
▲ +24% vs avg
$24,336 77%
75
$53,770
▼ -4% vs avg
$18,499 68%
74

Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.

See full ranking →

Executive Summary

Best Biology Colleges in Indiana

This analysis ranks 32 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $56,221 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 61% and an average net price of $19,738.

Key takeaways

Our Analysis Found

110%
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
CollegeRanker examined 5,745 U.S. colleges and found (n=3,655). Mean net price and mean 10-year earnings by ownership type (College Scorecard).

Indiana Opportunity Analysis

What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in Indiana?

$53,690

Median earnings (10yr)

64%

Median graduation rate

$21,716

Median net price

1.0%

Avg. mobility rate

Students tend to study where they live and work where they study, which makes a state's colleges its most important economic development asset. This ranking evaluates how well institutions across Indiana serve that role: producing graduates with strong earnings, keeping talent in the regional economy, and offering affordable paths for local students.

Start with the medians across these 32 schools. Graduates earn a median of $53,690 ten years after enrollment, or about $5,690 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 64%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $21,716 a year with about $24,125 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 29% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.0%.

For Indiana, the institutions that combine manageable costs with strong graduate outcomes are the ones building the local workforce. With a median net price of $21,716 and graduates earning a median of $53,690, these schools sit where the talent pipeline and economic development meet.

The podium

Build your ranking

Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.

Academic 15%
Economic 30%
Social mobility 35%
Value 20%

Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.

Full rankings

1
·
University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN · 11% accepted · $26,780 net

82

Why it ranks #1

University of Notre Dame lands at #1 with a 82/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (65/100). Graduates earn a median $99,980 a decade after enrolling, 78% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,780 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
82
Economic
85
Social mobility
78
Value
65
View full profile →
2
·
DePauw University

Greencastle, IN · 57% accepted · $22,264 net

78

Why it ranks #2

DePauw University lands at #2 with a 78/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $70,527 a decade after enrolling, 25% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,264 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
82
Economic
71
Social mobility
81
Value
58
View full profile →
3
·
Earlham College

Richmond, IN · 73% accepted · $24,714 net

77

Why it ranks #3

Earlham College lands at #3 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (88/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $50,797 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,714 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
78
Economic
60
Social mobility
88
Value
51
View full profile →
4
·
Wabash College

Crawfordsville, IN · 63% accepted · $24,336 net

75

Why it ranks #4

Wabash College lands at #4 with a 75/100 composite, led by academic quality (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $69,952 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,336 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
83
Economic
71
Social mobility
81
Value
47
View full profile →
5
·
University of Evansville

Evansville, IN · 78% accepted · $18,499 net

74

Why it ranks #5

University of Evansville lands at #5 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $53,770 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,499 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
76
Economic
65
Social mobility
82
Value
57
View full profile →
6
·
Hanover College

Hanover, IN · 84% accepted · $21,829 net

74

Why it ranks #6

Hanover College lands at #6 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $53,957 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,829 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
74
Economic
64
Social mobility
82
Value
51
View full profile →
7
·
Taylor University

Upland, IN · 74% accepted · $24,865 net

73

Why it ranks #7

Taylor University lands at #7 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $52,198 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,865 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
72
Economic
64
Social mobility
80
Value
56
View full profile →
8
·
Butler University

Indianapolis, IN · 85% accepted · $36,041 net

73

Why it ranks #8

Butler University lands at #8 with a 73/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $77,235 a decade after enrolling, 37% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,041 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
82
Economic
74
Social mobility
81
Value
37
View full profile →
9
·
Saint Mary's College

Notre Dame, IN · 76% accepted · $25,292 net

72

Why it ranks #9

Saint Mary's College lands at #9 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $59,354 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,292 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
73
Economic
68
Social mobility
81
Value
47
View full profile →
10
·
Ball State University

Muncie, IN · 86% accepted · $14,940 net

72

Why it ranks #10

Ball State University lands at #10 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $51,833 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,940 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
69
Economic
64
Social mobility
83
Value
65
View full profile →
11
·
Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, IN · 89% accepted · $18,578 net

72

Why it ranks #11

Valparaiso University lands at #11 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $63,191 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,578 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
71
Economic
68
Social mobility
82
Value
57
View full profile →
12
·
Goshen College

Goshen, IN · 84% accepted · $14,493 net

72

Why it ranks #12

Goshen College lands at #12 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $51,943 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,493 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
70
Economic
64
Social mobility
86
Value
60
View full profile →
13
·
Oakland City University

Oakland City, IN · 83% accepted · $15,210 net

71

Why it ranks #13

Oakland City University lands at #13 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $43,283 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,210 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
67
Economic
62
Social mobility
84
Value
63
View full profile →
14
·
Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN · 50% accepted · $14,600 net

68

Why it ranks #14

Purdue University-Main Campus lands at #14 with a 68/100 composite, led by academic quality (89/100) and pulled down by social mobility (54/100). Graduates earn a median $72,424 a decade after enrolling, 29% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,600 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
89
Economic
75
Social mobility
54
Value
74
View full profile →
15
·
University of Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN · 67% accepted · $21,602 net

67

Why it ranks #15

University of Indianapolis lands at #15 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $53,610 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,602 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
73
Economic
64
Social mobility
82
Value
54
View full profile →
16
·
Trine University

Angola, IN · 85% accepted · $25,355 net

67

Why it ranks #16

Trine University lands at #16 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $57,165 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,355 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
57
Economic
66
Social mobility
79
Value
49
View full profile →
17
·
Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN · 76% accepted · $11,668 net

65

Why it ranks #17

Indiana University-Indianapolis lands at #17 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (72/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $55,198 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,668 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
63
Economic
68
Social mobility
Value
72
View full profile →
18
·
Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, IN · 78% accepted · $16,264 net

65

Why it ranks #18

Indiana University-Bloomington lands at #18 with a 65/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by social mobility (54/100). Graduates earn a median $63,742 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,264 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
82
Economic
71
Social mobility
54
Value
71
View full profile →
19
·
Franklin College

Franklin, IN · 70% accepted · $22,855 net

65

Why it ranks #19

Franklin College lands at #19 with a 65/100 composite, led by academic quality (66/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $55,376 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,855 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
66
Economic
65
Social mobility
65
Value
51
View full profile →
20
·
Indiana University-Southeast

New Albany, IN · 84% accepted · $7,888 net

63

Why it ranks #20

Indiana University-Southeast lands at #20 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $47,596 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,888 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
48
Economic
64
Social mobility
61
Value
77
View full profile →
21
·
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion

Marion, IN · 89% accepted · $22,866 net

62

Why it ranks #21

Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion lands at #21 with a 62/100 composite, led by academic quality (75/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $59,986 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,866 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
75
Economic
69
Social mobility
60
Value
44
View full profile →
22
·
University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN · 96% accepted · $18,196 net

62

Why it ranks #22

University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne lands at #22 with a 62/100 composite, led by academic quality (71/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $55,362 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,196 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
71
Economic
65
Social mobility
63
Value
54
View full profile →
23
·
Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, IN · 72% accepted · $6,079 net

61

Why it ranks #23

Purdue University Northwest lands at #23 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (80/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $48,318 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,079 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
67
Economic
62
Social mobility
52
Value
80
View full profile →
24
·
Indiana University-South Bend

South Bend, IN · 84% accepted · $8,653 net

61

Why it ranks #24

Indiana University-South Bend lands at #24 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $44,947 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,653 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
56
Economic
61
Social mobility
57
Value
74
View full profile →
25
·
Indiana Institute of Technology

Fort Wayne, IN · 70% accepted · $23,206 net

61

Why it ranks #25

Indiana Institute of Technology lands at #25 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (75/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $47,327 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,206 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
65
Economic
61
Social mobility
75
Value
43
View full profile →
26
·
Purdue University Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN · 84% accepted · $13,171 net

59

Why it ranks #26

Purdue University Fort Wayne lands at #26 with a 59/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (53/100). Graduates earn a median $45,872 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,171 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
61
Economic
62
Social mobility
53
Value
70
View full profile →
27
·
Bethel University

Mishawaka, IN · 98% accepted · $18,610 net

59

Why it ranks #27

Bethel University lands at #27 with a 59/100 composite, led by academic quality (71/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $48,860 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,610 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
71
Economic
62
Social mobility
Value
53
View full profile →
28
·
Indiana University-Northwest

Gary, IN · 73% accepted · $5,130 net

57

Why it ranks #28

Indiana University-Northwest lands at #28 with a 57/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by social mobility (48/100). Graduates earn a median $43,361 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,130 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
56
Economic
60
Social mobility
48
Value
78
View full profile →
29
·
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Saint Mary of the Woods, IN · 72% accepted · $31,872 net

56

Why it ranks #29

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College lands at #29 with a 56/100 composite, led by social mobility (69/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $43,845 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $31,872 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
47
Economic
61
Social mobility
69
Value
37
View full profile →
30
·
Holy Cross College

Notre Dame, IN · 75% accepted · $26,728 net

55

Why it ranks #30

Holy Cross College lands at #30 with a 55/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (63/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $50,416 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,728 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
59
Economic
63
Social mobility
57
Value
46
View full profile →
31
·
Marian University

Indianapolis, IN · 95% accepted · $24,018 net

55

Why it ranks #31

Marian University lands at #31 with a 55/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (66/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $58,759 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,018 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
64
Economic
66
Social mobility
Value
41
View full profile →
32
·
Anderson University

Anderson, IN · 79% accepted · $25,021 net

55

Why it ranks #32

Anderson University lands at #32 with a 55/100 composite, led by academic quality (65/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $48,899 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,021 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
65
Economic
61
Social mobility
Value
41
View full profile →
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Cut it by what you care about

The same 32 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.

Where the programs are

Choosing a college for biology can feel overwhelming, especially in a state like Indiana where there are numerous options. These schools not only offer solid biology programs but also demonstrate strong outcomes for their graduates, making them worth considering as you weigh your options. With average earnings of $57,790 among top biology schools in Indiana, these institutions can set students on a promising career path.

What sets the strongest schools apart is their performance in key areas that matter for biology students: earnings potential, graduation rates, student debt, and overall program quality. The list below reflects these outcomes, helping families see which schools support their students not just academically but financially as well. Pay close attention to how schools balance net price with expected earnings and graduation rates.

For instance, the University of Notre Dame stands out with impressive earnings of $99,980 and a graduation rate of 96%. In contrast, Earlham College has lower earnings of $50,797 and a graduation rate of 68%. This difference highlights the potential trade-offs between choosing a prestigious program and a more affordable option. Keep these factors in mind as you explore the options further.

The story behind the ranking

A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.

Earnings Outcomes

What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.

Distribution of Median Earnings

$13K 10 $38K 20 $63K 2 $88K $113K $138K 20 National Avg

Earnings vs. Net Price

Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.

$10K$65K$120K $25K$50K NET PRICE (lower →) EARNINGS (higher ↑) University of DePauw University Earlham College Wabash College University of

Completion & Access

Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.

Graduation Rates

University of Notre … 96% DePauw University 77% Earlham College 68% Wabash College 77% University of Evansv… 68% Hanover College 65% Taylor University 75% Butler University 80% Saint Mary's College 73% Ball State University 63% Valparaiso University 69% Goshen College 63% Oakland City Univers… 68% Purdue University-Ma… 83% University of Indian… 56% Trine University 66% Indiana University-I… 54% Indiana University-B… 81% Franklin College 62% Indiana University-S… 36% Indiana Wesleyan Uni… 67% University of Saint … 58% Purdue University No… 43% Indiana University-S… 38% Indiana Institute of… 38%

Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate

Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.

0% 100% PELL GRANT RATE → GRAD RATE ↑ University of DePauw University Earlham College Wabash College University of
Social Mobility

What the Mobility Data Says

The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 16 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1%. Trine University leads the group at 2%, with Wabash College (1.7%) and Indiana Institute of Technology (1.3%) close behind.

Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 4.6% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Oakland City University leads at 12.4%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.

Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 27.1% across this list. University of Notre Dame posts the highest success rate at 62.4%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.

Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.59 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Butler University reaches 1.76, the highest on the list.

Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.

Cost & Debt

What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.

Median Debt at Graduation

$6K 15 $18K 17 $30K $42K $54K 17 National Avg

When comparing schools, one notable pattern emerges: the University of Notre Dame significantly outperforms Earlham College in key metrics. With an impressive graduation rate of 96% and earnings of $99,980, Notre Dame shows that a prestigious program can lead to better outcomes. In contrast, while Earlham College offers a unique campus experience, it has a graduation rate of just 68% and earnings of $50,797—pointing to important trade-offs in your decision-making process.

As you sift through these schools, consider how each institution aligns with your priorities. Think about factors like location, campus culture, and financial aid options. A school with a higher net price might lead to better job opportunities, but it’s crucial to assess whether the investment aligns with your career aspirations and financial situation. Create a list of your top priorities and weigh the data against them.

Ultimately, the decision you make can impact your journey from college to a stable career. With the right biology program, students can find pathways leading to fulfilling careers in healthcare, research, and more. Weigh these outcomes carefully, as one choice could set the tone for your future financial stability and professional satisfaction.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Biology Colleges in Indiana: Your Questions, Answered

What is the #1 school in the Best Biology Colleges in Indiana ranking? +

University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, IN ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Biology Colleges in Indiana ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $99,980 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 96% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.

Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +

University of Notre Dame posts the highest median earnings on this list: $99,980 ten years after enrollment, well above the $56,221 average across the 32 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.

Which school offers the best value? +

On a pure return-on-cost basis, Indiana University-Northwest leads: graduates earn a median $43,361 against net price of about $5,130 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.

Which school has the highest graduation rate? +

University of Notre Dame has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 96%, compared with a 61% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.

How much does it cost to attend these schools? +

The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $19,738 a year across the 32 ranked schools with cost data. Indiana University-Northwest is among the most affordable at roughly $5,130. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.

How is the Best Biology Colleges in Indiana ranking calculated? +

We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.

How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +

This ranking evaluates 32 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics.

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

The State of American Higher Education Outcomes for 2026 — report cover Download PDF

The 2026 Annual Report

The State of American Higher Education Outcomes

Every state graded on what graduates earn, how far they climb, and what college really costs — the hidden geography of economic mobility, in one report.

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