Rankings / By State

Best Communications Colleges in Indiana

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 15 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$56,293

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

62%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$17,590

Avg. Net Price

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Choosing the right communications program can shape a student's career trajectory. In Indiana, a range of colleges offer diverse opportunities for budding communicators, each with unique strengths. With average earnings for graduates in this field reaching $56,293, prospective students are weighing their options carefully.

The top programs in this list stand out due to their outcomes: graduation rates, average earnings, and manageable debt load. For instance, schools like DePauw University and Butler University not only have strong graduation rates but also higher post-graduation earnings, which can set students on a solid financial path. This ranking highlights how various factors interplay to provide a clearer picture of what to expect after graduation.

Take DePauw University, for example, which boasts an impressive $70,527 average earnings for graduates and a 77% graduation rate. In contrast, Purdue University Northwest has a lower graduation rate of 43% and average earnings of $48,318. These differences point to important trade-offs for students as they consider their future in communications.

Key Findings

DePauw University graduates earn an average of $70,527, the highest on this list.

Butler University has a 80% graduation rate, making it a strong choice for completion.

Purdue University Northwest's low 43% graduation rate could impact job prospects.

The average debt for graduates across these schools is $22,000, a key factor in financial planning.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 15

Avg. earnings at 10yr $56,293

Avg. graduation rate 62%

Avg. net price $17,590

Avg. median debt $23,155

How We Ranked

Communications programs in Indiana ranked by outcomes and program concentration

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

DePauw University

Greencastle, IN

Graduation77%

Earnings$70,527

Net Price$22,264

View full profile →

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Graduation63%

Earnings$51,833

Net Price$14,940

View full profile →

Butler University

Indianapolis, IN

Graduation80%

Earnings$77,235

Net Price$36,041

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

DePauw University

Greencastle, IN · 1,905 students · Private nonprofit

With a student body of just under 2,000, DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, provides a close-knit community where personal attention is a hallmark. The school's commitment to a liberal arts education fosters critical thinking and collaboration, making it a strong contender for students who thrive in a supportive environment focused on holistic development.

57% accepted 77% graduate $70,527 earnings

DePauw's full profile

Ball State University

Muncie, IN · 13,988 students · Public

Ball State University, located in Muncie, Indiana, is known for its engaging campus life and strong emphasis on practical skills. With nearly 14,000 students, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for those eager to connect and collaborate with peers. The university is particularly well-suited for students who appreciate a balance between academic rigor and hands-on experience in their fields.

86% accepted 63% graduate $51,833 earnings

Butler University

Indianapolis, IN · 4,317 students · Private nonprofit

With a graduation rate of 80%, Butler University in Indianapolis positions itself as a strong option for students looking for a supportive community. The median earnings of graduates, at $77,235 within ten years, reflect the school's commitment to preparing students for successful careers, especially in fields like business and health sciences.

85% accepted 80% graduate $77,235 earnings

Butler's full profile

Hanover College

Hanover, IN · 1,031 students · Private nonprofit

Hanover College, located in Hanover, Indiana, offers a unique blend of academic rigor and a vibrant campus life. With a relatively small student body of 1,031, it fosters a tight-knit community where students can engage closely with professors and peers, leading to meaningful academic and social connections.

84% accepted 65% graduate $53,957 earnings

Hanover's full profile

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, IN · 2,083 students · Private nonprofit

Valparaiso University offers a strong educational environment with a graduation rate of 69%. Its graduates see median earnings of $63,191 within a decade, reflecting the quality of education and the potential for stable careers after college, particularly in engineering, business, and healthcare fields.

89% accepted 69% graduate $63,191 earnings

Valparaiso's full profile

University of Evansville

Evansville, IN · 1,539 students · Private nonprofit

At the University of Evansville, students can expect a close-knit community with a graduation rate of 68%. Located in a friendly city, graduates earn a median salary of $53,770 ten years after finishing their degree, indicating solid career prospects in various fields, from education to health care.

78% accepted 68% graduate $53,770 earnings

University's full profile

Taylor University

Upland, IN · 2,025 students · Private nonprofit

With a graduation rate of 75%, Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, has a strong track record of helping students finish their degrees. The college emphasizes a close-knit community and integrates faith into its academic programs, making it appealing for those seeking a supportive environment grounded in values.

74% accepted 75% graduate $52,198 earnings

Taylor's full profile

Saint Mary's College

Notre Dame, IN · 1,458 students · Private nonprofit

Saint Mary's College, located near the vibrant atmosphere of Notre Dame, invites students to be part of a tight-knit community that emphasizes personal growth and academic excellence. With a graduation rate of 73%, this private nonprofit institution nurtures its students, helping them to thrive both academically and socially in a supportive environment.

76% accepted 73% graduate $59,354 earnings

Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN · 13,830 students · Public

Indiana University-Indianapolis is an urban campus that attracts a diverse student body with its vibrant city life and numerous academic programs. Although the graduation rate is 54%, the school still provides valuable opportunities, with median earnings of $55,198 for graduates ten years after enrollment, showing the potential ROI for students who persevere.

76% accepted 54% graduate $55,198 earnings

Indiana's full profile

#10

Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, IN · 37,806 students · Public

Indiana University-Bloomington is not just a university; it's a vibrant community of over 37,000 students. Known for its diverse programs and student activities, IU Bloomington attracts individuals eager to engage in a larger campus culture while pursuing their academic goals. The blend of a large university experience with a supportive atmosphere makes it an appealing choice for many.

78% accepted 81% graduate $63,742 earnings

Indiana's full profile

#11

Franklin College

Franklin, IN · 900 students · Private nonprofit

Situated in Franklin, Indiana, Franklin College is home to around 900 students and emphasizes experiential learning that prepares graduates for the workforce. The college's approach encourages active participation in both academic and extracurricular activities, creating well-rounded individuals ready to tackle real-world challenges.

70% accepted 62% graduate $55,376 earnings

Franklin's full profile

#12

Indiana University-East

Richmond, IN · 2,589 students · Public

Indiana University-East in Richmond, Indiana, serves a larger student body of 2,589 with a focus on accessibility and community engagement. The college's commitment to providing a supportive environment is evident in its acceptance rate of 67%, ensuring that many students can find a place to pursue their academic goals.

67% accepted 42% graduate $47,156 earnings

Indiana's full profile

#13

Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, IN · 5,671 students · Public

Purdue University Northwest in Hammond, Indiana, offers a unique blend of academic programs with a focus on practicality and career readiness. With a smaller student body of 5,671, students can benefit from smaller class sizes and more personalized instruction. This environment is ideal for those looking to make connections with faculty and peers while pursuing their degrees.

72% accepted 43% graduate $48,318 earnings

Purdue's full profile

#14

Indiana University-Southeast

New Albany, IN · 3,170 students · Public

With a welcoming acceptance rate of 84%, Indiana University-Southeast attracts a diverse range of students who are looking for a supportive environment to pursue their education. The campus offers a variety of programs that cater to those interested in both professional and liberal arts fields, making it a solid choice for many career paths.

84% accepted 36% graduate $47,596 earnings

Indiana's full profile

#15

Indiana University-South Bend

South Bend, IN · 3,933 students · Public

Indiana University-South Bend presents a unique opportunity for students in South Bend who want to pursue higher education with a strong community feel. With an 84% acceptance rate, it welcomes a diverse student body, and its 38% graduation rate reflects a commitment to helping students achieve their academic goals, even if it takes time to get there.

84% accepted 38% graduate $44,947 earnings

Indiana's full profile

The earnings and graduation rates among Indiana's top communications colleges reveal a significant pattern. DePauw University, for instance, stands out not just for its earnings of $70,527, but also for its graduation rate of 77%. In contrast, Purdue University Northwest, which has a lower average earning of $48,318 and a graduation rate of only 43%, highlights the importance of choosing a program that prioritizes student success.

With so many schools to consider, it's vital to weigh this data against personal priorities. Think about what matters most: Is it the potential earnings, the debt you’re willing to take on, or the campus culture? Look for a balance that meets your goals. If financial stability is crucial, you might prioritize schools with lower debt and higher earnings.

Ultimately, this data reflects a larger narrative about college and career readiness. Families face a pivotal decision that can impact their financial future. Choosing the right communications program is not just about immediate outcomes; it’s about setting the stage for a stable life after graduation.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

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). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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