# Best Communications Colleges in Indiana

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 15 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-communications-indiana

## Methodology

Communications programs in Indiana ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [DePauw University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/depauw-university) | Greencastle, IN | 77% | $70,527 | $22,264 | $27,000 | 0.38x |
| 2 | [Ball State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/ball-state-university) | Muncie, IN | 63% | $51,833 | $14,940 | $23,250 | 0.45x |
| 3 | [Butler University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/butler-university) | Indianapolis, IN | 80% | $77,235 | $36,041 | $26,000 | 0.34x |
| 4 | [Hanover College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hanover-college) | Hanover, IN | 65% | $53,957 | $21,829 | $25,250 | 0.47x |
| 5 | [Valparaiso University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/valparaiso-university) | Valparaiso, IN | 69% | $63,191 | $18,578 | $26,942 | 0.43x |
| 6 | [University of Evansville](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-evansville) | Evansville, IN | 68% | $53,770 | $18,499 | $24,606 | 0.46x |
| 7 | [Taylor University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/taylor-university) | Upland, IN | 75% | $52,198 | $24,865 | $20,500 | 0.39x |
| 8 | [Saint Mary's College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-marys-college) | Notre Dame, IN | 73% | $59,354 | $25,292 | $27,000 | 0.45x |
| 9 | [Indiana University-Indianapolis](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/indiana-university-indianapolis) | Indianapolis, IN | 54% | $55,198 | $11,668 | $20,000 | 0.36x |
| 10 | [Indiana University-Bloomington](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/indiana-university-bloomington) | Bloomington, IN | 81% | $63,742 | $16,264 | $19,509 | 0.31x |
| 11 | [Franklin College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/franklin-college) | Franklin, IN | 62% | $55,376 | $22,855 | $27,000 | 0.49x |
| 12 | [Indiana University-East](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/indiana-university-east) | Richmond, IN | 42% | $47,156 | $8,134 | $18,000 | 0.38x |
| 13 | [Purdue University Northwest](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/purdue-university-northwest) | Hammond, IN | 43% | $48,318 | $6,079 | $21,229 | 0.44x |
| 14 | [Indiana University-Southeast](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/indiana-university-southeast) | New Albany, IN | 36% | $47,596 | $7,888 | $19,684 | 0.41x |
| 15 | [Indiana University-South Bend](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/indiana-university-south-bend) | South Bend, IN | 38% | $44,947 | $8,653 | $21,355 | 0.48x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Communications Colleges in Indiana." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-communications-indiana

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.