Rankings / By State
Best Education Colleges in Indiana
- 31
- Schools
- $52,193
- Avg. Earnings
- 56%
- Avg. Graduation
- $17,888
- Avg. Net Price
- $23,177
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 31 schools run from $43,283 to $77,235, a 1.8× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Indiana University-Kokomo delivers the most for the money: roughly $49,917 in median earnings against $3,968 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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The most affordable option, Indiana University-Kokomo ($3,968 net price), still posts $49,917 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
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Butler University graduates 80% of its students, versus a 56% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Butler University carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.34× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 Goshen College ($51,943 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Butler University ($77,235), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- Indiana University-Kokomo costs $3,968 a year and Butler University costs $36,041. Yet their graduates earn $49,917 and $77,235, nowhere near the $32,073 price gap.
- On value, Indiana University-Kokomo beats Butler University: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with Indiana University-Kokomo and Butler University. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
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 $52K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Goshen College #1 overall | $51,943 ▲ +0% vs avg | $14,493 | 63% | 81 |
| 2 Oakland City University #2 overall | $43,283 ▼ -17% vs avg | $15,210 | 68% | 80 |
| 3 Ball State University #3 overall | $51,833 ▼ -1% vs avg | $14,940 | 63% | 75 |
| $45,411 ▼ -13% vs avg | $19,932 | 69% | 73 | |
| $52,198 ▲ +0% vs avg | $24,865 | 75% | 73 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Education Colleges in Indiana
This analysis ranks 31 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $52,193 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 56% and an average net price of $17,888.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Indiana University-Kokomo — Net Price: $3,968 | Graduation Rate: 45%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Butler University — 80% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Butler University — Median alumni earnings: $77,235
CollegeRanker Primary Research
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Educator Pipeline Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the educator pipeline?
$51,504
Median earnings (10yr)
56%
Median graduation rate
$18,578
Median net price
0.9%
Avg. mobility rate
Education programs feed a workforce defined by paradox: chronic teacher shortages and high social value on one side, modest pay and high attrition on the other. These are licensure-gated, mission-driven careers. The programs that matter most reliably move graduates into classrooms and keep them there.
The median graduation rate across these 31 schools is 56%. Median graduate earnings reach $51,504 ten years after enrollment, roughly $3,504 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $18,578 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $24,000. Some 32% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 0.9%.
What we’re seeing: districts compete hard for credentialed teachers, but the pay ceiling makes affordability decisive. With median earnings near $51,504 and a typical net price of $18,578, value in this field is driven as much by low cost as by salary.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Goshen College lands at #1 with a 81/100 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, 0% above 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 puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Oakland City University lands at #2 with a 80/100 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, 17% 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Ball State University lands at #3 with a 75/100 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, 1% 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
Winona Lake, IN · 82% accepted · $19,932 net
Why it ranks #4
Grace College and Theological Seminary lands at #4 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $45,411 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,932 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
Why it ranks #5
Taylor University lands at #5 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, 0% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
University of Evansville lands at #6 with a 72/100 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, 3% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Butler University lands at #7 with a 72/100 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, 48% 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
Why it ranks #8
Huntington University lands at #8 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $46,672 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,310 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
Why it ranks #9
Indiana State University lands at #9 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $48,387 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,873 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
Why it ranks #10
Valparaiso University lands at #10 with a 71/100 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, 21% 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 puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Saint Mary's College lands at #11 with a 70/100 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, 14% 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 carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Hanover College lands at #12 with a 69/100 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, 3% above 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 carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Manchester University lands at #13 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $51,504 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,805 a year. 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
Why it ranks #14
University of Indianapolis lands at #14 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, 3% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Trine University lands at #15 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, 10% 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
Why it ranks #16
Indiana University-Indianapolis lands at #16 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, 6% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Indiana University-Kokomo lands at #17 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $49,917 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,968 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
Why it ranks #18
Indiana University-Southeast lands at #18 with a 65/100 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, 9% 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
Saint Mary of the Woods, IN · 72% accepted · $31,872 net
Why it ranks #19
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College lands at #19 with a 64/100 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, 16% 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
Why it ranks #20
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion lands at #20 with a 64/100 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, 15% 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
Why it ranks #21
Indiana University-East lands at #21 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $47,156 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,134 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
Fort Wayne, IN · 96% accepted · $18,196 net
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, 6% above 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
Why it ranks #23
Bethel University lands at #23 with a 62/100 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, 6% 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
Why it ranks #24
Purdue University Northwest lands at #24 with a 62/100 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, 7% 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
Why it ranks #25
Indiana University-South Bend lands at #25 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, 14% 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
Why it ranks #26
Purdue University Fort Wayne lands at #26 with a 61/100 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, 12% 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
Why it ranks #27
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global lands at #27 with a 60/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $59,986 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,898 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Indiana University-Northwest lands at #28 with a 58/100 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, 17% 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
Why it ranks #29
Anderson University lands at #29 with a 57/100 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, 6% 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
Why it ranks #30
Marian University lands at #30 with a 56/100 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, 13% 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
Why it ranks #31
Holy Cross College lands at #31 with a 56/100 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, 3% 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 31 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing the right education program can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options in Indiana. With 31 schools offering education degrees, prospective students have a range of choices tailored to different career goals and financial considerations.
What makes some schools stand out? Key factors include earnings potential after graduation, graduation rates, and student debt levels. These metrics help paint a clearer picture of what students can expect after completing their studies and how those outcomes align with their personal and financial goals.
For instance, Goshen College leads the list with an impressive average earning of $51,943 and a graduation rate of 63%. In contrast, Indiana University-Kokomo has a lower average earning of $49,917 and a graduation rate of just 45%. This comparison highlights the importance of not just where you study but also how effectively a school prepares its students for success in their careers.
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
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 15 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 0.9%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Trine University leads the group at 2%, with Grace College and Theological Seminary (1.6%) and University of Evansville (1.1%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 4.8% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Oakland City University enrolls the most, at 12.4%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 23% across the list, peaking at 47.7% at Butler University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.62, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Butler University is highest at 1.76.
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
When we look closely at the data, the differences between schools become clearer. For example, Taylor University not only has a higher graduation rate of 75% but also offers graduates an average earning of $52,198. In contrast, Purdue University Northwest has a graduation rate of just 43% and lower average earnings of $48,318. This illustrates how graduation rates can directly impact earning potential.
After reviewing the rankings, consider your own priorities. Do you value a lower net price or a higher graduation rate? If finances are a concern, schools like Indiana University-Kokomo stand out with a net price of just $3,968. However, if you prioritize strong outcomes, Taylor University might be worth the investment despite its higher costs.
Ultimately, the data reflects a crucial decision-making process for families. Choosing the right education program can significantly influence a student's path to financial stability. With careful consideration of these metrics, families can make informed choices that align with their goals and values.
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 Education Colleges in Indiana: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Education Colleges in Indiana ranking? +
Goshen College in Goshen, IN ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Education Colleges in Indiana ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $51,943 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 63% 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? +
Butler University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $77,235 ten years after enrollment, well above the $52,193 average across the 31 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-Kokomo leads: graduates earn a median $49,917 against net price of about $3,968 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? +
Butler University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 80%, compared with a 56% 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 $17,888 a year across the 31 ranked schools with cost data. Indiana University-Kokomo is among the most affordable at roughly $3,968. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Education 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 31 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
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