Looking for an online degree in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a time-consuming task, and it’s not for lack of schools offering virtual programs. Now that online education is mainstream, more and more schools are providing students with the chance to complete a degree while also tending to their professional and personal obligations. It has become a mammoth task to find the right degree for the student.
Online students have several factors to keep in mind when looking for a program. They are searching for affordable tuition rates, small class sizes, and variety in the online programs offered. In fact, students sometimes spend more time looking for the right program than actually applying to the school. To make it easier, this ranking has been created, enabling students to focus on the application process than the research process.
Methodology
A points-based ranking like this one relies heavily on research. This ranking began as a search for best “online degrees near Indianapolis, Indiana,” on the National Center for Education Statistics website and its publicly available College Navigator database. A large group of schools were shown to meet this criterion and moved on to the next phase of research, which included a thorough review of each school’s website. Points were awarded based on the following factors:
Types of online degree options available (associate, bachelor, master’s, doctorate): 1 point per degree level.
Cost per credit hour:
Under $250 – 4 points
$251 – $350 – 3 points
$351 – $450 – 2 points
Over $451 per credit hour – 1 point
Regional Accreditation:
Present – 1 point
Student to faculty ratio:
10:1 or less – 3 points
11:1 to 15:1 – 2 points
Greater than 15:1 – 1 point
The final 10 schools on this list can all be found within a 50-mile radius of the greater Indianapolis, Indiana, metro area. They are listed below in descending order based on the total amount of points accrued during the research process.
10. Butler University
Indianapolis, Indiana
Students interested in earning an online master’s degree will want to check out Butler University. This school has a fully online Master of Science in Risk and Insurance, the first offering from this excellent school. Students will find that no residency is required on campus and will provide them will small class sizes and experienced professionals. The program heralds many of the same courses that are found in a Master of Business Administration degree program, which is the next offering that has been announced from the school. Students will find that the online features of this program include academic advising, work experience opportunities, 24/7 technical support, an online bookstore, and an online library.
Types of Degrees Available:
Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $580
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 5
9. Marian University
Indianapolis, Indiana
Marian University is a great school for students interested in earning an online degree in Indianapolis, Indiana. This school offers associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in a range of fields, including nursing, paralegal studies, business administration, and health and human services. Pre-professional programs are also available and include professions such as an optometrist, podiatrist, physician assistant, and cardiovascular perfusionist. Students will find that most programs are offered entirely online or with a low-residency requirement. Online features for this school include 24/7 technical support, academic and career advising, professor office hours, an online bookstore, and an online library.
Types of Degrees Available:
Associate’s, Bachelor’s
Cost per credit hour: $1,458
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 6
8. Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
Students who are looking for online bachelor’s degrees will find what they are looking for at Indiana State University. This school offers a wide range of degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels. Fields of study include marketing, mechanical engineering technology, business administration, and psychology. Minors, certificates and endorsements are also available for students. This school offers all programs in a 100 percent online or low-residency model, limiting the number of times students will have to step foot on campus. This school has a dedicated online faculty and staff that provide a variety of online services, including 24/7 technical support, academic and career advising, online registration, tutoring services, smartphone and tablet apps, an online bookstore, and an online library.
Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
Cost per credit hour: $592
Student to Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 6
7. The University of Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
The University of Indianapolis is often named one of the top colleges for an online student interested in completing an online degree in Indianapolis, Indiana. This school has a dedicated wing on their website for online and hybrid programs, which can be found at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels; certificates and advanced licensure programs are also available. Fields of study include nursing, education, business administration, and aging studies. The school is committed to online learning and have created a fully functioning online portal that will serve all of its students. Online features include academic advising, 24/7 technical support, an online bookstore, and an online library.
Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
Cost per credit hour: $994.80
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 7
6. Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, Indiana
There are over 90 online degrees available at Indiana Wesleyan University, making it a great choice for students who are searching for a way to complete their education while pursuing their careers. These degrees can be found at all levels of higher education and also include certificates, professional continuing education programs, and endorsements. Fields of study include business administration, human resource management, organizational leadership, and education. This school has an incredible perspective towards online education; students can even try a course for free before they apply. Online features include academic and career advising, 24/7 technical support, online financial aid advisement, an online bookstore, and an online library.
Types of Degrees Available:
Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
Cost per credit hour: $887
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 8
5. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is an excellent institution for students interested in online programs that are available near Indianapolis, Indiana. This school has programs available at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s levels; certificates and continuing education programs are also available for professionals. Fields of study include project management, marketing, business, education, and nursing. These programs are all flexible, providing students with the options needed for them to complete their degree on time. Students will find that the school has a dedicated online faculty and staff ready to help them meet their goals. Online features at this school include 24/7 technical support, academic advising, tutoring services, office hours, an online bookstore, and an online library.
Types of Degrees Available:
Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $496
Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 8
4. Indiana University
Indianapolis, Indiana
Some of the best online programs in the state come from Indiana University. This school offers dozens of programs and certificates at all levels of education, including post-professional endorsements and continuing education options. Fields of study include education, applied science, computer science, and design. There are over 120 online degrees, so there’s bound to be at least one that a student will have an interest in. This school is part of the Indiana University System and is proud to be a part of an online conglomerate that will enable students to complete courses at partnering schools in order to ensure that they graduate on time. Online features for this program include academic and career advising, 24/7 technical support, tutoring services, financial aid options, an online bookstore, and an online library.
Types of Degrees Available:
Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
Cost per credit hour: $445
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 8
3. Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
Ball State University offers students the chance to earn an online degree near Indianapolis, Indiana. This school offers online degrees at all levels of education; certificates and endorsements are also available. Students will find that fields of study include education, business administration, engineering, nursing, and psychology. This program is offered with small class sizes and trained professors who understand the art of online education. Online features at this school include academic and career support services, 24/7 technical support, peer mentoring, online office hours, an online bookstore, and an online library.
Types of Degrees Available:
Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
Cost per credit hour: $414
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 8
2. Indiana University East
Richmond, Indiana
There are several online bachelor’s programs available at Indiana University East. This school provides students with the chance to either complete or begin a bachelor’s degree. Fields of study include nursing, political science, psychology, communication studies, and criminal justice. Students will find that this degree is part of the Indiana University online portal, meaning that it is possible for them to complete online courses at partnering schools for credit towards their degree. Online services for this school include 24/7 technical support, academic and career advising, online office hours, an online bookstore, and an online library.
Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s
Cost per credit hour:
$224.22
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 8
1. Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana
Purdue University is an institution that will be a great choice for students interested in earning an online degree in Indianapolis, Indiana. This school offers online degree programs at the associate’s, master’s, and doctorate levels. Fields of study include economics, applied behavior analysis, public health, and engineering technology. Students will find that the class sizes at this school are small and provide individualized attention that they may not find anywhere else. Online features for this school include academic and career advising, tutoring services, financial aid services, 24/7 technical support, an online library, and an online bookstore.
Types of Degrees Available:
Associate’s, Master’s, Doctorate
Cost per credit hour: $329.05
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 9
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for an Online Degree?
The career options available with an online degree are endless; there are so many possibilities that it would be fruitless to try to list them all. From education and engineering to nursing and public administration, it is possible to take on nearly every position available to an adult learner. In fact, many times the only thing that stands in the way of an online student and a chosen career path is their education.
Online students may face a hurdle if they wish to enter the medical or law professionals; these are the few exceptions to an online degree being the gateway to the career. This is because online degrees for these professions do not exist, as hands-on, in-person training is required to meet the standards of the bodies that license these professionals. However, most students will find that it is possible to complete their undergraduate degrees online and then move to an on-campus degree for their specialist programs.
For all other professions, students will find that it is possible to complete online degrees, earn the work experience necessary, and then move into the career of their choice. The United States government and military often support online students as it is a way to ensure these students complete their degree while continuing with their career.
Is There a Way for Employers to Support Online Students?
There are several ways that an employer can support online students. Whether a student is working in a public or private sector job, there are several things that employers can do to ensure that the student moves forward with their career ambitions, including helping to pay for tuition, providing a space for students to complete work experience, and more.
Paying for tuition is often the biggest hurdle for online students; this isn’t because they are not dedicated but rather an allocation of resources. Employers can help ease the load by offering to take part in what is known as a tuition reimbursement program. This program enables employers to subsidize or pay for a student’s tuition outright. This can significantly lower the cost of going to school and is pertinent to those who work in the public sector, such as the United States military or the government. Both bodies have money set aside for their employees to continue growing in their career.
Another way that employers can be of service is to offer students the chance to complete their work experience, if necessary, at their workplace. Most students are earning an advanced degree in their field, so schools make it easy to take on an internship or work experience at their place of work. If the employer allows the work experience to take place at work, this will demonstrate encouragement on their part as well as showcase a student’s growing capabilities to take on a supervisor or managerial role in that space.
Employers also make great professional recommendations. Choosing to recommend an employee for a position at an online school shows enthusiasm for the next step in that employee’s career and a willingness to work with that employee to ensure that they are happy with their career trajectory. Most employers will be more than willing to take on this requirement for admission, especially if the employee has expressed a desire to move up in the company.
Are Study Abroad Options Restricted to On-Campus Students?
Study abroad options used to be restricted to only on-campus students, but that is quickly changing. Depending on a student’s chosen field of study, they will find that there are many options that cater to their schedule and their needs. While not all schools offer this at the current time, students will find that study abroad opportunities are optional for most degrees, enabling them to take part in an international experience while focusing on their obligations.
Online students who take part in a graduate degree in international business, international relations and linguistics may find that an international experience is required for graduation. Thankfully, most schools realize that these students cannot commit to a full term, or four months, abroad. Therefore, study abroad experiences have been tailored to meet their needs.
Study abroad options for online students ranges anywhere between five days to two weeks in a different country. Most of these programs are situated at a school in the country that have a relationship with their home school while others are stand-alone trips aimed at ensuring that students meet a range of international professionals in their field. Most programs will have a stated focus, such as Latin America, Europe, or Asia.
Most online programs will not have a need for study abroad; this is entirely dependent on a student’s field of study. Programs like education and nursing have no need for an international experience because they are focused on providing licensure options for students within the United States. These students may not have the option to complete a study abroad program that is focused on two weeks or less; they may not have an option for study abroad at all.
If a student is interested in study abroad, it may behoove them to search for international schools that offer the chance to earn CATS, or Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme. This is a somewhat international process that enables students to complete summer sessions at an international school for a modest fee and the chance to earn college credit. While CATS is universal in Europe, students who want to study in other areas may want to find similar processes that will help them complete their degree with an international experience.
Is an Online Degree Difficult for Students to Earn?
The difficulty of an online degree depends on the student. Since these are independent study programs that rely on a student’s willingness to complete the program on their own terms, students out of high school or busy professionals may find it difficult to complete the program. However, there are several ways to know how difficult an online degree may be to complete.
First, online degrees work on the assumption that the student is self-motivated; they want to complete the degree and have made the decision that it is important enough for them to apply. This means that a student will want to keep up with all assignments, quizzes, projects, papers and exams required for graduation. They will need to be focused enough to build their own schedule to ensure they can graduate on time.
Second, online degrees require a bit of scheduling. Most courses these days are offered on-demand, meaning students will not have to attend a live class. However, they will need to review the material to ensure they can understand assignments and pass their tests for graduation. This will require time management skills so that they can complete everything required on time.
Third, and perhaps most importantly, students will need to be dedicated. Online degrees are the same as on-campus degrees; exams and quizzes are necessary, dissertations are mostly required for graduate and doctorate degrees and projects are common. It can be a lot of work for a student who is also working full-time or has other obligations. They must be committed to completing the program in order to make it worth their time.
How Flexible are Online Degrees?
Online degrees can be incredibly flexible. However, this depends on the program and the features that they offer. While many schools offer some features, not all offer the same type. Here’s a short list of what a student may be able to find in an online program.
Many online programs offer the chance to complete a degree in a full-time or part-time model. This means that busy students can choose to complete the program with more time but fewer courses every term. Full-time students will need to take at least three courses every term, meaning a bigger course load but less time in the program.
There are different online delivery methods as well. Online students often have a choice between on-demand or live courses. Live courses require regular attendance, often on a weekly basis, while on-demand courses can be accessed at any time, anywhere. Live courses also often record lectures for review later, meaning students who miss a class will have the chance to catch up.
The biggest flexibility option, however, is term length. Students will find that online course lengths can range from two weeks in the summer to four to 12 weeks during the traditional academic year. Accelerated courses, as eight-week courses are often called, give students to either graduate early or move through the coursework as a part-time student and still graduate on time.
Is Tuition More Affordable for an Online Degree Than an On-Campus Degree?
This depends on the student’s school choice. Online programs, by and large, are more affordable than an on-campus degree. However, students who take on a degree at a private institution will pay more than a public university online student.
Online programs are commonly set to the in-state tuition pay schedule. This means that regardless of school, online students pay the in-state tuition rate, which is considerably less than an out-of-state tuition rate. This was done to ensure that a quality education isn’t restricted to students who can pay more.
Private colleges and universities that have online degrees will cost more than public institutions, even at the online rate. This is because their rates are higher in general and must be reflected in their online rates. Public universities can cost less but may not have what online students are looking for, so students are advised to do their research and consider what is important to them in an online degree.
There is no better way for a working professional to earn a quality degree than online education. With so many students looking for a way to balance their studies with their work, these virtual degrees are offering individuals the potential to reach their goals. This ranking of schools that a student may be interested in to earn an online degree in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a great place to begin the research process for a better future.
This concludes our ranking of the Top 10 Online Colleges in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Sources:
- National Center for Education Statistics
- School Websites