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Choosing a small college can offer a wealth of benefits, including personalized education, a close-knit community, and often lower tuition costs. In an era where student debt is a significant concern, finding a quality education without the hefty price tag is essential. But which small college in Indiana stands out as the best?
At Zippia, we analyzed data from Indiana’s 21 higher education institutions to identify which small colleges provide the best overall experience for students. We focused on schools with fewer than 2,000 students and evaluated them based on various performance metrics.
Our findings reveal the top small colleges and universities in Indiana for 2026:
- Calumet College of Saint Joseph
- Goshen College
- Oakland City University
- Bethel College-Indiana
- Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses
- Wabash College
- Saint Mary’s College
- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Marian University
- Taylor University
If you’re enrolled in one of these institutions, you’re likely well aware of the excellent opportunities at your disposal. For those still exploring, read on to uncover what makes these colleges some of the finest in Indiana.
For more insights about Indiana, check out:
- The 100 Largest Companies in Indiana
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Indiana
How We Determined the Best Small Colleges in Indiana
To identify the best small colleges, we approached the ranking from an analytical perspective, focusing on data that reflects how individual schools perform. This method ensures that students can make informed decisions about their educational paths.
We examined data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and College Scorecard from ED.gov to assess which small colleges offer the best career prospects:
- Career Results
- Mean Earnings After 6 Years
- Mean Earnings After 10 Years
- Employment-to-Unemployment Ratio After 10 Years
- School Performance
- Admissions Rate (more selective is better)
- Graduation Rate
- Average Cost of Attendance (lower is better)
- Average Amount of Debt
It’s clear that attending a selective school that fosters strong career outcomes can pay off significantly.
We ranked each of the 21 small colleges in Indiana based on these criteria, assigning scores from 1 to 21, with 1 being the best. The average score determined our “Quality Index,” with Calumet College of Saint Joseph achieving the highest score and earning the title of ‘Best Small College’ in Indiana.
In cases of ties, preference was given to the larger institution.
1. Calumet College of Saint Joseph
Enrollment: 975
Located in Whiting, IN, Calumet College of Saint Joseph tops the list, backed by impressive data. Graduates earn the fifth-highest salaries among small colleges in the state even a decade post-graduation. With a selective admission rate of 33% and the lowest cost of attendance, students receive exceptional value.
2. Goshen College
Enrollment: 1,041
Goshen College, situated in Goshen, is another standout choice. It ranks as the 10th least expensive small college in Indiana, with a low admission rate and the fourth-highest graduation rate among small colleges.
3. Oakland City University
Enrollment: 1,125
Recognized as a premier institution, Oakland City University offers not just a great academic experience but also outstanding support for alumni. With a 55% admission rate, it ranks third in Indiana, and its graduates leave with the lowest average debt.
4. Bethel College-Indiana
Enrollment: 1,534
Bethel College-Indiana in Mishawaka is celebrated for its low admission and high graduation rates. It’s also the fifth least expensive institution to attend, making it an attractive option for students.
5. Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses
Enrollment: 96
For those seeking personalized attention in their education, Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses in Fort Wayne excels in several key areas, including impressive graduate salaries.
6. Wabash College
Enrollment: 858
This private college in Crawfordsville boasts the third-best graduation rate in Indiana and ranks second for post-graduation earnings.
7. Saint Mary’s College
Enrollment: 1,449
Located in Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College has the highest graduation rate among all small colleges in Indiana, indicating strong demand and excellent outcomes, with graduates also earning the fourth-highest salaries.
8. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Enrollment: 1,581
Known for its picturesque surroundings, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology excels in several performance categories, including a high graduation rate (fifth in the state) and the highest salaries for graduates.
9. Marian University
Enrollment: 1,271
Marian University, located in Indianapolis, is recognized for its high graduation rates, affordability, and strong post-graduate salaries.
10. Taylor University
Enrollment: 1,843
Taylor University stands out with the second-best graduation rate in Indiana, and its graduates enjoy the fourth-highest earnings.
In conclusion, Indiana’s small colleges provide excellent educational opportunities characterized by strong academic performance and favorable career outcomes. Whether you prioritize academic prestige, affordability, or post-graduation success, this list showcases institutions that excel in meeting students’ diverse needs.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
