The Top Nursing Schools in Indiana
- Top Schools and Programs
- How to Choose a Program
- Why Become a Nurse
- Salary Outlook
- State Nursing Requirements
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: John J. Miller Photogrpahy | Moment | Getty ImagesThrough academic institutions, such as Purdue, Indiana, and Valparaiso, the Hoosier state is well-known for its excellence in education. With high NCLEX pass rates, a below-average cost of living, and a healthy job outlook, earning your nursing education in Indiana can be a great decision for anyone looking to begin or advance their career.
This guide explores how to become a nurse in Indiana, expected salary and job outlook, and an examination of the best nursing programs in the state. Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Indiana.
The Best Nursing Schools in Indiana
Learn more about the top nursing schools in Indiana and examine which programs in the state provide the best options for prospective nurses.
Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing schools in Indiana, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,208
- Out-of-state$28,010
- In-State$9,208
- Out-of-state$28,010
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled45,500
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
Huntington University
- Huntington, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$25,956
- Out-of-state$25,956
- In-State$11,064
- Out-of-state$11,064
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled1,384
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment19%
- AccreditationYes
University of Evansville
- Evansville, IN
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$36,300
- Out-of-state$36,300
- In-State$14,875
- Out-of-state$14,875
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled2,371
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
Marian University
- Indianapolis, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$35,000
- Out-of-state$35,000
- In-State$21,772
- Out-of-state$21,772
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate62%
- Students Enrolled3,519
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Mary's College
- Notre Dame, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$43,040
- Out-of-state$43,040
- In-State$25,454
- Out-of-state$25,454
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled1,580
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment4%
- AccreditationYes
Anderson University
- Anderson, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,700
- Out-of-state$30,700
- In-State$9,808
- Out-of-state$9,808
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled1,567
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment28%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana University-East
- Richmond, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,895
- Out-of-state$19,346
- In-State$7,264
- Out-of-state$17,113
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled3,766
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
Ball State University
- Muncie, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,358
- Out-of-state$26,138
- In-State$8,850
- Out-of-state$21,954
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled22,443
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Ivy Tech Community College
- Indianapolis, IN
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,350
- Out-of-state$8,511
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate53%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled72,689
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern Indiana
- Evansville, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,986
- Out-of-state$19,296
- In-State$9,486
- Out-of-state$18,528
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled10,705
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Indiana
When deciding between nursing programs in Indiana, applicants should consider several factors. Researching the characteristics of each program can help determine if it is right for you and your professional or personal goals.
Exploring tuition, program length, and financial aid opportunities can help narrow options. Reviewing the institution’s success in preparing its students, as determined by NCLEX pass rates and accreditation, can also provide insight into program quality.
Why Become a Nurse in Indiana
Prospective nursing students can appreciate Indiana’s low cost of living coupled with its lower-than-average tuition costs when compared to the surrounding states. Indiana’s academic institutions also effectively prepare nursing students for the field, as 87.7% of test-takers pass the NCLEX-RN in their first attempt.
Additionally, Indiana is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). As a nursing compact state, Indiana, along with 36 other states, has agreed to a set of rules and procedures that all licensed RNs must follow. As part of the compact, it is easier for nurses to qualify for a license in Indiana with minimal paperwork. Nurses with an NLC license also do not have to pay license renewal fees and can provide telehealth care to patients across state lines.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Indiana
Indiana registered nurses (RNs) earn an average salary of $67,490, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Indiana fare better, bringing in an average salary of $109,940.
The BLS also projects that employment for RNs in Indiana could increase by 12.4% from 2018-2028, while the projected growth for nurse practitioners (NPs) is 29.4%.
The highest paying cities in Indiana are often located in the more densely populated areas of the state. Outside of the capital, Indianapolis, cities in the north and west provide the highest salaries.
| Top Paying Metropolitan Areas | Median Salary for RNs |
|---|---|
| Michigan City-La Porte | $67,840 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson | $67,680 |
| Kokomo | $67,150 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette | $66,180 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka | $65,100 |
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Indiana
After deciding to become a nurse in Indiana, prospective students can choose a nursing specialty to further determine the right program for their needs.
Whether deciding to become an RN or an APRN, students must graduate from a program approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and apply for a state license.
After earning their license, APRNs must satisfy continuing education requirements to maintain their status and continue working as a nurse in the state. Currently, there are no continuing education requirements for RNs.
RN Requirements
To become an RN in Indiana, prospective nurses must meet the following criteria:
- Students must enroll in a state-recognized accredited program to earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). The board recognizes programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
- Upon completion of an undergraduate program in nursing, students must pass the NCLEX-RN exam before applying for a state license.
- With an ADN or a BSN and a passing score on the NCLEX, nurses must also complete a criminal background check to be granted their license.
- RNs in Indiana currently do not need to complete continuing education hours to renew their license.
- Nurses who have already earned an RN in another state can apply for licensure by endorsement.
APRN Requirements
To become an APRN in Indiana, prospective nurses must meet the following criteria:
- Enroll in a nursing program accredited by the Indiana State Board of nursing and earn either a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DPN).
- Nurses with a BSN as well as national certification and two semesters of pharmacology do not need an MSN or DNP to become an APRN.
- To maintain their license, APRNs are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years, with eight of those hours addressing pharmacology.
Other Top Nursing Programs in Indiana
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana
How long does it take to become an RN in Indiana?
To become a licensed RN in Indiana, nurses must either earn an ADN or a BSN. ADN programs for full-time students typically take two years to complete, whereas a full-time BSN program takes four years. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another field who wish to earn a nursing degree can enroll in an accelerated program, which typically takes less than two years to complete.
What are the top employment settings for nurses in Indiana?
According to the Indiana Center for Nursing, the top three workplace settings for RNs include hospitals (55.9%), outpatient clinics (14.6%), and long-term care facilities (7%); the top settings for APRNs include outpatient clinics (47.9%), hospitals (28.9%), and long-term care facilities (5%).
How often do you have to renew your nursing license in Indiana?
Both RNs and APRNs need to renew their license on 10/31 of every odd-numbered year regardless of when it was acquired. Currently, APRNs must complete 30 hours of continuing education, with eight of those hours focusing on pharmacology. RNs are not required to complete continuing education hours at this time.
What is the hourly salary for nurses in Indiana?
In 2020, the median hourly salary for RNs in Indiana was $31.25, whereas NPs earned $52.62 per hour, according to the BLS.
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