The Top Nursing Schools in Indiana

The Top Nursing Schools in Indiana

Indiana is renowned for its educational excellence through institutions such as Purdue, Indiana, and Valparaiso. Offering high NCLEX pass rates, a below-average cost of living, and a promising job outlook, pursuing nursing education in Indiana is an excellent choice for those starting or advancing their careers. Explore some of Indiana’s top nursing programs to understand how to embark on a nursing career in the Hoosier state. This comprehensive guide delves into the process of becoming a nurse in Indiana, including salary expectations, job outlook, and an in-depth examination of the state’s best nursing programs. Continue reading to discover more about the leading nursing schools and programs in Indiana.

The Best Nursing Schools in Indiana

Delve into details about the premier nursing schools in Indiana and explore the programs that offer optimal opportunities for aspiring nurses.

The Top Nursing Schools in Indiana: Employing a data-driven approach, we rank the best nursing schools in Indiana, making it simpler for you to find a program that aligns with your goals. Our methodology considers key student-centric metrics, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. We rely on publicly available provisional datasets from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the publication date of this article. Please note that program-specific information may vary.

#1 Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

Established in 1863 with 30 two-year students, Purdue University boasts a nursing program featuring 12 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates.

For those with an MSN degree, Purdue offers four post-master’s certificates for nurse practitioners specializing in adult-gerontology primary care, family healthcare, primary care pediatrics, and psychiatric and mental health. Courses blend asynchronous and synchronous formats.

Typically, full-time students graduate in two years, while certificates can be completed in as few as eight months.

Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Master of Science in Nursing; Doctorate in Nursing; Ph.D. in Nursing
Campus: West Lafayette, Indiana
Type: Public
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $347 per credit for Indiana residents; $948 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Varies by degree; candidates for post-master’s certificate need an MSN degree; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 32 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.4% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $58,015 for bachelor’s graduates and $98,638 for graduate school graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $9,208
Out-of-state: $28,010
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $9,208
Out-of-state: $28,010
Retention Rate: 91%
Admission Rate: 60%
Students Enrolled: 45,500
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 22%
Accreditation: Yes Higher Learning Commission

The Top Nursing Schools in Indiana

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#2 Huntington University

Huntington, IN
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

Huntington University, among the top CCNE-accredited nursing schools in Indiana, offers a BSN degree incorporating Christian principles.

Nursing students cover pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessments, leadership, and interprofessional research. A unique five-week “role transition” course provides career guidance and mentorship from a licensed nurse.

HU admits nursing students in their first year based on academic records and Test of Essential Academic Skills scores.

Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus: Huntington, Indiana
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $38,430 per year for Indiana residents
Admission Requirements: 58 undergraduate credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA; TEAS scores; admissions interview; background check
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $48,432 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $25,956
Out-of-state: $25,956
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $11,064
Out-of-state: $11,064
Retention Rate: 82%
Admission Rate: 75%
Students Enrolled: 1,384
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 19%
Accreditation: Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 University of Evansville

Evansville, IN
Duration: 4 years
Format: Campus

The University of Evansville readies students for nursing careers through top-ranked nursing programs in Indiana, including a BSN degree with six semesters of clinical experience.

Nursing students engage in simulations, lab work, and courses covering physical assessments, medical surgical nursing, mental health, research and evidence-based practice, and leadership and management.

Degree-seekers undertake clinical placements at hospitals, community agencies, and community health agencies near the campus. Students can also pursue studies in England, China, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, or Guatemala.

Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus: Evansville, Indiana
Type: Private
Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Tuition: $325 per credit for RN-to-BSN students; $14,100 per term for Doctor of Nursing Practice students
Admission Requirements: Varies by degree; first-year students need an ACT score of 22 or SAT score of 1100; minimum four years of English and three years of math; three years in science with a minimum “C” grade; transfer students need a minimum 2.75 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85.7% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $55,964 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $36,300
Out-of-state: $36,300
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $14,875
Out-of-state: $14,875
Retention Rate: 84%
Admission Rate: 71%
Students Enrolled: 2,371
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 12%
Accreditation: Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Marian University

Indianapolis, IN
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

Marian University offers customizable BSN nursing programs in Indiana with three tracks: traditional, accelerated, and RN-to-BSN.

The accelerated BSN degree, fully online or on-campus, can be completed in 16 months for those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. The traditional BSN degree spans four years with clinical rotations over six semesters.

In partnership with the Marian Adult Programs and Leighton School of Nursing, the RN-to-BSN degree

offers fully online courses for nurses with an associate in nursing degree or diploma. All nursing degree-seekers at Marian can complete clinicals at healthcare facilities near the downtown campus.

Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus: Indianapolis, Indiana
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $335 per credit for RN-to-BSN students; $775 for Doctor of Nursing Practice students
Admission Requirements: Varies by degree; direct admission requires a minimum 3.50 high school GPA; 1170 verbal and math score on the SAT or 24 ACT composite score; transfer applicants need at least a 2.80 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $59,320 for bachelor’s graduates and $104,510 for graduates of graduate school, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $35,000
Out-of-state: $35,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $21,772
Out-of-state: $21,772
Retention Rate: 83%
Admission Rate: 62%
Students Enrolled: 3,519
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 31%
Accreditation: Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Saint Mary’s College

Notre Dame, IN
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

Saint Mary’s College, a Catholic institution for women, features unique nursing programs in Indiana.

Students undergo labs in psychiatric and mental health nursing and courses in nursing leadership, community health nursing, and nursing research. Juniors and seniors work in small clinical groups of eight at the Memorial Hospital, Saint Joseph Hospital, Center for the Homeless, Hope Ministries, and local schools.

Sophomore nursing students have the opportunity to study abroad in Uganda with the Sisters of the Holy Cross through the intercultural nursing practicum.

Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus: Notre Dame, Indiana
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $48,880 per year for Indiana residents
Admission Requirements: Completed prerequisite courses; minimum 2.5 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.1% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $59,599 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $43,040
Out-of-state: $43,040
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $25,454
Out-of-state: $25,454
Retention Rate: 82%
Admission Rate: 81%
Students Enrolled: 1,580
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 4%
Accreditation: Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Anderson University

Anderson, IN
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

Anderson University, one of the few nursing schools in Indiana with a cadaver lab, provides traditional and accelerated BSN degrees.

Bachelor’s degree holders in another major can pursue a 122-credit accelerated BSN degree, completed in 15 months, or opt for the traditional 120-credit BSN degree spanning four years. Access to the Center for Medical Simulation’s cadaver lab and simulation center enables students to learn about disease and illness through dissection and cutting-edge technology.

AU offers faith-based study abroad opportunities in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.

Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Master of Science in Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus: Anderson, Indiana
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $700 per credit for undergraduate students
Admission Requirements: Traditional BSN students need an SAT score of 1100 (500 in math) or 21 ACT score
Minimum Time Commitment: 15 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,035 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $30,700
Out-of-state: $30,700
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $9,808
Out-of-state: $9,808
Retention Rate: 69%
Admission Rate: 63%
Students Enrolled: 1,567
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 28%
Accreditation: Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 Indiana University-East

Richmond, IN
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

Indiana University-East’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences stands out as one of the fastest nursing programs in Indiana, providing three distinct pathways to obtain a BSN degree within 12-24 months.

Prospective students can choose from a fully online BSN program with tracks in community health education and health administration, a traditional on-campus BSN program, or an RN-to-BSN program designed for working nurses. The RN-to-BSN program has weekly sessions, available either online or on campus.

Degree-seekers undergo a 30-hour residency and complete 120 credits in subjects like health policy, nursing research, informatics, and nursing management. Additionally, students have the opportunity to study abroad in Belize.

Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Master of Science in Nursing
Campus: Richmond, Indiana
Type: Public
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $7,827 per year for in-state undergraduate tuition; $20,934 per year for out-of-state undergraduate tuition
Admission Requirements: Varies by degree; RN-to-BSN candidates need a current RN license; associate degree in nursing
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85.9% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $57,154 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $6,895
Out-of-state: $19,346
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $7,264
Out-of-state: $17,113
Retention Rate: 63%
Admission Rate: 63%
Students Enrolled: 3,766
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 79%
Accreditation: Yes Higher Learning Commission

#8 Ball State University

Muncie, IN
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

Ball State University offers flexible fully online undergraduate and graduate nursing programs in Indiana, featuring full-time and part-time options. BSN degree-seekers can engage in clinical placements at local healthcare settings.

The School of Nursing provides a traditional and fully online RN-to-BSN program with asynchronous assignments. The curriculum emphasizes nursing care for women and children in community settings. Nursing students apply their knowledge through 180 clinical hours, which can be completed at their current workplace.

RNs complete their BSN degree in 3-6 semesters, and individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another major can earn an on-campus BSN degree in as few as 19 months.

Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus: Muncie, Indiana
Type: Public
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $455 per credit for Indiana undergraduate students; $670 per credit for out-of-state undergraduate students; $566 per credit for Indiana graduate students; $781 per credit for out-of-state graduate students
Admission Requirements: Varies by degree; RN-to-BSN candidates need an accredited associate in nursing degree or diploma; current RN license; minimum 2.75 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 19 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.3% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,505 for bachelor’s graduates and $92,124 for graduate school graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $9,358
Out-of-state: $26,138
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $8,850
Out-of-state: $21,954
Retention Rate: 75%
Admission Rate: 77%
Students Enrolled: 22,443
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 44%
Accreditation: Yes Higher Learning Commission

#9 Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, IN
Duration: 2 years
Format: Online + Campus

Ivy Tech Community College offers a direct pathway for nursing students to enter an RN-to-BSN program at partner schools, such as Ball State University, accepting up to 65 transfer credits.

Students can earn an associate in nursing degree (ADN) in less than two years, gaining the knowledge needed to pass the NCLEX-RN. Courses integrate clinical work and lab simulation. Current military medics, medical assistants, paramedics, and LPNs can earn an ADN through transitional tracks.

Degree-seekers can concurrently earn a licensed practical nurse (LPN) certificate.

Program: Associate in Nursing Degree
Campus: Indianapolis, Indiana
Type: Public
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $149 per credit for Indiana residents; $292 per credit for out-of-state residents
Admission Requirements: Prerequisites; TEAS scores
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 75% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $52,715 for associate degree graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $4,350
Out-of-state: $8,511
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: Not provided
Out-of-state: Not provided
Retention Rate: 53%
Admission Rate: Not provided
Students Enrolled: 72,689
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 58%
Accreditation: Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 University of Southern Indiana

Evansville, IN
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

The University of Southern Indiana offers six nursing programs, preparing nurses for leadership, education, and advanced practice roles through convenient online courses.

Students can opt for a traditional four-year BSN program requiring 120 credits or an RN-to-BSN degree requiring only 30 credits. USI, with top-ranked nursing programs in Indiana, accepts unlimited transfer credits.

Future nurses undergo training at the simulation center and through clinical rotations with licensed nurses at St. Mary’s Medical Center and Deaconess Hospital.

Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Master of Science in Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice; Graduate Certificate
Campus: Evansville, Indiana
Type: Public
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $274 per credit for Indiana undergraduate students; $667 per credit for out-of-state undergraduate students; $409 per credit for Indiana graduate students; $802 per credit for out-of-state graduate students
Admission Requirements: Varies by degree; RN-to-BSN candidates need a current RN license; associate in nursing degree or diploma from an accredited college; minimum 2.3 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.5% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,554 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $7,986
Out-of-state: $19,296
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $9,486
Out-of-state: $18,528
Retention Rate: 67%
Admission Rate: 93%
Students Enrolled: 10,705
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 54%
Accreditation: Yes Higher Learning Commission

How to Choose a Nursing Program in Indiana

When making a decision among nursing programs in Indiana, applicants need to take various factors into account. Thoroughly researching the characteristics of each program is crucial to determine its suitability for individual professional or personal goals.

Exploring tuition, program duration, and financial aid opportunities assists in narrowing down options. Additionally, reviewing an institution’s success in preparing students, measured by NCLEX pass rates and accreditation, offers valuable insights into program quality.

Why Become a Nurse in Indiana

Prospective nursing students can find appeal in Indiana’s low cost of living, coupled with below-average tuition costs compared to neighboring states. Academic institutions in Indiana effectively equip nursing students for the field, with a noteworthy 87.7% of test-takers passing the NCLEX-RN on their initial attempt.

Moreover, Indiana’s inclusion in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) facilitates the licensing process, making it more convenient for nurses. This compact state agreement, involving 37 states, streamlines qualification for a license in Indiana, reduces paperwork, eliminates license renewal fees, and allows for the provision of telehealth care across state lines.

Salary and Employment Outlook for Nurses in Indiana

Registered nurses (RNs) in Indiana earn an average salary of $67,490, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) fare even better, with an average salary of $109,940.

The BLS projects a 12.4% increase in RN employment in Indiana from 2018 to 2028, while the growth projection for nurse practitioners (NPs) is 29.4%.

The highest paying cities in Indiana are typically found in more densely populated areas, with Indianapolis leading the way. Cities in the north and west regions also offer higher salaries.

Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Indiana

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

Source: BLS, 2020

Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Indiana

Upon deciding to pursue a nursing career in Indiana, prospective students can select a nursing specialty to guide their program choice.

Whether aiming 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.

APRNs, after earning their license, need to fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain their status. Currently, RNs in Indiana are not obligated to complete continuing education hours for license renewal.

RN Requirements

To become an RN in Indiana, prospective nurses must adhere to the following criteria:

– Students are required to enroll in a state-recognized accredited program to attain either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). The board acknowledges programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
– Upon successful completion of an undergraduate program in nursing, students must pass the NCLEX-RN exam before initiating the application process for a state license.
– With either an ADN or a BSN and a satisfactory score on the NCLEX, nurses must undergo a criminal background check as part of the licensing process.
– Currently, RNs in Indiana are not obligated to fulfill continuing education hours for the renewal of their license.
– Nurses who have previously obtained an RN license in another state have the option to apply for licensure in Indiana through endorsement.

APRN Requirements

To become an APRN in Indiana, prospective nurses must:
– Enroll in a nursing program accredited by the Indiana State Board of Nursing and earn an MSN or a DNP.
– Nurses with a BSN, national certification, and two semesters of pharmacology can become APRNs without an MSN or DNP.
– APRNs must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years, with eight hours dedicated to pharmacology.

Other Top Nursing Programs in Indiana

• Top Indiana RN BSN Programs + Online Options
• Top Indiana RN to MSN Programs
• The Best Indiana Online Nurse Practitioner Programs and Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Nursing

1. How long does it take to become an RN in Indiana?

– ADN programs typically take two years for full-time students, while BSN programs take four years. Accelerated programs for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another field usually take less than two years.

2. What are the top employment settings for nurses in Indiana?

– According to the Indiana Center for Nursing, hospitals (55.9%), outpatient clinics (14.6%), and long-term care facilities (7%) are the top three workplace settings for RNs. For APRNs, outpatient clinics (47.9%), hospitals (28.9%), and long-term care facilities (5%) are the top settings.

3. How often do you have to renew your nursing license in Indiana?

– Both RNs and APRNs must renew their license on 10/31 of every odd-numbered year. APRNs need to complete 30 hours of continuing education, with eight hours focusing on pharmacology. RNs are not required to complete continuing education hours at this time.

4. What is the hourly salary for nurses in Indiana?

– In 2020, the median hourly salary for RNs in Indiana was $31.25, while NPs earned $52.62 per hour, according to the BLS.