1. University of Notre Dame
Overview of University of Notre Dame
Location: Notre Dame, Indiana
Founded in 1842, the University of Notre Dame is one of the most prestigious private Catholic universities in the U.S. Known for its rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on research, Notre Dame excels in fields like business, law, and engineering. Its Mendoza College of Business is especially well-regarded, and its iconic campus features the famous Golden Dome and Notre Dame Stadium.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #20 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 12,700
- Degrees Offered: Over 75 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs
- Acceptance Rate: 15%
- Average SAT Score: 1400-1550
Extracurricular Activities
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Student Government
- The Observer (student newspaper)
- Glee Club
- Marching Band of the Fighting Irish
Famous Alumni
- Condoleezza Rice – Former U.S. Secretary of State
- Regis Philbin – Television personality
- Joe Montana – NFL Hall of Fame quarterback
- Nicholas Sparks – Bestselling author
- Amy Coney Barrett – U.S. Supreme Court Justice
Top Employers of Graduates
- Deloitte
- PwC
- Ernst & Young
- Goldman Sachs
2. Purdue University
Overview of Purdue University
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Founded in 1869, Purdue University is a world-renowned public research institution, particularly famous for its engineering, agriculture, and technology programs. The university has a global reputation for its contributions to aerospace, with notable alumni including astronauts. Purdue is also home to one of the largest student bodies in Indiana and is known for its STEM-focused education.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #47 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 50,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Average SAT Score: 1190-1440
Extracurricular Activities
- Purdue Boilermakers Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Purdue Engineering Student Council
- Purdue Grand Prix (go-kart race)
- The Exponent (student newspaper)
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Neil Armstrong – First man on the moon
- Drew Brees – NFL quarterback
- Orville Redenbacher – Entrepreneur and popcorn pioneer
- C.E. Woolman – Founder of Delta Air Lines
- Eugene Cernan – Last man to walk on the moon
Top Employers of Graduates
- Caterpillar
- Lockheed Martin
- Ford Motor Company
- Intel
- Boeing
3. Indiana University Bloomington (IU Bloomington)
Overview of Indiana University Bloomington
Location: Bloomington, Indiana
Founded in 1820, Indiana University Bloomington (IU Bloomington) is the flagship campus of the Indiana University system. It is known for its excellent programs in business, public affairs, education, and music. The Kelley School of Business is highly regarded nationally, and the Jacobs School of Music is one of the top music conservatories in the country.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #76 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 45,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Average SAT Score: 1150-1370
Extracurricular Activities
- Indiana Hoosiers Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Student Government
- Indiana Daily Student (student newspaper)
- Marching Hundred (marching band)
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Mark Cuban – Billionaire entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks
- Suzanne Collins – Author of The Hunger Games series
- Kevin Kline – Academy Award-winning actor
- Ryan Murphy – TV producer, creator of Glee
- Jane Pauley – Journalist and TV host
Top Employers of Graduates
- Cummins Inc.
- Eli Lilly and Company
- Deloitte
- Amazon
- PwC
4. Butler University
Overview of Butler University
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Founded in 1855, Butler University is a private liberal arts university located in the state capital of Indianapolis. Butler is known for its strong programs in pharmacy, business, education, and communication. The university offers a well-rounded education with a focus on leadership and service, and its basketball team has achieved national recognition.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #1 Regional Universities Midwest
- Number of Students: Approximately 5,500
- Degrees Offered: Over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Average SAT Score: 1170-1340
Extracurricular Activities
- Butler Bulldogs Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Butler University Dance Marathon
- Student Government Association
- Greek Life
- Butler Collegian (student newspaper)
Famous Alumni
- Gordon Hayward – NBA player
- Joyce DeWitt – Actress, Three’s Company
- Thad Matta – College basketball coach
- Davey Hamilton – IndyCar driver
- Tony Hinkle – Hall of Fame basketball coach
Top Employers of Graduates
- Eli Lilly and Company
- Anthem
- Indiana University Health
- Cummins Inc.
- Butler University
5. Ball State University
Overview of Ball State University
Location: Muncie, Indiana
Founded in 1918, Ball State University is a public university known for its strong education, architecture, business, and communications programs. The David Letterman Communication and Media Building reflects its connection to the famous alumnus, and the university is a national leader in teacher preparation and entrepreneurship.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #202 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 22,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 180 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Average SAT Score: 1020-1200
Extracurricular Activities
- Ball State Cardinals Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Daily News (student newspaper)
- Greek Life
- Cardinal Communications (student-run PR agency)
- Marching Band
Famous Alumni
- David Letterman – Comedian and former late-night talk show host
- Angela Ahrendts – Former SVP of Apple Retail and CEO of Burberry
- Jim Davis – Creator of Garfield
- John Schnatter – Founder of Papa John’s Pizza
- Stedman Graham – Businessman and author
Top Employers of Graduates
- Ball State University
- Anthem
- Indiana University Health
- Cummins Inc.
- Eli Lilly and Company
6. DePauw University
Overview of DePauw University
Location: Greencastle, Indiana
Founded in 1837, DePauw University is a private liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics and strong commitment to leadership and service. DePauw has a highly respected School of Music and is known for producing successful graduates in business, public affairs, and the arts. The university emphasizes experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, study abroad, and service.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #46 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,900
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degrees in over 40 majors
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Average SAT Score: 1180-1370
Extracurricular Activities
- DePauw Tigers Athletics (NCAA Division III)
- The DePauw (student newspaper)
- Greek Life
- Debate Team
- Environmental Fellows Program
Famous Alumni
- Dan Quayle – Former U.S. Vice President
- Vernon Jordan – Civil rights leader and advisor to President Bill Clinton
- Angie Hicks – Founder of Angie’s List
- Brad Stevens – NBA coach
- Barbara Kingsolver – Bestselling author
Top Employers of Graduates
- Eli Lilly and Company
- Cummins Inc.
- Indiana University Health
- Anthem
- Deloitte
7. Valparaiso University
Overview of Valparaiso University
Location: Valparaiso, Indiana
Established in 1859, Valparaiso University is a private Lutheran university known for its strong programs in law, engineering, and nursing. Valpo is committed to providing students with a values-based education, combining intellectual rigor with a focus on leadership and service. It is also known for its community engagement and global learning initiatives.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #176 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 3,800
- Degrees Offered: Over 70 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Average SAT Score: 1090-1290
Extracurricular Activities
- Valpo Crusaders Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Student Government Association
- Valparaiso University Chorale
- Engineers Without Borders
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Richard Lugar – Former U.S. Senator
- Sheryl Allen – Former Utah State Representative
- Becky Deeb – Attorney and civil rights activist
- Tom Clark – Former Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
- Adam Amin – ESPN sports commentator
Top Employers of Graduates
- Eli Lilly and Company
- Northwest Health
- Deloitte
- Valparaiso University
- Cummins Inc.
8. Indiana State University
Overview of Indiana State University
Location: Terre Haute, Indiana
Indiana State University, founded in 1865, is a public university with strong programs in business, education, and health sciences. The university is known for its hands-on learning approach, including opportunities for internships, research, and community service. Its Scott College of Business and School of Nursing are particularly well-regarded.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #331-440 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 12,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Average SAT Score: 950-1150
Extracurricular Activities
- Indiana State Sycamores Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Marching Sycamores
- Greek Life
- Student Government Association
- Honors Program
Famous Alumni
- Larry Bird – NBA Hall of Famer
- John Wooden – Legendary basketball coach
- Tony George – Founder of the Indy Racing League
- J. Michael Bishop – Nobel Prize-winning scientist
- Willa Brown – Aviation pioneer
Top Employers of Graduates
- Indiana State University
- Union Health
- Indiana Department of Education
- Anthem
- Cummins Inc.
9. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Overview of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Location: Terre Haute, Indiana
Founded in 1874, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is a private college specializing in engineering, science, and mathematics. It is consistently ranked as one of the top undergraduate engineering schools in the country. Rose-Hulman is known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching and research and its commitment to innovation and hands-on learning.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #1 Undergraduate Engineering Programs (non-doctoral)
- Number of Students: Approximately 2,100
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, science, and mathematics
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Average SAT Score: 1310-1500
Extracurricular Activities
- Rose-Hulman Fightin’ Engineers Athletics (NCAA Division III)
- Engineers Without Borders
- Robotics Team
- Drama Club
- Intramural Sports
Famous Alumni
- Donald F. Hastings – Former CEO of Lincoln Electric
- Timothy Cindric – President of Team Penske
- George Beall – Inventor of CorningWare
- John W. Fisher – Chairman of Ball Corporation
- Michael B. Cline – U.S. Air Force General
Top Employers of Graduates
- SpaceX
- Intel
- Microsoft
- Lockheed Martin
- Cummins Inc.
10. University of Southern Indiana (USI)
Overview of University of Southern Indiana
Location: Evansville, Indiana
Founded in 1965, the University of Southern Indiana (USI) is a public university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. USI is known for its strong programs in health sciences, business, and engineering. The university emphasizes applied learning and provides numerous opportunities for internships and co-op experiences.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #85 Regional Universities Midwest
- Number of Students: Approximately 9,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Average SAT Score: 990-1190
Extracurricular Activities
- USI Screaming Eagles Athletics (NCAA Division II)
- Student Government Association
- Honors Program
- Campus Outreach and Community Service
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Will Wooten – Professional soccer player
- Ashley Thompson – Award-winning journalist
- Timothy Blackwell – U.S. Navy Rear Admiral
- William Tanoos – Attorney and community leader
- Brent Nicholson – CEO of Tri-State Athletic Club
Top Employers of Graduates
- Deaconess Health System
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana
- Berry Global
- Old National Bank
- Indiana University Health