2026 Best Value Graduate Degrees Schools in Indiana
Looking for the best-value Graduate Degrees degree programs in Indiana? This list ranks 110 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree analyzed 30 schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Degree Schools in Indiana
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Purdue University Main Campus, our #1 best-value Graduate Degrees school in Indiana. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $19,844 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 50%. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
A rank of #2 makes Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne one of the best values in Indiana. This public school is set in Fort Wayne, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,532, while out-of-state students pay about $22,887. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $24,119. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,872. Set against $24,119 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read the full report on Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
Purdue University Northwest came in at #3 on this year's best-value Graduate Degrees ranking in Indiana. Purdue University Northwest is a public school based in Hammond, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,357, while out-of-state students pay about $15,504. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $25,083. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,318 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on Purdue University Northwest
Out of the 30 schools in Indiana in this year's value ranking, Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus landed the #4 spot. Located in Angola, IN, Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,176. Graduates carry a median of $24,787 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,165. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus admits about 40% of applicants. Read the full report on Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus
You'll get strong value at Ball State University, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,082 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Students borrow a median of $24,518 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Ball State University alumni report median earnings of $51,833 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ball State University report
Indiana University East placed #6 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Indiana. Set in Richmond, IN, Indiana University East is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,098 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Indiana University East alumni report median earnings of $47,156 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,098 median debt. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Indiana University East
Grace College And Theological Seminary placed #7 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Indiana. Grace College And Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Winona Lake, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,645. Grace College And Theological Seminary Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $21,211 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,411 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,211 median debt. Grace College And Theological Seminary admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Grace College And Theological Seminary
Indiana University Bloomington offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Indiana University Bloomington Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $20,542 in debt. Indiana University Bloomington alumni report median earnings of $63,742 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,542 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Indiana University Bloomington profile
Indiana University Southeast placed #9 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Indiana. Set in New Albany, IN, Indiana University Southeast is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Graduates carry a median of $23,981 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,596 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Indiana University Southeast profile
Indiana University South Bend landed the #10 spot for value in Indiana this year. Based in South Bend, IN, Indiana University South Bend is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Students borrow a median of $24,640 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,947 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,640 median debt. Indiana University South Bend admits about 84% of applicants. Get the full Indiana University South Bend report
Indiana State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,258, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Students borrow a median of $25,582 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,387. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full Indiana State University report
Bethel College Mishawaka offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Mishawaka, IN, Bethel College Mishawaka is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,600. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $31,824. Median earnings reach $48,860 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on Bethel College Mishawaka
Indiana University Northwest placed #13 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Indiana. Based in Gary, IN, Indiana University Northwest is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Indiana University Northwest Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,434 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,361. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Indiana University Northwest
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis landed the #14 spot for value in Indiana this year. Located in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,762, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. Students borrow a median of $23,146 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis alumni report median earnings of $55,198 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,146 median debt. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Valparaiso University placed #15 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Indiana. Located in Valparaiso, IN, Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,450. Students borrow a median of $26,724 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Valparaiso University alumni report median earnings of $63,191 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,724 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Valparaiso University
Indiana University Kokomo landed the #16 spot for value in Indiana this year. Located in Kokomo, IN, Indiana University Kokomo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,424, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Indiana University Kokomo Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $24,619 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,917 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,619 median debt. Indiana University Kokomo has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Indiana University Kokomo
University Of Southern Indiana ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Evansville, IN, University Of Southern Indiana is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,066 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,907 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,999 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,605 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern Indiana has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full University Of Southern Indiana report
Huntington University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Huntington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Huntington, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,870. Students borrow a median of $28,332 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,672. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Huntington University has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on Huntington University
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,648. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $32,807 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,986. That is a strong return on a $32,807 median debt. Get the full Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global report
University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Located in Fort Wayne, IN, University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,460. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $27,520. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,362. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne admits about 96% of applicants. More on University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne
Oakland City University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Oakland City, IN, Oakland City University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,900. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $25,266. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,283. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Oakland City University
Indiana Institute Of Technology ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Fort Wayne, IN, Indiana Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,361. Graduates carry a median of $36,380 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,327. That is a strong return on a $36,380 median debt. Indiana Institute Of Technology admits about 70% of applicants. Get the full Indiana Institute Of Technology report
Indiana Wesleyan University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $32,352 in tuition and fees. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $31,454. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,986 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,454 median debt. Indiana Wesleyan University admits about 89% of applicants. More on Indiana Wesleyan University
Anderson University Indiana landed the #24 spot for value in Indiana this year. Set in Anderson, IN, Anderson University Indiana is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,240 in tuition and fees. Anderson University Indiana Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $27,401 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,899 ten years out. Set against $27,401 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. More on Anderson University Indiana
University Of Evansville came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Evansville, IN, University Of Evansville is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,172. University Of Evansville Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $25,234 in debt. University Of Evansville alumni report median earnings of $53,770 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on University Of Evansville
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Degree Schools in Indiana
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Marian University Indiana placed #27 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Indiana. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Marian University Indiana is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,664 in tuition and fees. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $28,633. Median earnings reach $58,759 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,633 median debt. Marian University Indiana admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Marian University Indiana profile
Saint Mary Of The Woods College landed the #28 spot for value in Indiana this year. Based in Saint Mary of the Woods, IN, Saint Mary Of The Woods College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,240. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $28,366. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,845. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Mary Of The Woods College admits about 72% of applicants. More on Saint Mary Of The Woods College
University Of Notre Dame came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,025 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $19,891 in student loans. Median earnings reach $99,980 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,891 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Notre Dame
University Of Indianapolis ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Indianapolis, IN, University Of Indianapolis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,200. Graduates carry a median of $26,699 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,610 ten years out. Set against $26,699 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Indianapolis profile
Indiana Massage College landed the #30 spot for value in Indiana this year. Read the full report on Indiana Massage College
Lil Lou S Beauty And Barber College South Bend landed the #31 spot for value in Indiana this year. See the full Lil Lou S Beauty And Barber College South Bend profile
The Salon Professional Academy Evansville landed the #32 spot for value in Indiana this year. Get the full The Salon Professional Academy Evansville report
Fortis College Indianapolis landed the #33 spot for value in Indiana this year. Read the full report on Fortis College Indianapolis
Aviation Institute Of Maintenance Indianapolis came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Aviation Institute Of Maintenance Indianapolis
Goshen College
Goshen College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. More on Goshen College
Lil Lous Beauty And Barber College Hammond ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Read more about Lil Lous Beauty And Barber College Hammond
Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Read more about Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology
Concordia Theological Seminary ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Read more about Concordia Theological Seminary
Pjs College Of Cosmetology Richmond landed the #39 spot for value in Indiana this year. Read more about Pjs College Of Cosmetology Richmond
Trine University
Trine University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. See the full Trine University profile
Martin University landed the #41 spot for value in Indiana this year. Read the full report on Martin University
Paul Mitchell The School Merrillville landed the #42 spot for value in Indiana this year. More on Paul Mitchell The School Merrillville
Summit Salon Academy Kokomo placed #43 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Indiana. Get the full Summit Salon Academy Kokomo report
Stellar Career College Crown Point placed #44 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Indiana. See the full Stellar Career College Crown Point profile
Horizon University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. See the full Horizon University profile
Butler University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Read the full report on Butler University
Empire Beauty School Speedway offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Read the full report on Empire Beauty School Speedway
Tricoci University Of Beauty Culture Indianapolis landed the #48 spot for value in Indiana this year. Get the full Tricoci University Of Beauty Culture Indianapolis report
Saint Marys College landed the #49 spot for value in Indiana this year. Read the full report on Saint Marys College
J Michael Harrold Beauty Academy came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on J Michael Harrold Beauty Academy
More Graduate Degrees Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 30 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 110 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).