2026 Best Value General Education Schools in Indiana

1

Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN

Leading the list is Ivy Tech Community College, our #1 best value for general education in Indiana. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. General Education graduates carry a median of $10,874 in student loans. General Education graduates of Ivy Tech Community College earn a median of $26,848 early in their careers. Set against $10,874 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general education, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. General Education graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $64,435. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.

3

Purdue University Northwest
Hammond, IN

Purdue University Northwest is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general education, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Hammond, Purdue University Northwest is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,357, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $25,083. Early-career general education graduates make about $49,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Northwest admits about 72% of applicants.

4

Ball State University
Muncie, IN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ball State University earned it the #4 place for general education. Ball State University is a very large public school located in the city of Muncie. Students from in state pay about $11,082 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. General Education graduates carry a median of $24,518 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $47,863. That is a strong return on a $24,518 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

5

Earlham College
Richmond, IN

Earlham College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Set in the town of Richmond, Earlham College is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,930. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $25,125. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Earlham College generally make around $43,038. Set against $25,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%.