Indiana’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
With a national growth rate of 6%, there has never been a better time to go into nursing. According to the Indiana Hospital Association, Indiana has 4,300 nurse job openings each year, and they are projected to need an additional 5,000 nurses by 2031.
Indiana has 24,000 miles of river and over 900 lakes, including Lake Michigan. Indiana is also home to three national parks and 24 state parks, and you can enjoy all four seasons in the state. If you’re a sports enthusiast, Indiana has one of the most popular teams in college sports, The Fighting Irish Notre Dame college football team. It also has two professional teams with a strong following, the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers. If you enjoy automobile racing, Indiana is home to the Indy 500. The state truly has something for everyone to enjoy.
Indiana has a lot to offer for its residents. The state has a low cost of living, low crime rates, excellent universities, and friendly communities. Indiana’s median home value is about 36% lower than the national average, and its state taxes fall below average. When the tax rate is applied to a lower home price, the taxes on average are lower than the national average. Groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transportation are also less than the national average. All these combined make Indiana an affordable place to live. The combination of academic institutions that are well-known for their excellence in education, and the increasing job openings for nurses in the state, make Indiana a great place to practice as a nurse.
The Best Nursing Schools in Indiana
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Indiana to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Indiana based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Indiana Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 Indiana ADN Nursing Program
Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is the largest singly-accredited community college in the country, with more than 40 locations. Graduating the highest number of associate-level nurses in the nation, it’s no surprise that it tops the list of the best nursing programs in Indiana. In 2020, three of its locations achieved the highest NCLEX-RN pass rates on the first attempt in the state. Their Terre Haute campus achieved a 93.3% pass rate, their Valparaiso campus achieved a 91.3% pass rate, and their Lake County campus achieved a 90.9% pass rate. Their program offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree that prepares students for entry-level nursing positions in a variety of healthcare settings. They offer a transfer single articulation pathway (TSAP) which enables students to transfer to an Indiana public four-year institution with automatic junior status. This can save students $10,000 or more by completing their first two years at Ivy Tech. Their nursing program has partnerships with more than two dozen four-year universities and colleges so students can transfer without losing credits or time.
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,637
Out-of-State: $8,927
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,637 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$8,927 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2021 |
85.81% for all Ivy Tech Nursing Programs |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
70% |
| Job Placement 2019-2020 |
92.15% |
| Students Enrolled |
63,809 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) |
#2 Indiana ADN Nursing Program
Vincennes University-Jasper
Vincennes University in Jasper, Indiana, offers an ASN degree that prepares graduates to function with competency to assess, plan, implement, direct, and evaluate nursing care of individuals or groups of clients in various settings. They also offer a nursing transfer single articulation pathway which allows them to complete their first two years of courses at the community college and then transfer into a four-year college as a junior. Their program offers students hands-on learning experiences in their state-of-the-art simulation laboratory and clinical opportunities at hospitals, long-term care, clinics, schools, and physician offices.
Average Tuition
In-State: $6,449
Out-of-State: $15,254
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$6,449 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$15,254 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2020 |
90% |
| Program Completion Rate 2020 |
68.2% |
| Job Placement 2019 |
95.23% |
| Students Enrolled |
16,389 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#3 Indiana ADN Nursing Program
Vincennes University
Vincennes University, located in Vincennes, Indiana, offers an ASN degree that prepares graduates to assess, plan, implement, direct, and evaluate nursing care of individuals or groups of clients. They also offer a nursing transfer single articulation pathway, which allows students to complete their first two years of nursing school at their college and transfer to a four-year university. They offer a state-of-the-art simulation laboratory to create a safe learning environment.
Average Tuition
In-State: $6,449
Out-of-State: $15,253
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$6,449 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$15,253 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2020 |
88% |
| Program Completion Rate 2020 |
66.7% |
| Job Placement 2019 |
95.23% |
| Students Enrolled |
16,389 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 Indiana BSN Nursing Program
University of Evansville
The University of Evansville offers a BSN program that guarantees incoming freshmen a spot in their program upon submitting their deposit. Students complete hands-on learning in their simulation laboratory from freshman to senior year and have six semesters of clinical experience at local facilities. In addition, their program allows students to compete in Division 1 athletics or study abroad and still graduate in four years.
Average Tuition
In-State: $25,000
Out-of-State: $25,000
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$25,000 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$25,000 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
75% |
| Retention Rate |
86% |
| Students Enrolled |
2,078 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
25% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#2 Indiana BSN Nursing Program
Indiana University South Bend
Indiana University South Bend offers traditional BSN and RN to BSN programs. Their BSN program prepares nurses to competently and professionally deliver safe nursing care using evidence-based practices. They teach their graduates to provide patient-centered care that reflects clinical judgment and inter-professional collaboration.
Average Tuition
In-State: $7,827
Out-of-State: $20,934
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$7,827 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$20,934 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
88.9% |
| Retention Rate |
67% |
| Students Enrolled |
4,449 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
16% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#3 Indiana BSN Nursing Program
Indiana University Northwest
Indiana University Northwest, located in Gary, Indiana, offers a traditional BSN option, a BA/BS 18-month mobility option, and an RN to MSN option. Their BSN program provides graduates with a broad foundation in the sciences and liberal arts necessary for preparing professional nurses capable of practicing competently and responsibly. To be accepted into the traditional BSN program, students first must be admitted to the university and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and a minimum pre-nursing GPA of 2.7. The nursing program equips graduates with the necessary skills to lead in patient care quality and safety. They are also trained to create innovative and effective healthcare delivery methods while working as equal partners with the healthcare team.
Average Tuition
In-State: $7,827
Out-of-State: $20,934
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$7,827 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$20,934 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
85.5% |
| Retention Rate |
64% |
| Students Enrolled |
3,198 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
51% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Indiana
When choosing a nursing program in Indiana, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to complete your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is also an important piece when choosing a nursing program. Programs that have undergone the accreditation process must meet specific standards to be accredited, and some state boards of nursing may only accept accredited programs. If you are considering continuing your education, some schools may only transfer the credits earned while receiving your RN if it was from an accredited program. Additionally, some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program.
Why Become a Nurse in Indiana
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing employment is predicted to grow by 6% nationwide. Indiana currently has about 4,300 nurse job openings each year and is projected to need an additional 5,000 nurses by 2031 to meet the demands of the state’s current healthcare needs.
To address this shortage, the Indiana Hospital Association partnered with local colleges and other stakeholders and brought solutions to the 2022 legislative session to address the urgent nurse shortage issues. Working with legislative representatives, they created a new law that removes limits on how fast two and four-year nursing programs can grow their enrollment totals, allows nursing schools to replace some required clinical hours with simulation hours, and allows two-year programs to hire more part-time faculty.
The increased flexibility has allowed Indiana nursing programs to accept more students into their programs and turn away fewer. Indiana’s proactive approach to addressing the nursing shortage will enable more students to complete their nursing degrees to help fill the growing nurse job openings.
According to the Americans Health Rankings 2022 Annual Report, Indiana is ranked 35th in the country for overall health, which is an improvement from 2019 when it was ranked 41. Indiana’s strengths include low-income equity, low prevalence of high-risk HIV behaviors, and a lower percentage of households experiencing severe housing problems. The state also saw a decrease in food insecurity and the number of people uninsured from 2019-2021.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in Indiana earn an average annual salary of $75,580. Indiana continues to see an increasing need for more RNs, which means there are ample employment and advancement opportunities for RNs in the state.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Indiana
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Indiana is $75,580, and it employs 67,350 nurses. Indiana also employs 6,480 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $121,730.
The nationwide employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, with about 203,200 openings for registered nurses projected each year. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transferred to different occupations or who leave the labor workforce to retire.
| Top Paying Indiana Cities for RNs |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN |
$80,450 |
| Kokomo, IN |
$73,500 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN |
$73,500 |
| Fort Wayne, IN |
$73,240 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Indiana
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the Indiana Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN.
After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Each nursing license has specific requirements that need to be met to maintain your licensure. To become a nurse in Indiana, you will need to complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Indiana:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, and proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you’ve received your RN license for Indiana, you will need to renew it every two years. Indiana nursing licenses expire on October 31st of odd-numbered years, regardless of the issuance date. There are no continuing education requirements for an Indiana RN license renewal.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an APRN in Indiana:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Indiana.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- License renewal occurs every two years on October 31st of the odd-numbered year, regardless of the issuance date. All APRNs with prescriptive authority must complete at least 30 hours of continuing education, and at least eight of those hours must be in pharmacology. APRNs with controlled substances registration must complete two hours of continuing education in opioid prescribing and opioid abuse from an approved sponsor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Indiana
Is Indiana a good place for nurses to work?
Indiana is a great place for nurses to work. Nursing students and nurses can appreciate the low cost of living and lower-than-average tuition costs compared to surrounding states. There continues to be an increasing demand for more nurses in Indiana, and the state has worked with legislative representatives to develop a plan to meet the state’s healthcare needs. This shows that healthcare quality and nurses are valued in the state.
Is Indiana a compact state for nursing?
Yes, Indiana is a compact state for nursing. This means that if you hold a compact nursing license for Indiana, you can practice nursing in other compact states.
What are the requirements for RNs in Indiana?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have your RN license, you must renew your license every two years before October 31st of odd-numbered years. RNs are not required to complete any continuing education for license renewal in Indiana.
How much does an Indiana RN license cost?
The application fee for an RN license in Indiana is $50. The application fee for the nurse licensure compact RN is $25. The renewal fee for an unexpired RN license is $50, and the renewal fee for a compact RN is $25.
