Indiana Nursing Programs and Degrees Guide
The following guide contains key information on the many undergraduate and graduate nursing programs available in the state of Indiana. Indiana’s colleges and universities offer a diverse menu of concentrations within the nursing major, including women’s health, nurse midwifery, nursing education, neonatal, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner. Students searching for a flexible and convenient alternative to earning a traditional college degree may want to pursue an online bachelor’s or a master’s degree in nursing.
Quick Facts
- 29 schools with nursing programs in Indiana are in our database (see below).
- 8 colleges and universities offer associate’s degrees or certificates in nursing.1
- 26 colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing.1
- 18 colleges and universities offer master’s or advanced degrees in nursing.1
- 2 schools ranked in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges in 2018.2
- 1 school ranked in the Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Nursing Majors in 2018.3
- 4 schools ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s programs.4
- 4 schools ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.4
Top-Ranked Schools with Nursing Programs in Indiana
Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges 2018*
- Indiana University Bloomington (#33 in-state, #86 out-of-state)
- Purdue University (#15 in-state, #25 out-of-state)
*Institution-wide ranking.
Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Nursing Majors 2018
- Valparaiso University
US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (#41 tie)
- Purdue University-West Lafayette (#66 tie)
- Indiana State University (#105 tie)
- University of Southern Indiana (#124 tie)
US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (#36 tie)
- Purdue University-West Lafayette (#79 tie)
- Indiana State University (#92 tie)
- University of Southern Indiana (#132 tie)
Keep reading below to learn more about the undergraduate and graduate nursing degree programs offered at Indiana’s leading colleges and universities.
NCLEX Pass Rate and Accreditation Information for Nursing Schools in Indiana
The following table allows you to easily compare not-for-profit Indiana nursing schools on a variety of factors. Click on the arrows in the top row to sort the table. In addition to seeking a program that leads to licensure in your desired area of nursing, it’s advisable to consider accreditation as a factor in your decision. If you are considering education beyond the associate’s level, know that a degree from a school that holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a common requirement for admission to master’s degree, ADN/LVN and RN to BSN, and specialized certificate programs. You should also check to ensure that the school you are considering is approved or accepted by the Indiana State Board of Nursing (https://www.in.gov/pla/professions/nursing-home/nursing-education/).
| School | ADN or LVN Program | BSN Program | Graduate Nursing Program | ACEN/CCNE Accred.* | NCLEX-PN First Time Pass Rate** | # Taking | NCLEX-RN First Time Pass Rate^ | # Taking | Net Price^^ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ancilla Domini College | Yes | No | No | No | 100% | 4 | N/A | N/A | $15,058 |
| Anderson University | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 90% | 50 | $21,945 |
| Ball State University | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 92.5% | 159 | $12,847 |
| Bethel College | Yes | Yes | Yes | ACEN | 90.2% | 41 | 93.8% | 32 | $18,079 |
| Goshen College | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 96.2% | 26 | $18,878 |
| Huntington University | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 81.8% | 11 | $19,305 |
| Indiana State University | No | Yes | Yes | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 86.5% | 208 | $10,894 |
| Indiana University-East | No | Yes | Yes | ACEN | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8,453 |
| Indiana University-Kokomo | No | Yes | Yes | ACEN/CCNE | N/A | N/A | 94.9% | 79 | $8,566 |
| Indiana University-Northwest | No | Yes | Yes | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 94.2% | 69 | $6,992 |
| Indiana University-South Bend | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 96.2% | 53 | $9,296 |
| Indiana University-Southeast | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 89.1% | 46 | $10,690 |
| Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 98.7% | 75 | $9,871 |
| Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (ADN) | Yes | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 100% | 6 | $10,740 |
| Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (BSN) | Yes | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 90.7% | 355 | $10,740 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 86.9% | 137 | $25,015 |
| Ivy Tech Community College-Anderson | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 100% | 45 | N/A | N/A | $6,416 |
| Ivy Tech Community College-Bloomington | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 100% | 18 | 97.1% | 68 | $6,416 |
| Ivy Tech Community College-Columbus | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 100% | 6 | 100% | 8 | $6,416 |
| Ivy Tech Community College-Evansville | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 100% | 9 | 89.7% | 58 | $6,416 |
| Ivy Tech Community College-Fort Wayne | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 88.9% | 9 | 90.6% | 117 | $6,416 |
| Ivy Tech Community College-Gary | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 100% | 12 | 81.5% | 65 | $6,416 |
| Ivy Tech Community College-Greencastle | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 100% | 19 | N/A | N/A | $6,416 |
| Ivy Tech Community College-Indianapolis | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 100% | 49 | 90.4% | 239 | $6,416 |
| Ivy Tech Community College-Kokomo | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 95.7% | 23 | 87.5% | 88 | $6,416 |
| Ivy Tech Community College-Lafayette | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 100% | 21 | 84.1% | 58 | $6,416 |
| Ivy Tech Community College-Madison | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 80% | 10 | 79.7% | 59 | $6,416 |
| Ivy Tech Community College-Muncie | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 93.3% | 15 | 82.4% | 102 | $6,416 |
| Ivy Tech Community College-Richmond | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 100% | 9 | 85.7% | 35 | $6,416 |
| Ivy Tech Community College-Sellersburg | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 100% | 26 | 90.9% | 77 | $6,416 |
| Ivy Tech Community College-South Bend | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 96.3% | 27 | 89.2% | 65 | $6,416 |
| Ivy Tech Community College-Terre Haute | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 100% | 18 | 96.1% | 76 | $6,416 |
| Ivy Tech Community College-Valparaiso | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 100% | 19 | 81.9% | 72 | $6,416 |
| Marian University | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | 100% | 1 | 92.8% | 250 | $19,992 |
| Purdue University | No | Yes | Yes | ACEN/CCNE | N/A | N/A | 95.30% | 86 | $11,643 |
| Purdue University-Calumet | No | Yes | Yes | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 83.3% | 84 | $10,445 |
| Purdue University-North Central | No | Yes | Yes | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 100% | 60 | $7,460 |
| St. Mary’s College | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 89.4% | 47 | $27,508 |
| St. Mary-of-the-Woods College | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $17,298 |
| University of Evansville | No | Yes | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 95% | 40 | $22,041 |
| University of Indianapolis | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | 88.4% | 43 | 86.6% | 82 | $22,407 |
| University of St. Francis | No | Yes | Yes | ACEN/CCNE | 59.8% | 87 | 93.4% | 61 | $16,751 |
| University of St. Francis-Crown Point | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 92.9% | 28 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| University of Southern Indiana | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 98% | 91 | $11,179 |
| Valparaiso University | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 93% | 86 | $22,136 |
| Vincennes University | Yes | Yes | Yes | ACEN | 90.5% | 21 | 68.9% | 74 | $10,235 |
| Vincennes University-Jasper | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN | 82.4% | 17 | 80.6% | 31 | $10,235 |
*The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits ADN/ASN/BSN programs. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits BSN/MSN/DNP programs.5,6
**NCLEX-PN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates testing between January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
^NCLEX-RN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates testing between January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
^^The National Center for Education Statistics calculates net price from the total estimated cost of attendance, including includes tuition, books, room and board, and other expenses, for in-state students minus the average financial aid award (such as grants and scholarships).
Schools in Indiana with Nursing Degrees
Associate’s in Nursing Programs
Ivy Tech Community College
On various campuses located across the state of Indiana, Ivy Tech Community College offers an associate of science in nursing program that can be completed in less than two years once students have met all general education requirements and are officially admitted to the nursing curriculum. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become entry-level registered nurses. Graduates are also prepared to pursue further education in an RN to BSN program; Ivy Tech maintains transfer agreements and partnerships with numerous four-year schools that promote a smooth transition for students. For those who might not be ready to commit to an associate degree program, Ivy Tech also offers a Licensed Practical Nurse diploma program. Ivy Tech’s nursing programs are approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing and hold accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
University of Saint Francis-Crown Point
The University of Saint Francis offers an associate degree nursing (ADN) program on its Crown Point campus that prepares graduates to become entry-level nurse generalists. The school boasts a state-of-the-art simulation lab that helps students master healthcare skills in a clinical setting. The ADN curriculum also includes real-world clinical experience. Prospective students who are already licensed as LPNs may be interested in the school’s LPN to ASN program, which can allow completion of the associate’s degree in less time. The University of Saint Francis additionally offers RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs for students who are interested in furthering their educations and advancing their careers. The ADN program at the University of Saint Francis is approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing and holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs
Marian University
Marian University features a traditional, or generic, undergraduate nursing program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as well as an accelerated online BSN program. The accelerated online BSN program, which pairs online coursework with on-site clinical rotations, can be completed in as few as 16 months. Under the traditional program, nursing major requirements generally take six semesters to complete. Marian’s BSN coursework includes dosage calculations, human growth and development, mental health nursing, and leadership management. Both BSN programs are geared toward students who do not already possess a college degree. Students will complete a total of six mandatory clinical rotations with each rotation at a different facility that focuses on different areas of nursing, such as pediatric and adult gerontology. Nursing majors are also encouraged to join the Marion University Student Nurses Association (MUSNA) and, for those who are academically eligible, Sigma Theta Tau.
University of Saint Francis
The University of Saint Francis’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Students must complete 128 to 130 credits of general college coursework and nursing courses to fulfill degree requirements. The program traditionally takes four years to complete. Nursing coursework encompasses nursing leadership, medical-surgical nursing, nursing care of children and adolescents, and psychiatric-mental health nursing. Registered nurses who want to earn a BSN may want to consider the department’s online RN to BSN program. Academically-gifted nursing majors may want to pursue the ACE (Achieving Credits Early) BSN program, which takes three years to complete.
Master’s in Nursing Programs
Indiana University
Indiana University confers the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in one of nine concentrations: adult acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner, and nursing leadership in health systems. All nursing students will complete, in addition to coursework specific to the concentration, core courses including nursing theory, leadership for advanced practice nursing, nursing research methods, and either a nursing study or a master’s thesis. The Nursing Department is also home to the Resource Center for Innovation in Clinical Nursing Education, a clinical simulator lab. Graduate students may be eligible for available scholarships and assistantships in the nursing department.
University of Indianapolis
Graduate students at the University of Indianapolis can pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in one of several concentrations, including primary care family nurse practitioner, primary care adult/gerontology nurse practitioner, women’s health, nurse midwifery, nursing education, neonatal, and nursing and health systems leadership. Students will complete between 39 and 55 credits and between 240 and 1,035 clinical hours depending on the concentration. Each concentration also has a mandatory research project. Prospective applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a current registered nursing license. Successful applicants may begin the program in the fall, in the spring, or in the summer semester.
Student Reviews
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
Indiana University Northwest
3400 Broadway
Gary, IN 46408
(888) 968-7486
https://northwest.iu.edu/
Student Review: “I am currently enrolled in the Accelerated Nursing Program at Indiana University Northwest; this program thus far has been very enjoyable and an excellent learning experience. I have been given so many opportunities to practice my skills in a clinical setting and the staff is always helpful and encouraging. The most rewarding aspect of the program is that it will only take me 18 months to complete; so while it is fast-paced and very busy, it is worth it to be able to finish so quickly. I have made so many great friends in this program and I feel as though I am more prepared to begin my practice than students from other schools.” – Student at Indiana University Northwest
Ivy Tech Community College
3100 Ivy Tech Dr
Valparaiso, IN 46324
(219) 464-8514
https://www.ivytech.edu/
Student Review: “The teachers [at Ivy Tech Community College] made the learning experience easier. The classes were pretty difficult but worth it. My favorite class was the psych class. I loved learning about how a person’s mind works and about patterns that are in the mind. I wish I would have done my classes in a different order I think that this would have helped me understand the material better.” – Student at Ivy Tech Community College
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges: https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-best-college-values-college-finder/index.php#Tile
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges, 2018 Edition. New York, Penguin Random House, 2018.
4. US News Top Graduate Nursing Schools: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
5. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
6. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): https://directory.ccnecommunity.org/reports/accprog.asp
7. Indiana State Board of Nursing: https://www.in.gov/che/files/NursingLicenseExamPassRates.pdf