Indiana is home to some of the largest and best-recognized accredited online colleges in the U.S. In 1999, Ball State University in Muncie launched one of the earliest fully online master's degrees. You can earn your online degree from one of Indiana's small, private colleges, research universities, or technical schools. Today, about 53% of Hoosier students take at least one online class, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Whether you are an Indiana resident or eyeing an Indiana-based college, earning your degree online in this state can be a great option — provided you choose an appropriately accredited school.

What Colleges Are Accredited in Indiana

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) sets nationwide standards for postsecondary education. The ED and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) approve accrediting agencies.

Institutions and programs must meet standards of academic and professional quality to receive accreditation. Indiana's online schools and colleges can carry several types of accreditation.

Institutional Accreditation

Institutional accreditation means the entire school has received an evaluation and become accredited. In Indiana, the most common institutional accrediting agency is the Higher Learning Commission. However, any institutional accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education (ED) or the Commission on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) can issue valid accreditation credentials.

Subject-Specific Accreditation

Subject-specific accreditation, also called programmatic accreditation, is a stamp of approval from a specialized agency that applies only to a specific major or department. Subject-specific accreditation can help bolster a program's quality, and in some fields, it can be critical for licensure.

For example, if you want to be a medical doctor, your doctoral program must hold subject-specific accreditation with the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. However, if you want to be a teacher, approval from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation is not required but may be desirable.

Top Accredited Indiana Online Colleges

How to Know if Your School or Program is Accredited

Colleges and universities post their accreditation statuses on their websites, usually under specific accreditation pages. Check the academic catalog if you cannot find an accreditation statement on their site. For online colleges in Indiana, you can refer to the Higher Learning Commission's list of accredited institutions in the state.

The Impact of Accreditation When Transfering Credits

Accreditation is the key to credit mobility. When transferring credits between schools, accredited schools generally only accept past learning from other institutions with accreditation. By ensuring that your school has accreditation, you future-proof your credits and reduce the likelihood of having to retake classes.

Accreditation Criteria for Licensing

Most careers that require licensure also require accredited degrees. If you plan to become a physician, teacher, lawyer, nurse, or audiologist, you will typically need to complete a program from an institution with accreditation.

The same typically applies to aspiring counselors, psychologists, therapists, and certified public accountants, who must hold degrees from accredited institutions to take their licensure exams. Some careers, such as law, also require candidates to have completed programs recognized by programmatic accreditors.

Choosing the Right Online College in Indiana

Completing a bachelor's degree is a long and challenging process. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only 64% of enrollees who started their bachelor's degree at a four-year institution in 2014 finished the same school within six years. To maximize your chances of success, use the following steps to choosing an online college:

1. Check Accreditation Status

Only consider attending an institutionally accredited school. The primary institutional accreditor in Indiana is the Higher Learning Commission. Also, check for relevant programmatic accreditation. For example, if you plan to major in nursing, be sure your program holds accreditation with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

2. Search for an Affordable Program

Lack of finances is the primary reason students drop out of college, according to a report by education lender Sallie Mae. Choose a college you can afford without taking on major debt or excess work hours while in school.

3. Ask About Mental Health Services

Many students drop out of college because of the mental health challenges associated with higher education. Ask your admissions representative what counseling, medical support, and faculty training the school provides to help manage your mental health while studying.

4. Find Academic Support

Tutoring and other academic support services can help you pass tough classes, learn complex concepts, and ultimately complete your college degree. Find out what academic support your prospective school offers online students.

Online College Resources for Indiana Students

Indiana students can access information about schools, scholarships, academic support, and career resources through public and private agencies. Start with the list of key resources listed below:

Learn More Indiana

Located in Indianapolis, Learn More Indiana provides college-related resources for students across the state. Users can learn about choosing a college, securing admission, applying for aid, and maximizing dual credits.

The site also provides information on the 21st Century Scholarship, which can pay up to 100% of tuition at public colleges or partial support at private colleges in Indiana.

IN.gov

The Indiana state government's site offers a hub for education-related resources from pre-kindergarten through college. Users can discover more about financial aid, scholarships, and educator licensing through the links on this site. The page also provides information about the Commission for Higher Education's EARN program, which helps students secure paid internships.

Indiana Online

Indiana Online, a Cognia-accredited online education provider, partners with schools to offer 180 supplemental courses for middle and high school students. Aspiring college students who need secondary-level prerequisites, applicants who still need to finish their high school diplomas, and people looking to boost their GPAs for admission may benefit from Indiana Online's courses.

Indiana Department of Workforce Development

Learn more about top careers through the state's workforce development office. This website provides a calendar of upcoming job fairs, career assessments, and a job board. Users can learn more about Indiana's high-demand, high-wage occupations or even complete their high school equivalency through this department.