2022 - Best Nursing Schools in Indiana

Overview of Nursing Schools in Indiana

About Nursing Schools in Indiana

Each of the Indiana University School of nursing campuses have joined to create an RN and BSN Degree Completion Option. This makes nursing courses distance accessible using web-based and video technologies, which require nursing students to attend class on campus. In a full-time program, nursing students can complete a program in 12 months and part-time students can complete a program in 18-24 months. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of adult-learners of working nurses. Semesters are split in two learning modules, which can be completed in 7-8 weeks. Electives are meaningful to RN’s today because they are designed to relevant to your experience and work goals. Current topics include: Informatics, Complementary Therapies, and Genetics.

In our Indiana RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Indiana RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.

In the State of Indiana, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.

Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.

BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Indiana RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN

Best Ranked RN Programs in Indiana

To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Indiana and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.

To create our rankings, we evaluated 8 ADN degree programs and 24 BSN degree programs in Indiana. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Indiana to provide our state rankings. View our methodology. 

Best Nursing Schools in Indiana

University of Southern Indiana

College of Nursing & Health Professions

97.80% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  8600 University Blvd, Evansville, IN - 47712
• 
  (812) 464-8600

Nurse Admin: Ann H. White, PhD, MBA, RN, NE-BC

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.80%
• Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursingg, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN

University of Southern Indiana (USI) is a four-year public higher education institution in Evansville. It was founded in 1965 and started as a regional campus for Indiana State University. Currently, the university holds a ten-year accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for its baccalaureate and master’s levels programs. Moreover,

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 349
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,424
• Book and Supplies: $1,200
• Percent Received Aid: 96%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,668
• Percent Admitted: 94%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 33%
• Graduation Rate: 53%

Indiana University-Northwest

School of Nursing

97.53% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  3400 Broadway, Gary, IN - 46408-1197
• 
  (888) 968-7486

Nurse Admin: Crystal Shannon, PhD, MBA, RN, CNE, NHDP-BC

Title: Interim Director and Interim Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.53%
• Programs: Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN

Located in Gary, Indiana University-Northwest (IUN) is a public educational institution with a student to faculty ratio of 14:1. Its School of Nursing, housed by the College of Health and Human Services, places emphasis on student-centered and hands-on learning. This is made possible by the school’s state-of-the-art learning laboratory which

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 140
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,827
• Book and Supplies: $980
• Percent Received Aid: 87%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,058
• Percent Admitted: 82%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 32%
• Graduation Rate: 32%

Purdue University

97.53% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, IN - 47907-2040
• 
  (765) 494-4600

Nurse Admin: Overholser,

Title: Director of Operations - North Central Nursing Clinics

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.53%
• Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate

Purdue University is a four-year public educational institution in West Lafayette. This land-grant research university is Purdue University's flagship campus. Its School of Nursing works alongside various healthcare agencies and facilities in north central Indiana and Indianapolis to provide hands-on and evidence-based nursing experiences to students. These healthcare centers include

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 2821
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,992
• Book and Supplies: $1,010
• Percent Received Aid: 61%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $10,213
• Percent Admitted: 67%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 23%
• Graduation Rate: 83%

Bethel College-Indiana

94.90% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1001 Bethel Circle, Mishawaka, IN - 46545-5591
• 
  (574) 807-7000

Nurse Admin: Tyrell,

Title: Director, Department of Nursing, Nursing

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.90%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, MSN

Bethel University is a private liberal arts educational institution in Mishawaka. This Christian university was founded in 1947 and presently holds an accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. It also received an authorization from the State of Indiana to operate as a postsecondary institution. Its School of Nursing is taught

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 61
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,350
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 100%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $19,022
• Percent Admitted: 93%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 24%
• Graduation Rate: 62%

Chamberlain College

94.57% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  9100 Keystone Crossing, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN - 46240
• 
  (317) 816-7335

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.57%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor

University Information

• Total Faculty:
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $600
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 100%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,373
• Percent Admitted: 53%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 67%
• Graduation Rate: N/A

Indiana University-Kokomo

School of Nursing

94.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  2300 S Washington St, Kokomo, IN - 46902-9003
• 
  (765) 453-2000

Nurse Admin: Susan Hendricks, EdD, CNE

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.00%
• Programs: Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN

Indiana University Kokomo (IUK) is a four-year public educational institution, and is a regional campus of Indiana University. In terms of accreditation, IUK is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Its School of Nursing also received approval from the Indiana State Board of Nursing. Meanwhile, its baccalaureate and master’s

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 125
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,827
• Book and Supplies: $980
• Percent Received Aid: 94%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,534
• Percent Admitted: 83%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 33%
• Graduation Rate: 43%

Ball State University

School of Nursing

93.57% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  2000 University Ave, Muncie, IN - 47306
• 
  (765) 289-1241

Nurse Admin: Linda L. Siktberg, PhD, RN

Title: Director

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.57%
• Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP, RN to MSN

Ball State University (BSU) is a four-year public university in Muncie with a student to faculty ratio of 16:1. It was founded in 1918, and presently holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Its School of Nursing students gain hands-on learning and medical experiences through the university’s simulation

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 1047
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,290
• Book and Supplies: $1,364
• Percent Received Aid: 90%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $11,559
• Percent Admitted: 87%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 20%
• Graduation Rate: 67%

Purdue University-Calumet Campus

93.53% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  2200 169th St, Hammond, IN - 46323-2094
• 

Nurse Admin: Cheryl Moredich,

Title: Director, Online Nursing Programs

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.53%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate

Purdue University Northwest (PNW), formerly known as Purdue University-Calumet Campus is a premier metropolitan educational institution with two campuses- Hammond Campus and Westville Campus. This HLC-accredited public university places emphasis on research and applied learning opportunities. Its College of Nursing is designated as an NLN Center of Nursing Excellence and

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University Information

• Total Faculty:
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: N/A
• Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A

Anderson University

School of Nursing

92.80% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1100 E 5th St, Anderson, IN - 46012-3495
• 
  (765) 649-9071

Nurse Admin: Lynn M. Schmidt, PhD, RN, CNE

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.80%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN

Named after its location, Anderson University is a private Christian educational institution. It has been providing educational service to the area for more than 100 years. Its School of Nursing offers state-of-the art equipment and facilities to its students. For instance, the School purchased the SimMan®3G, an advanced patient simulator

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 104
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,400
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 100%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $20,151
• Percent Admitted: 67%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 13%
• Graduation Rate: 64%

University of Evansville

Dunigan Family School of Nursing

92.33% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1800 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN - 47722
• 
  (812) 488-2000

Nurse Admin: Jerilee LaMar, PhD, RN, CNE

Title: Chair of the School of Nursing

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.33%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor

University Information

• Total Faculty: 165
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 100%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $27,320
• Percent Admitted: 64%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 13%
• Graduation Rate: 67%

Goshen College

Department of Nursing

91.87% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1700 S Main St, Goshen, IN - 46526-4794
• 
  (574) 535-7000

Nurse Admin: Jewel Yoder, DNP, RN

Title: Department Chair

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.87%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN

University Information

• Total Faculty: 63
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,250
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 100%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $24,631
• Percent Admitted: 92%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 22%
• Graduation Rate: 63%

Indiana Wesleyan University

91.50% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  4201 South Washington Street, Marion, IN - 46953-4974
• 
  (765) 674-6901

Nurse Admin: Drake,

Title: Professor, Graduate Nursing

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.50%
• Programs: Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate

Founded in 1920, Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is a Christian comprehensive university in Marion. It was originally named Marion College, after its location. With more than 100 years of educational service to the area, IWU is accredited as a whole by the HLC. Its School of Nursing’s curriculum focuses on

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 283
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,384
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 100%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $17,520
• Percent Admitted: 91%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 21%
• Graduation Rate: 72%

Valparaiso University

College of Nursing and Health Professions

91.23% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  US Highway 30 and Sturdy Road, Valparaiso, IN - 46383
• 
  (219) 464-5000

Nurse Admin: Karen Allen, PhD, RN, FAAN

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.23%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, RN to MSN

Valparaiso University is a private independent Lutheran school located in Valparaiso. It received a university-wide accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and an approval from the Indiana State Board of Nursing for its nursing programs. Moreover, its baccalaureate, master’s and DNP nursing programs are CCNE-accredited. The curriculum in its

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 242
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 100%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $28,933
• Percent Admitted: 87%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 12%
• Graduation Rate: 65%

Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis

School of Nursing

91.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  420 University Blvd, Indianapolis, IN - 46202-5143
• 
  (317) 274-5555

Nurse Admin: Robin P. Newhouse, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN

Title: Dean and Distinguished Professor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.00%
• Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate

Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) is located in Indianapolis.  They offer a BSN Traditional Track, an RN to BSN Online Degree Completion Option and a BSN Accelerated Second Degree Option.  Their programs are unique because they offer a welcoming ceremony to their new nursing students where friends and

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 3216
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,044
• Book and Supplies: $1,050
• Percent Received Aid: 92%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $10,412
• Percent Admitted: 79%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 30%
• Graduation Rate: 52%

Additional List of Top Indiana Nursing Programs

Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Indiana

RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.

Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Indiana

Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Indiana offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

Indiana  RN Licensing Requirements

RN Licensure by Exam

Each candidate who wishes to obtain licensure by examination must submit an application to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA). The licensure application and the NCLEX registration process must be completed before candidates are eligible to take the exam. The application must include:

• Passport-type photo with the school seal and signature of the candidate and Dean on the lower front
• Check or money or for $50.00 (non-refundable) may payable to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
• NCLEX Application and Registration which costs $200 and must be made payable to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check, or money order
• Certificate of Completion form completed by the Dean/Director/Designee of the nursing program
• Verification of Licensure from every state in which the candidate held licensure. Nurses who hold licensure in a non-compact state are required to submit Verification of State Licensure Form.

RN Licensure by Endorsement

Nurses who are licensed in one of the other 50 states can obtain licensure through endorsement. Along with the application, candidates must submit the following:

• Proof of current, active licensure from another state
• Completed background check
• Verification of licensure from every state or country the candidate has obtained licensure in

RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad

Along with the items that are needed for licensure by examination, foreign nurse graduates must also submit the following:

• Official nursing transcripts provided through a evaluation services such as CGFNS
• Official copy of high school diploma or official transcripts
• If not written in English, all documents must be accompanied by an official

Indiana State Board of Nursing

Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
402 W. Washington Street, Room W072
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-2960

RN Salaries in Indiana

Ample job opportunities for registered nurses are available in the state of Indiana. Nursing employment is expected to grow rapidly, and the nursing industry is rather large, and new jobs are continuously created. Many of the jobs created are due to nurses who are leaving the occupation due to retirement. Technological advances also drive job growth in patient care. Last, but not least, rapid growth is expected in outpatient facilities such as rehabilitation and chemotherapy.

Indiana Registered Nursing Salaries

Although the Indianapolis metropolitan area has the largest number of registered nurses, it is the Gary Metropolitan area that has the highest annual median wage.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.