The Best Business Schools Near Indianapolis for 2027
Key Points: Best Business Schools Near Indianapolis
- Purdue University-Main Campus ranks #1 near Indianapolis on a 95.8 Program Score, with an 83% graduation rate.
- Private schools hold most of the places on this list.
- Cost and quality are not opposites here: the lowest-tuition program on the list, Ball State University, ranks #7.
- Programs analyzed in Indianapolis
- 65
- Schools ranked
- 10
- Ranked schools in the metro
- 4
- Farthest school
- 74 mi
Only four business schools in Indianapolis have a complete record in the federal data this site ranks on (Butler University, University of Indianapolis, Franklin College, and Marian University), too few for a ranking of the metro alone. So this list looks past the metro: it keeps those four and adds the six closest schools that do have one, in Indiana and Ohio, for ten in all, scored on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes.
Purdue University-Main Campus leads with a 95.8 Program Score and an 83% graduation rate. The nearest school from beyond the metro is Ball State University (Muncie, IN), about 45 miles from central Indianapolis; the farthest, Miami University-Oxford (Oxford, OH), is about 74 miles away.
How the Top Business Schools Near Indianapolis Compare
Purdue leads at 95.8, and Indiana Wesleyan-Marion closes the chart at 70.6. Longer bars rank higher.
How We Rank Business Schools Near Indianapolis
Each Program Score runs from 0 to 100: outcomes count for 44%, selectivity and academics for 38%, and scale and value for 18%, all from federal data. See how the weights work.
The 10 Best Business Schools Near Indianapolis, Ranked for 2027
The 10 best Business Schools Near Indianapolis, ranked by outcomes.
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN · Public
- Grad rate
- 83%
- Admit rate
- 50%
- In-state
- $9,718
- Out-of-state
- $28,520
At $9,718 a year in-state, Purdue University is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 95.8 Program Score on an 83% graduation rate.
- Program Score 95.8, #1 of 10
- 83% graduation rate
- $9,718 in-state vs $28,520 out-of-state
- Most selective program here
Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University is a public institution. Its Business program lands at #1 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 95.8 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 82.6 group average. The program graduates 83% of its students, above the 71% average across the ranked schools. Purdue admits 50% of applicants, more selective than the 77% average for the group. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 56% to 83%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 58,658 students.
On cost, Purdue charges $9,718 a year in-state, roughly 2.9x the $28,520 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,948 at Ball State to $46,570 at Butler. The spread makes the program a clearer value for IN residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN · Public
- Grad rate
- 80%
- Admit rate
- 78%
- Tuition
- Varies by program
Indiana University-Bloomington graduates 80% of its students, above the 71% average across this ranking, on a 93.4 Program Score.
- Program Score 93.4, #2 of 10
- 80% graduation rate
- Admits just 78% of applicants
Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University-Bloomington is a public institution. Its Business program lands at #2 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 93.4 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 82.6 group average, in the top third of the 10 ranked programs, 2.4 points behind top-ranked Purdue. The program graduates 80% of its students, above the 71% average across the ranked schools. Indiana-Bloomington admits 78% of applicants, less selective than the 77% average for the group. That is more open than the 50% rate at Purdue, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 56% to 83%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 48,424 students.
For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Miami University-Oxford
Oxford, OH · Public
- Grad rate
- 80%
- Admit rate
- 75%
- In-state
- $14,420
- Out-of-state
- $35,866
At $14,420 a year in-state, Miami University-Oxford is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 91.1 Program Score on an 80% graduation rate.
- Program Score 91.1, #3 of 10
- 80% graduation rate
- $14,420 in-state vs $35,866 out-of-state
- Admits just 75% of applicants
Miami University-Oxford is a public institution in Oxford, OH. Its Business program ranks #3 of the 10 analyzed here with a 91.1 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 82.6 group average, in the top third of the 10 ranked programs, 4.7 points behind top-ranked Purdue. The program graduates 80% of its students, above the 71% average across the ranked schools. Miami-Oxford admits 75% of applicants, more selective than the 77% average for the group. That is more open than the 50% rate at Purdue, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 56% to 83%. The university enrolls 18,838 students overall.
On cost, Miami-Oxford charges $14,420 a year in-state, roughly 2.5x the $35,866 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,948 at Ball State to $46,570 at Butler. The spread makes the program a clearer value for OH residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Butler University
Indianapolis, IN · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 80%
- Admit rate
- 85%
- In-state
- $46,570
- Out-of-state
- $46,570
Butler University requires two internships, one in private and one in public accounting, within a 122-credit degree.
- Program Score 84.3
- 80% graduation rate
- $46,570 tuition
- Two required internships
Butler University offers a bachelor's degree in accounting built around learning by doing. The curriculum totals 122 credit hours including the university core, with a business core that runs from accounting, economics and statistics through corporate finance, marketing, operations and a strategy capstone. Students complete two required internships, one in private and one in public accounting, and a sequence of professional and career development courses. The school says it is a National Priority Recruiting school for the Big 4 CPA firms, and it lists accounting-focused study abroad and close faculty interaction. Students can choose between a four-year and a five-year program, which matters for those planning to reach CPA credit requirements.
Butler is a private nonprofit university in Indianapolis with an 80% graduation rate and an 85% admit rate. Tuition is $46,570 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program has a Program Score of 84.3 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want internship experience built into the degree, who value structured career development from the first year, and who are prepared for private-school pricing. The two required internships and the optional five-year track add time and commitment, so applicants should plan for that alongside the price and consider whether the on-campus format suits them.
Taylor University
Upland, IN · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 74%
- Admit rate
- 74%
- In-state
- $39,500
- Out-of-state
- $39,500
Taylor University graduates 74% of its students, above the 71% average across this ranking, on an 83.2 Program Score.
- Program Score 83.2, #5 of 10
- 74% graduation rate
- $39,500 tuition
- Admits just 74% of applicants
Based in Upland, IN, Taylor University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #5 of the 10 ranked here, earning an 83.2 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 82.6 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 74% of its students, above the 71% average across the ranked schools. Taylor admits 74% of applicants, more selective than the 77% average for the group. That is more open than the 50% rate at Purdue, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 56% to 83%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 2,548 students.
On cost, Taylor charges $39,500 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,948 at Ball State to $46,570 at Butler. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
University of Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 56%
- Admit rate
- 66%
- In-state
- $35,448
- Out-of-state
- $35,448
UIndy offers two built-in routes to the 150-hour CPA requirement: a five-year bachelor's plus MBA track or a strategic double major.
- Program Score 79.5
- 56% graduation rate
- $35,448 tuition
- Bachelor's plus MBA or double major for CPA credits
The University of Indianapolis offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting covering tax, audit, analytics and financial management. The page notes that many accounting majors do not meet the credit requirement to sit for the CPA exam, and describes two optional pathways to the 150-hour standard: an accelerated bachelor's plus MBA completed in five years or less, or a double major that adds the extra credits without a master's degree. The curriculum includes financial and managerial accounting, accounting information systems, individual income taxes and auditing, with specialized areas such as fraud examination, corporate finance, technology and data analysis. Internships through the Stephen F. Fry Professional Edge Center place students in corporate finance departments, accounting firms and nonprofits. The school reports recognition as a 2026-2027 Business College of Distinction.
UIndy is a private nonprofit university in Indianapolis with a 56% graduation rate and a 66% admit rate. Tuition is $35,448 for in-state and out-of-state students. The program has a Program Score of 79.5 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It suits students who already plan to pursue the CPA and want the credit pathway built into the degree, and who value local internships. The 56% graduation rate means students should use the advising and career resources the school describes to stay on track.
Ball State University
Muncie, IN · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 62%
- Admit rate
- 85%
- In-state
- $8,948
- Out-of-state
- $27,496
At $8,948 a year in-state, Ball State University is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 78.9 Program Score on a 62% graduation rate.
- Program Score 78.9, #7 of 10
- 62% graduation rate
- $8,948 in-state vs $27,496 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Ball State University is a public institution in Muncie, IN. Its Business program ranks #7 of the 10 analyzed here with a 78.9 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 82.6 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 62% of its students, below the 71% average across the ranked schools. Ball State admits 85% of applicants, less selective than the 77% average for the group. That is more open than the 50% rate at Purdue, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 56% to 83%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 21,089 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Ball State charges $8,948 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $27,496 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,948 at Ball State to $46,570 at Butler. The spread makes the program a clearer value for IN residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
Franklin College
Franklin, IN · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 60%
- Admit rate
- 70%
- In-state
- $37,810
- Out-of-state
- $37,810
Franklin College's accounting track is built for four-year completion, CPA credit requirements and a paid internship, with seniors scoring at or above the top 10% nationally on the Major Field Achievement Test in all but one year since 1994.
- Program Score 76.6
- 60% graduation rate
- $37,810 tuition
- Paid internship in four-year plan
Franklin College offers an accounting major designed to be completed in four years while meeting CPA credit requirements. It sits on a liberal arts foundation and emphasizes problem-solving, data analysis, teamwork, communication and ethics, with case studies and client projects in upper-level classes. Accounting majors must take courses in finance, computing and economics, and the college encourages pairing the major with a second major or minor. All majors in the department complete at least one internship, and the four-year plan allows a full-time paid internship in the spring of the junior or senior year. The college reports a job placement rate near 95 percent for its graduates and a record on the Major Field Achievement Test at or above the top 10% nationwide in all but one year since 1994.
Franklin is a private nonprofit college with a 60% graduation rate and a 70% admit rate. Tuition is $37,810 for in-state and out-of-state students. The program has a Program Score of 76.6 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a small college, close faculty contact and an internship before graduation, and who may combine accounting with another subject. Those watching cost should note that the price is private-school level, and the graduation rate suggests staying on the four-year plan takes steady progress.
Marian University
Indianapolis, IN · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 67%
- Admit rate
- 95%
- In-state
- $40,664
- Out-of-state
- $40,664
Marian University embeds Becker CPA exam review in a 128-credit accounting degree that requires at least one internship before graduation.
- Program Score 72.1
- 67% graduation rate
- $40,664 in-state and out-of-state tuition
- Becker CPA review and required internship
Marian University in Indianapolis awards a Bachelor of Science in accounting through its School of Business. The 128-credit degree includes at least 72 credits of business courses: a 39-credit business core plus 33 credits of required accounting and finance, covering intermediate and advanced financial accounting, two tax courses, auditing and a cases course. The school says the curriculum embeds Becker CPA exam review software, and it notes that Indiana requires 150 credit hours plus passing the exam for a CPA license. At least one internship is required, and the school reports that its students placed third in the 2025 Indiana Collegiate Accounting Competition.
Federal figures show a 67% graduation rate and a 95% admit rate at Marian, so the school admits nearly every applicant. In-state tuition is $40,664, and out-of-state students pay the same amount. The program holds a Program Score of 72.1 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want CPA preparation built into the coursework, small classes and required work experience, and who can plan the extra credits Indiana's 150-hour rule demands.
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion
Marion, IN · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 67%
- Admit rate
- 89%
- In-state
- $32,104
- Out-of-state
- $32,104
At $32,104 a year in-state, Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 70.6 Program Score on a 67% graduation rate.
- Program Score 70.6, #10 of 10
- 67% graduation rate
- $32,104 tuition
- Admits just 89% of applicants
Based in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #10 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 70.6 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 82.6 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 67% of its students, below the 71% average across the ranked schools. Indiana Wesleyan-Marion admits 89% of applicants, less selective than the 77% average for the group. That is more open than the 50% rate at Purdue, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 56% to 83%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 2,204 students.
On cost, Indiana Wesleyan-Marion charges $32,104 a year in-state. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,948 at Ball State to $46,570 at Butler. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked Business Schools Near Indianapolis
The median school on this list graduates 71% of its students. The highest rates belong to Purdue University-Main Campus (83%) and Indiana University-Bloomington (80%). The school with the highest rate is also ranked #1.
- #1 Purdue University-Main Campus83% graduation rate
- #2 Indiana University-Bloomington80% graduation rate
- #3 Miami University-Oxford80% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the Business Schools Near Indianapolis?
Every school here that reports an admit rate takes at least half of its applicants; the median is 77%.
- #1 Purdue University-Main Campus50% admitted
- #6 University of Indianapolis66% admitted
- #8 Franklin College70% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Public and Private Business Schools Near Indianapolis
This list holds 4 public and 6 private nonprofit schools. Their median Program Scores: 92.3 public and 78.0 private nonprofit.
Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.
Campus Size Across the Business Schools Near Indianapolis
Enrollment on this list runs from 985 at Franklin College to 58,658 at Purdue University-Main Campus. Of the 10, 3 enroll 20,000 students or more and 4 enroll fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the Business Schools Near Indianapolis Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs | Average net priceNet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Purdue University-Main CampusPurdue | $84,725 | $14,851 |
| #2 | Indiana University-BloomingtonIndiana-Bloomington | $119,951 | $16,003 |
| #4 | Butler UniversityButler | $93,584 | $37,499 |
| #5 | Taylor UniversityTaylor | $78,191 | $26,508 |
| #6 | University of IndianapolisIndianapolis | $78,477 | $19,536 |
| #7 | Ball State UniversityBall State | $75,559 | $13,877 |
| #9 | Marian UniversityMarian | $76,780 | $23,459 |
| #10 | Indiana Wesleyan University-MarionIndiana Wesleyan-Marion | $67,767 | $22,440 |
Four years out, medians on this list run from $67,767 at Indiana Wesleyan-Marion to $119,951 at Indiana-Bloomington.
The highest-ranked school in the table, Purdue (#1), reports $84,725, so the highest score and the highest pay are not the same school.
After grants, the average undergraduate pays least at Ball State, $13,877 a year, and most at Butler, $37,499.
College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level; net price is for full-time first-time undergraduates receiving aid.
How Far the Business Schools Near Indianapolis Are
Distances are straight-line miles from central Indianapolis, measured from the average location of Indianapolis's business schools in federal records, so the drive is longer. Ball State University in Muncie, IN is about 45 miles away; Indiana University-Bloomington in Bloomington, IN is about 50 miles away; Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion in Marion, IN is about 54 miles away; Taylor University in Upland, IN is about 55 miles away; Purdue University-Main Campus in West Lafayette, IN is about 62 miles away; Miami University-Oxford in Oxford, OH is about 74 miles away.
For a residential degree the distance matters less than residency: a public school across the metro charges Indianapolis students its out-of-state rate unless a regional exchange applies, so read the out-of-state column on each card before comparing prices.
What the Business Schools Near Indianapolis Cost
Undergraduate in-state tuition on this list runs from $8,948 a year at Ball State University to $46,570 at Butler University, before aid. Over a four-year bachelor's that is roughly $35,792 against $186,280 in tuition alone.
Master's rows show no price: the federal tuition figure for those schools is the undergraduate rate, so ask each graduate business office for its per-credit rate instead.
Published annual tuition and required fees reported to IPEDS. Private schools charge one rate regardless of residency; public schools charge non-residents the out-of-state rate shown on each card.
Studying Business Online From Indianapolis
One of the ranked schools (Ball State University) runs a confirmed online option. An accredited online degree carries the same standing as the campus one, since accreditation attaches to the school rather than the format, and for a student in Indianapolis it removes the distance on this list entirely.
Keep Exploring
Business Schools Near Indianapolis: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best business school near Indianapolis?
By Program Score, Purdue University-Main Campus (West Lafayette, IN) ranks first, with a 95.8 score. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes from federal data, so it rewards a school that does all four well rather than one that wins on price alone.
How many business programs are there in Indianapolis?
65 accredited bachelor's and master's business programs in Indianapolis report to IPEDS. Four schools have the complete record needed to rank, which is why this list adds the nearest schools beyond the metro.
What is the closest ranked business school to Indianapolis?
Outside Indianapolis, Ball State University (Muncie, IN) is the nearest school with a complete record, about 45 straight-line miles from central Indianapolis. Inside Indianapolis, Butler University, University of Indianapolis, Franklin College, and Marian University are ranked on this list as well.
Can I study business online from Indianapolis?
Yes. One of the ten schools on this list offer the program online, including Ball State University. Accreditation attaches to the school, not the format, so the online degree carries the same standing.