College Costs in Indianapolis, IN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 25 colleges in Indianapolis, Indiana. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,944
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$39,815
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$976
per month
Colleges & Universities
25
institutions
Indianapolis Overview
Population
887,642
Student Population
38,913 (4.4%)
Cost of Living Index
94 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
82/100
Transit Score
46/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Indianapolis
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,720
Total After Financial Aid
$89,720
Annual Cost
$22,430
Annual After Aid
$22,430
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,720 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,019 |
| Total Interest | $32,530 |
| Total Loan Cost | $122,250 |
Universities in Indianapolis
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis | Public | $9,944 |
| Butler University | Private | $46,710 |
| University of Indianapolis | Private | $32,920 |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Community | $4,540 |
Indianapolis has 25 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Indianapolis vs. National Average
| Category | Indianapolis | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,944 | $10,940 | -$996 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $976 | $1,050 | -$74 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 100 | -6 |
Indianapolis's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Indianapolis
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
38,913 students
Indianapolis has a total population of 887,642, with approximately 38,913 college students (4.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Indianapolis offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Indianapolis
$49,475
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Indianapolis earn a median starting salary of $49,475, which is $14,475 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,720 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,595 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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