Indianapolis has a wide mix of colleges and career schools, including public universities, private campuses, community college programs and short courses that lead to a license. The six options below differ in size, price and the kind of work they prepare students for, so it helps to learn what each one is known for before comparing tuition or booking a campus visit.
1. Indiana University Indianapolis
The former IUPUI campus split in 2024 into IU Indianapolis and Purdue University in Indianapolis, and the IU side kept programs in medicine, dentistry, nursing, law, art and public health. It’s among the broadest choices on this list for students who want a large urban university with many majors, and older guides may still use the IUPUI name.
2. Ivy Tech Community College
Students who want a lower-cost start often look at Ivy Tech Community College, which offers certificates and two-year associate degrees at locations around Indianapolis and nearby communities. Programs in nursing, technology, business and skilled trades are typical of community colleges, and many students finish general courses there before transferring to a four-year school or heading straight into work.
3. Esthetics and Skincare Career Schools
Licensed trades are usually taught at dedicated career schools, and the programs tend to be shorter and more focused than a degree. Skincare is one example, and students weighing esthetician school Indianapolis options will find programs built around facials and spa services. Before applying, ask each school about the total hours, the kit and the start dates.
4. Butler University
Butler’s campus sits north of downtown and gives students a smaller private setting, with colleges for pharmacy and health sciences, business, the arts and communication. Housing is available on campus, so students who want dorm life without leaving the city have that option. Small classes can suit students who want regular contact with professors, although tuition at a private university is usually higher than at public schools in the area.
5. University of Indianapolis
The University of Indianapolis, often shortened to UIndy, sits south of downtown and stands out for health programs such as nursing and physical therapy, alongside education and business. Several of those programs continue into graduate degrees, which gives students a path to stay on one campus if they plan to study for several years.
6. Marian University
Marian University’s Franciscan campus has been expanding its health sciences programs, including nursing and the osteopathic medical school that opened in 2013. Students interested in health care will find the most activity there, though the university also offers programs in business, education, engineering and the arts, leaving room to explore options.
Visiting two or three campuses in person gives a better read on class sizes, schedules and the cost of required supplies than any brochure, and it shows how far each one is from home or work. Add up each school’s full price, including fees and supplies, and compare how long each program takes. Then ask each admissions or financial aid office what aid is available before deciding where to apply.
