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2026 Best Value Trade Schools in Indiana
Looking for the best-value Trade degree programs in Indiana? Our ranking highlights 110 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Trade College evaluated 24 schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Trade Degree Schools in Indiana
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is Ivy Tech Community College, our #1 best-value Trade school in Indiana. Ivy Tech Community College is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Ivy Tech Community College Trade students take on a median of $11,889 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,186 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Ivy Tech Community College
Out of the 24 schools in Indiana in this year's value ranking, Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus landed the #2 spot. Based in Angola, IN, Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,176. Graduates carry a median of $24,787 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,165 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 40% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Purdue University Main Campus earned it the #3 place in Indiana. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $19,844. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,844 median debt. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. More on Purdue University Main Campus
A rank of #4 makes Purdue University Northwest one of the best values in Indiana. This public school is set in Hammond, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,357, with out-of-state students paying around $15,504. Typical Trade student debt is $25,083. Median earnings reach $48,318 ten years out. Set against $25,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Northwest has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about Purdue University Northwest
A rank of #5 makes Indiana University Southeast one of the best values in Indiana. Indiana University Southeast is a public school based in New Albany, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Typical Trade student debt is $23,981. Median earnings reach $47,596 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on Indiana University Southeast
Vincennes University placed #6 among the best-value Trade schools in Indiana. Located in Vincennes, IN, Vincennes University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,126, with out-of-state students paying around $16,858. Typical Trade student debt is $14,506. Median earnings reach $41,110 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,506 median debt. More on Vincennes University
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Trade students take on a median of $23,146 in debt. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis alumni report median earnings of $55,198 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Indiana University East offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Richmond, IN, Indiana University East is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Typical Trade student debt is $24,098. Median earnings reach $47,156 ten years out. Set against $24,098 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University East has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read the full report on Indiana University East
Indiana University South Bend placed #9 among the best-value Trade schools in Indiana. Indiana University South Bend is a public school based in South Bend, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Graduates carry a median of $24,640 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,947. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University South Bend has an acceptance rate of 84%. See the full Indiana University South Bend profile
Indiana University Northwest offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Gary, IN, Indiana University Northwest is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,424, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,434 to complete their Trade program here. Indiana University Northwest alumni report median earnings of $43,361 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,434 median debt. Indiana University Northwest admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Indiana University Northwest profile
Indiana University Kokomo offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Kokomo, IN, Indiana University Kokomo is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,424 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,619 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $49,917 ten years out. Set against $24,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Kokomo admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Indiana University Kokomo
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fort Wayne, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,532 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,887 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,119 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,872 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,119 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne profile
Ball State University landed the #14 spot for value in Indiana this year. This public school is set in Muncie, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Graduates carry a median of $24,518 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,833. That is a strong return on a $24,518 median debt. Ball State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Ball State University
University Of Southern Indiana offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Evansville, IN, University Of Southern Indiana is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,066 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,907 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,999 in student loans. University Of Southern Indiana alumni report median earnings of $47,605 a decade after entry. Set against $21,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. See the full University Of Southern Indiana profile
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Marion, IN. Students from in state pay about $9,648 in tuition and fees. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global Trade students take on a median of $32,807 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,986. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global
Indiana State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,258, compared with $22,322 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $25,582. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,387. Set against $25,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full Indiana State University report
International Business College Indianapolis placed #18 among the best-value Trade schools in Indiana. Set in Indianapolis, IN, International Business College Indianapolis is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,170. International Business College Indianapolis Trade students take on a median of $11,519 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,146. Set against $11,519 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. Get the full International Business College Indianapolis report
University Of Indianapolis placed #19 among the best-value Trade schools in Indiana. This private not-for-profit school is set in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,200. University Of Indianapolis Trade students take on a median of $26,699 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,610. That is a strong return on a $26,699 median debt. University Of Indianapolis has an acceptance rate of 66%. Read more about University Of Indianapolis
Indiana Wesleyan University placed #20 among the best-value Trade schools in Indiana. Set in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,352. Students borrow a median of $31,454 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,986 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on Indiana Wesleyan University
University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fort Wayne, IN, University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,460. Typical Trade student debt is $27,520. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,362. That is a strong return on a $27,520 median debt. University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne
Saint Mary Of The Woods College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Mary of the Woods, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,240. Saint Mary Of The Woods College Trade students take on a median of $28,366 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,845. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Mary Of The Woods College admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on Saint Mary Of The Woods College
Valparaiso University landed the #23 spot for value in Indiana this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Valparaiso, IN. Students from in state pay about $48,450 in tuition and fees. Valparaiso University Trade students take on a median of $26,724 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,191 ten years after entry. Set against $26,724 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Valparaiso University
University Of Evansville placed #23 among the best-value Trade schools in Indiana. Located in Evansville, IN, University Of Evansville is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,172 in tuition and fees. The median Trade program debt is $25,234. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,770. That is a strong return on a $25,234 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Evansville profile
Fortis College Indianapolis landed the #24 spot for value in Indiana this year. Get the full Fortis College Indianapolis report
Knox Beauty College landed the #25 spot for value in Indiana this year. See the full Knox Beauty College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Trade Degree Schools in Indiana
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Paul Mitchell The School Merrillville offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. More on Paul Mitchell The School Merrillville
Textures Institute Of Cosmetology came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Textures Institute Of Cosmetology
Mid America College Of Funeral Service ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. See the full Mid America College Of Funeral Service profile
Marian University Indiana came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Marian University Indiana report
Kennys Academy Of Barbering offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Read the full report on Kennys Academy Of Barbering
Ross Medical Education Center Kokomo ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Get the full Ross Medical Education Center Kokomo report
Summit Salon Academy Anderson ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Read more about Summit Salon Academy Anderson
Caris College
Caris College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. More on Caris College
American College Of Education came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. See the full American College Of Education profile
Lil Lous Beauty And Barber College Llc offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Read the full report on Lil Lous Beauty And Barber College Llc
Art22 Academy
Art22 Academy came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Art22 Academy
Holy Cross College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Holy Cross College
Saint Elizabeth School Of Nursing landed the #38 spot for value in Indiana this year. Read more about Saint Elizabeth School Of Nursing
Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Read more about Purdue University Indianapolis
Empire Beauty School Speedway landed the #40 spot for value in Indiana this year. Read more about Empire Beauty School Speedway
Don Roberts School Of Hair Design ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. More on Don Roberts School Of Hair Design
Ideal Beauty Academy Jeffersonville ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Read more about Ideal Beauty Academy Jeffersonville
Pjs College Of Cosmetology Richmond ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Read more about Pjs College Of Cosmetology Richmond
Denmark College
Denmark College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Denmark College
Ross Medical Education Center Granger ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. More on Ross Medical Education Center Granger
Concordia Theological Seminary landed the #46 spot for value in Indiana this year. More on Concordia Theological Seminary
Paul Mitchell The School Indianapolis offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Read more about Paul Mitchell The School Indianapolis
Radiological Technologies University Vt placed #48 among the best-value Trade schools in Indiana. More on Radiological Technologies University Vt
Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary placed #49 among the best-value Trade schools in Indiana. See the full Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary profile
Manchester College placed #50 among the best-value Trade schools in Indiana. Read the full report on Manchester College
More Trade Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 24 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 110 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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