INDIANA — Higher education institutions across Indiana are celebrating major honors following the release of the U.S. News & World Report 2027 Best Colleges rankings. Evaluating nearly 1,700 colleges and universities nationwide on academic quality, graduate outcomes, retention rates, and career earnings, the new report spotlights ten Indiana schools among the top national universities.
Leading the state, the University of Notre Dame secured a top spot nationally, maintaining its position at No. 20. Known for its rigorous academic programs, research contributions, and strong alumni network, the South Bend-area private institution remains Indiana’s highest-ranked university in the national category.
Joining Notre Dame in the upper echelon of national research institutions are Purdue University – West Lafayette, tied at No. 55, and Indiana University – Bloomington, tied at No. 73. Both flagship public institutions continue to draw high marks for engineering, business, and undergraduate research opportunities.
Indiana Institutions in the 2027 National Rankings
Ten Hoosier universities earned spots on this year’s National Universities list:
- University of Notre Dame: No. 20 (tie)
- Purdue University – West Lafayette: No. 55 (tie)
- Indiana University – Bloomington: No. 73 (tie)
- Butler University: No. 169 (tie)
- Indiana University Indianapolis (IUI): No. 219 (tie)
- Ball State University: No. 227 (tie)
- Oakland City University: No. 250 (tie)
- Marian University: No. 276 (tie)
- University of Indianapolis: No. 288 (tie)
- Indiana State University: No. 365 (tie)
Business and Specialized Program Highlights
In addition to overall university rankings, Indiana institutions posted standout performances across individual academic disciplines.
Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business in Bloomington achieved its highest national ranking to date, climbing to No. 6 among undergraduate business programs. Strong performances were also noted at Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business and Purdue University’s Daniels School of Business.
Other state institutions achieved notable growth in specialized categories. The University of Indianapolis saw significant gains in social mobility and nursing, climbing to No. 135 nationally for its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Outside the general national universities category, Wabash College in Crawfordsville was once again recognized as Indiana’s top liberal arts college, ranking No. 44 nationally among Best National Liberal Arts Colleges and earning top marks for social mobility.
Ranking Methodology
The U.S. News & World Report rankings evaluate higher education institutions across more than a dozen key metrics related to academic performance and student success. Metrics measured in the 2027 report include graduation rates, first-year student retention, peer assessments, and post-graduation earnings by major.
