Computer Science Programs in Indiana
Updated October 3, 2023
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Indiana's employers seek talented computer science professionals to fill roles in the state's fast-growing technology sector. This lucrative career field offers an opportunity to solve pressing social and economic problems using math and engineering skills.
Along with award-winning technology companies, the Hoosier State's healthcare, education, and agriculture industries all need data, security, and software engineering professionals. A computer science degree can provide a pathway to a fulfilling technology career.
Whether you want to learn online or in-person, at a large school or a small institution, Indiana has options for you. Learn more about the best computer science schools in Indiana with the following guide.
Indiana at a Glance
- Number of Public Higher Learning Institutions: 16
- % of Workforce in Tech: 4%
- Economic Impact of Tech Industry: $16 billion
- Average Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations: $80,870
Sources: Cyberstates™, NCES, OEWS
Why Go to College for Computer Science in Indiana?
Indiana invests in computer science education. In 2018, the state's General Assembly passed an act requiring every Indiana high school to offer a computer science course by the 2021-2022 school year — something just 51% of U.S. high schools provide. The legislature also set up a grant fund to train computer science teachers.
As Indiana's high school graduates enter college or the workforce, they can help to establish the state as a midwestern technology hub. In 2021, the state reported that more than 166,000 full-time undergraduates attended Indiana's public two-year and four-year institutions. Large private schools, such as Indiana Wesleyan University and the University of Notre Dame, add many more students to Indiana's total.
Online programs allow nearly half of the state's learners to pursue flexible education opportunities. These learners can interact with each other virtually and network in person to prepare for careers in Indiana's technology marketplace.
Education Statistics for Indiana
| Higher Education Statistics | Indiana Data | National Data |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Year Colleges | 60 | 2,520 |
| Two-Year Colleges | 14 | 1,216 |
| Students Enrolled in Distance Education | 48.8% | 48.8% |
Sources: NCES
Indiana is home to many colleges and universities, including two-year schools, sizable state institutions, private liberal arts colleges, and internationally recognized research universities. Across all school types, nearly half of Indiana's students choose to study online.
Accreditation for Indiana Schools
Attending an accredited school is vital. Accredited institutions qualify for federal financial aid, accept transfer credits, and deliver vibrant educational experiences for students. Graduates also receive more consideration in the job market and can pursue advanced degrees more easily.
In the U.S., institutions and their programs may become accredited by undergoing voluntary evaluation by third-party agencies. For Indiana, the primary institutional accreditor is the Higher Learning Commission.
Students pursuing graduate programs in computer science should consider schools with institutional accreditation, as ABET only accredits undergraduate computer science programs. While program accreditation does not carry the same cachet as institutional accreditation, it can signal that a university has invested heavily in building a robust computer science degree.
Considerations for a Computer Science Degree in Indiana
Selecting the best online computer science program requires you to consider several factors. For instance, should you pursue an associate degree or a bachelor's program? For those with non-CS degrees, a bootcamp or master's degree may offer an ideal pathway.
You might also consider your learning preferences. While many students enjoy the in-person interactions of an on-campus college experience, others prefer the flexible and self-disciplined approach of online degrees. As you can see below, many of Indiana's students choose distance learning.
Computer Science Concentration Options
Computer science students in Indiana can choose from concentrations in their discipline, but the following focuses could be particularly valuable in Indiana.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity students learn to protect and secure data against intruders and malicious actors. Graduates enter a fast-growing career field with healthcare, small business, and education leading cybersecurity growth in Indiana.
Cloud Computing
This focus includes all cloud-related subdisciplines, including cloud architecture, cybersecurity, and software development and delivery. Graduates may work at major tech companies in Indianapolis or other hub cities.
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering students may study biomaterials and drug delivery, biomechanics and mechanobiology, or biomedical imaging and instrumentation. Indiana graduates can pursue work in the state's life sciences firms.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Paying for Your Computer Science Degree
Higher education is rarely inexpensive, but financial aid packages can make tuition more affordable. In Indiana, qualifying students can access state-sponsored assistance through the 21st Century Scholarship, the Adult Student Grant, or the Frank O'Bannon Grant.
In-state and out-of-state learners may also qualify for federal assistance through Pell Grants, subsidized loans, or military or veterans benefits. In some cases, employers will also cover a portion of your tuition. If you or your parents belong to a civic club, professional association, or faith community that provides scholarships, consider applying.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
Indiana's state-supported colleges and universities typically charge lower tuition rates for in-state students for non-resident enrollees. However, if you live outside Indiana, you may still be able to take advantage of tuition reductions.
Some Indiana colleges cap tuition rates at 150% of the in-state cost. Others participate in the Midwest Student Exchange Program, which allows qualifying residents of nearby states to take advantage of lower prices. Students from western Ohio can even enjoy in-state rates.
Indiana's Cost of Living
While earning your computer science degree, you must also cover cost-of-living expenses — things like housing, groceries, transportation, and utilities. The World Population Review ranks U.S. states by cost of living, assigning the average state a cost of living index marker of 100. Using this metric, Indiana is one of the most affordable states, with a score of 91.5.
Schools With Computer Science Degrees in Indiana
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Careers for Computer Science Graduates in Indiana
Once heavily dependent on auto manufacturing, Indiana now shows enormous opportunity for economic growth across multiple sectors. Today, technology accounts for 4% of Indiana's economy, comprising $16 billion. The state's low cost of living and potential for professional opportunities make it an ideal choice for many technology entrepreneurs.
According to CompTIA, Indiana employs nearly 119,000 tech professionals, ranking 24th in the country. About 3.7% of the state's professionals work in technology, with the highest numbers in software and IT support.
New tech startups are flooding into Indianapolis and the Chicago suburbs, and some publications are even calling the state's capital "the tech hub of the Midwest." Indiana's burgeoning tech industries include marketing technology, healthcare tech, and agriculture technology. In 2022, the Indiana Economic Development Corp launched a sports tech initiative to position the state as a leader in the sector.
Select Computer Science Careers in Indiana
These professionals evaluate cybersecurity software and policies, research new infosec options, and recommend changes in technology or policy. Information security analysts may work in technology companies or in corporate IT departments.
- Average Salary in Indiana (2022): $88,720
Also called systems analysts, these workers survey corporate IT issues to determine problems and recommend improvements. They may run tests on company hardware or software, coordinate with other team members, or make modifications to company IT policy.
- Average Salary in Indiana (2022): $91,470
Computer science researchers explore topics related to software, technology, or data collection. They typically publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals.
- Average Salary in Indiana (2022): $104,700
Computer Science Employers in Indiana
- Veeva: Veeva offers cloud-based products and services for life sciences companies. The organization's 1,100 customers use its products to launch new pharmaceuticals, change data faster, and cut reconciliation time. Veeva employs computer analysts, consultants, and engineers.
- Conga: Conga provides a unified data model that supports users throughout the revenue lifecycle. The company reports that its users saw a 27% jump in revenue per contract after they began using Conga's product. Conga employs researchers, IT professionals, and computer engineers worldwide, including at its Indianapolis headquarters.
- OneAmerica: This financial holdings organization located in Indianapolis manages investments such as life insurance, annuities, retirement plans, and employee benefits. The company recruits computer engineers, data specialists, cybersecurity experts, and other computer science professionals.
Indiana Employment Trends
| Year | State | National |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Programmers | ||
| 2018 Employment | 3,530 | 185,700 |
| 2028 Projected Employment | 3,200 | 167,300 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-2028 | -9.3% | -9.9% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 5,290 | 482,000 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 5,880 | 534,600 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | -+11.2% | +10.9% |
| Web Developers and Digital Interface Designers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 2,530 | 199,400 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 2,840 | 224,900 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +12.3% | +12.8% |
Source: Projections Central
| Career | Indiana Employment | Indiana Annual Mean Wage | National Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Developers | 990 | $70,300 | $87,580 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 6,060 | $82,840 | $97,160 |
| Computer Programmers | 2,120 | $94,180 | $102,790 |
| Database Administrators | 1,130 | $81,630 | $102,530 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 9,340 | $91,470 | $107,530 |
| Information Security Analysts | 1,090 | $88,720 | $119,860 |
| Software Developers | 11,660 | $101,070 | $132,930 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 450 | $99,400 | $140,830 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 160 | $104,700 | $155,880 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 6,800 | $127,860 | $173,670 |
Source: BLS OEWS
While Indiana's technology professionals may earn lower median salaries than the national median, these careers are rapidly growing. And with the state's low cost of living, technology salaries can provide stronger-than-average purchasing power.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Professional Computer Science Organizations in Indiana
- Association for Computing Machinery: This company connects more than 100,000 members as the world's largest scientific computing community. Indiana students can join a local chapter to receive career and job search benefits.
- Institute Of Electrical And Electronics Engineers: As the largest technical professional organization in the world, IEEE offers members networking and mentoring opportunities along with more than 400 online courses. Members can also take advantage of discounts on travel, insurance, and home office purchases.
- Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges: CCSC serves collegiate-level instructors of computer science. Members can receive copies of the Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges and compete for consortium awards.
- Society of Women Engineers: Founded in 1950, SWE now has more than 30,000 members. The organization offers advanced educational opportunities for women from high school through professional leadership roles. Members can attend conferences, compete for awards, and serve as society leaders.
FAQ About Computer Science Degrees in Indiana
Is computer science a good major in Indiana?
Indiana is home to a fast-growing technology hub. In the third quarter of 2019, for example, Indiana-based technology firms raised $76.5 million. Several colleges and universities in Indiana offer graduate and undergraduate majors with experienced faculty, relevant courses, and state-of-the-art facilities in computer science.
What computer science jobs are there in Indiana?
Computer science graduates in Indiana can work for tech firms, higher education institutions, healthcare facilities, and other employers. Information security analysts, computer science researchers, and software engineers earn higher-than-median wages.
Does Indiana have online computer science programs?
Many Indiana-based colleges and universities offer online computer science programs. These include Ball State University, Indiana State University, Indiana Wesleyan University, and the University of Notre Dame. Indiana residents can also take courses online from schools based in other states.
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