Top 3 Machine Learning Programs in Indiana 2025
Purdue University-Main Campus
561 machine learning graduates annually, 83% graduation rate
University of Notre Dame
114 machine learning graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
Indiana University-Bloomington
419 machine learning graduates annually, 84% graduation rate
- 1.Indiana offers 28+ accredited machine learning programs across public and private universities
- 2.Purdue University-Main Campus leads with 83% graduation rate
- 3.Indiana software developers earn median $103,570 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fort Wayne
- 5.Cost of living index: 91.5% of US average (below average)
Machine Learning Education in Indiana: Overview
Indiana offers 28 accredited machine learning programs, producing approximately 1,759 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fort Wayne, with major employers including Salesforce, Angie, Cummins.
With a median software developer salary of $103,570 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 91.5% compared to the US average, Indiana offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets.
The top machine learning programs in the state are led by Purdue University-Main Campus, University of Notre Dame, Indiana University-Bloomington, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 25 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Machine Learning degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Indiana-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Indiana Machine Learning Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | 83.9 |
| 2 | University of Notre Dame | Notre Dame, IN | Private | $62,186 | 99% | 75.9 |
| 3 | Indiana University-Bloomington | Bloomington, IN | Public | $10,312 | 84% | 72.9 |
| 4 | Indiana University-Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | Public | $9,241 | — | 53.3 |
| 5 | Purdue University Northwest | Hammond, IN | Public | $7,259 | 92% | 50.7 |
| 6 | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Terre Haute, IN | Private | $52,998 | — | 46 |
| 7 | DePauw University | Greencastle, IN | Private | $56,030 | — | 45.9 |
| 8 | Ball State University | Muncie, IN | Public | $8,688 | — | 45.3 |
| 9 | University of Evansville | Evansville, IN | Private | $41,400 | 96% | 44.6 |
| 10 | Taylor University | Upland, IN | Private | $38,140 | 80% | 44.3 |
| 11 | Purdue University Fort Wayne | Fort Wayne, IN | Public | $8,049 | — | 43.7 |
| 12 | Anderson University | Anderson, IN | Private | $34,590 | — | 40.3 |
| 13 | Wabash College | Crawfordsville, IN | Private | $48,200 | — | 40.2 |
| 14 | Indiana Institute of Technology | Fort Wayne, IN | Private | $29,936 | — | 38.6 |
| 15 | Indiana University-Southeast | New Albany, IN | Public | $7,492 | — | 38.5 |
| 16 | University of Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | Private | $34,416 | — | 37.4 |
| 17 | Indiana University-South Bend | South Bend, IN | Public | $7,492 | — | 36.9 |
| 18 | Indiana University-East | Richmond, IN | Public | $7,492 | — | 36.4 |
| 19 | Indiana University-Kokomo | Kokomo, IN | Public | $7,492 | — | 36.2 |
| 20 | Earlham College | Richmond, IN | Private | $50,970 | — | 35.5 |
| 21 | University of Southern Indiana | Evansville, IN | Public | $8,751 | — | 35.4 |
| 22 | Indiana State University | Terre Haute, IN | Public | $9,712 | — | 34.9 |
| 23 | Franklin College | Franklin, IN | Private | $36,600 | — | 34 |
| 24 | Valparaiso University | Valparaiso, IN | Private | $45,136 | — | 33.8 |
| 25 | Indiana University-Northwest | Gary, IN | Public | $7,492 | — | 33.4 |
Top 5 Machine Learning Programs in Indiana: Side-by-Side
| School | Purdue | Notre Dame | IU Bloomington | Indiana University-Indian... | Purdue University Northwest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,718 | $62,186 | $10,312 | $9,241 | $7,259 |
| Graduation Rate | 83% | 99% | 84% | N/A% | 92% |
| Annual Graduates | 561 | 114 | 419 | 188 | 28 |
| Acceptance Rate | 50% | 12% | 80% | 81% | 71% |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 83.9/100 | 75.9/100 | 72.9/100 | 53.3/100 | 50.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Machine Learning in Indiana
Indiana offers 26 bachelor's-level machine learning programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Purdue University-Main Campus, Indiana University-Bloomington, Indiana University-Indianapolis. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,499 in the Indiana market.
A bachelor's in machine learning typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs in Indiana
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Purdue | $9,718 | 83% | 561 | 83.9 |
| #2 IU Bloomington | $10,312 | 84% | 476 | 75.0 |
| #3 Indiana University-Indian... | $9,241 | N/A% | 188 | 53.3 |
Top Machine Learning Schools for Master's Degrees in Indiana
For graduate study, Indiana offers 7 master's-level machine learning programs. Leading institutions include University of Notre Dame, Indiana University-Bloomington, Purdue University-Main Campus. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Indiana reaching $134,641 or more.
Top 3 Machine Learning Master's Programs in Indiana
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Notre Dame | $62,186 | 99% | 114 | 75.9 |
| #2 IU Bloomington | $10,312 | 84% | 419 | 72.9 |
| #3 Purdue | $9,718 | 83% | 123 | 67.1 |
Most Affordable Machine Learning Colleges in Indiana
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable machine learning programs in Indiana are at Purdue University Northwest ($7,259/year), Indiana University-Southeast ($7,492/year), Indiana University-South Bend ($7,492/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Indiana's competitive tech salaries.
At Purdue University Northwest, a 4-year degree costs approximately $29,036 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $72,499, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.8 years. See our Most Affordable Machine Learning Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Machine Learning Programs in Indiana (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Purdue University Northwest | $7,259 | $29,036 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #2 Indiana University-Southeast | $7,492 | $29,968 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #3 Indiana University-South... | $7,492 | $29,968 | 0.8 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Machine Learning Schools in Indiana
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 machine learning programs in Indiana, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,718 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 83% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 561 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 83.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 83% graduation rate
- 561 machine learning graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 83.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (83%), program size (561 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,570), and selectivity (50% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Purdue's AI program combines technical foundations in machine learning with ethics and societal impact considerations, offering both online flexibility and the rigor of a top-ranked innovative university. The program emphasizes real-world applications across diverse fields from robotics to healthcare while maintaining connections to cognitive psychology and neuroscience.
Admission Prerequisites
- •completion of at least one semester of college-level calculus equivalent to MA 16100 or MA 16500 with a grade of C or higher
- •Math – 4 years
- •English – 4 years
- •Lab science – 3 years
- •Social studies – 3 years
- •World language – 2 years
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.5
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $102,864
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $62,186 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 114 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 12%
- • Ranking Score: 75.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 114 machine learning graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 75.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (114 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,570), and selectivity (12% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Notre Dame's Master's in Data Science offers an interactive online community with live and asynchronous sessions, taught by award-winning faculty with industry expertise. Students gain exclusive access to Silicon Valley immersion weekends and benefit from a committed alumni network including AT&T leaders.
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,312 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 419 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 80%
- • Ranking Score: 72.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 419 machine learning graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 72.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (419 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,570), and selectivity (80% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
IU's Data Science program is ranked #6 by Fortune Education and offers both residential and online options with four specialized tracks. The program is STEM eligible and provides unique genomics research opportunities through INGEN4DS.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •Mathematical knowledge like linear algebra, calculus, and/or probability
- •Object-oriented programming knowledge in C/C++, Python and/or R
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 30 graduate-level credit hours
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Indiana University-Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,241 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 188 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 81%
- • Ranking Score: 53.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 188 machine learning graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 53.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (188 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,570), and selectivity (81% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Luddy School offers comprehensive machine learning education through multiple pathways including AI certificates, bioinformatics programs with ML focus, and data science degrees. Students can pursue ML through online options, accelerated programs, and gain professional certifications like Rasa AI Assistant Developer.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •multivariate calculus
- •linear algebra
- •statistics or probability theory
- •computer programming
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Purdue University Northwest
Hammond, IN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,259 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 28 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 71%
- • Ranking Score: 50.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 28 machine learning graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (28 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,570), and selectivity (71% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
PNW offers ABET-accredited programs with small classes and hands-on experience in cutting-edge AI and ML labs, taught by Ph.D. faculty actively researching neural networks, big data and deep learning. The programs blend practical laboratory experimentation with real-world applications, preparing graduates to build AI solutions from neural networks to smart adaptive machines.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •calculus
- •physics
- •mathematics
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Indiana with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Indiana with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Indiana with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Indiana with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Indiana with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fort Wayne
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (91.5% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Salesforce or Angie
- You prefer Indiana's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Indiana's 28)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Indiana
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Explore information technology programs in Indiana
Machine Learning Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Machine Learning in Indiana FAQ
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Indiana salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
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