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$9,718
Tuition/yr
83%
Grad rate
87.8
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best machine learning degree programs: Purdue, Indiana University-Bloomi..., Indiana University-Indian...
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,912 to $62,186/year
Ivy Tech Community College offers the most affordable option at $4,912/yr
Machine Learning degree programs available: 2 associate's, 7 master's, 3 doctoral in Indiana
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
7 online machine learning degree programs in Indiana
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Indiana community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
2 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Salesforce, Angie, Cummins, Eli Lilly
Tech hubs in Indianapolis and Carmel
Hakia Research 2026
Machine Learning degree programs near 49+ cities across Indiana
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 26, 2026
How we ranked Indiana Machine Learning programs
We rank 38 accredited machine learning programs in Indiana using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodology$103,570
Are Machine Learning Degree Programs in Indiana Worth It?
Yes. The best machine learning degree programs in Indiana deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $103,570 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $25,421/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Machine Learning Degree Rankings in Indiana
Compare the top-ranked Machine Learning programs in Indiana by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs in Indiana
3
Programs ranked
$9,953
Avg tuition/yr
72%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Indiana ranks among the nation's top destinations for machine learning education, with 26 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 12 public and 14 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Purdue, Indiana University-Bloomi..., Indiana University-Indian..., recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Indiana machine learning programs earn a median salary of $88,035, 10% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Indianapolis, Carmel, Fort Wayne metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Salesforce, Angie, Cummins.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $7,259 to $56,030 annually, with an average of $26,134/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 87%, with the highest reaching 96%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Indiana's leading technology employers. For students seeking machine learning degrees in Indiana, these top-ranked machine learning schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
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Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, INPublic
Living & learning in student housing at Indiana University$10,622
Tuition/yr
80%
Grad rate
78.4
Hakia Score
🥉
$9,518
Tuition/yr
54%
Grad rate
69.2
Hakia Score
Best Master's Machine Learning Programs in Indiana
1
Programs ranked
$10,622
Avg tuition/yr
80%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Indiana offers 7 master's degree programs in machine learning, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Indiana University-Bloomi..., U of Notre Dame, Purdue, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Indiana earn a median salary of $103,570, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fort Wayne creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Salesforce, Angie, Cummins actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $16,640/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Indiana's machine learning schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, INPublic
Living & learning in student housing at Indiana University$10,622
Tuition/yr
80%
Grad rate
76.7
Hakia Score
Machine Learning Degree Costs & Tuition in Indiana
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $25,421/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $63,553/year |
| Community college tuition | $6,355/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $152,528 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $38,132 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Machine Learning Students in Indiana
State Aid Programs
Indiana offers strong financial aid opportunities for students pursuing machine learning degrees. The state's flagship program, 21st Century Scholars, provides exceptional support by covering up to 100% of tuition at Indiana public institutions for low-income students. This program significantly reduces the financial barrier for qualified applicants attending schools like Purdue University-Main Campus or Indiana University-Bloomington. Combined with federal aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Indiana residents can access grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to support their machine learning education.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state grants, students should explore federal student aid options available through StudentAid.gov, which provides access to Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, and other assistance programs regardless of institution type. Many Indiana universities offer institutional scholarships specifically for STEM and technology programs. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education administers multiple financial aid programs, and students are encouraged to contact their institution's financial aid office for merit-based opportunities. For those pursuing advanced degrees, graduate assistantships and tuition waivers are commonly available at research-intensive institutions like Purdue and IU-Bloomington, helping offset the cost of master's and doctoral programs in machine learning.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator, Indiana
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a machine learning degree in Indiana. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a machine learning degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+1064%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,967,896
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$147,619
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$3,003,304
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$155,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return5.5%
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Machine Learning Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Indiana metro areas
Indianapolis$114K
Carmel$109K
Fort Wayne$104K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Indianapolis | $114K |
| Carmel | $109K |
| Fort Wayne | $104K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Machine Learning Graduates in Indiana
Find machine learning jobs in Indiana. These major employers across Indiana metro areas are actively hiring machine learning degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Machine Learning Jobs in Indianapolis
INSalesforce
tech
Eli Lilly
pharma
Infosys
consulting
Rolls-Royce
aerospace
Cummins
manufacturing
Machine Learning Jobs in Carmel
INGenesys
tech
KAR Global
automotive-tech
Machine Learning Jobs in Fort Wayne
INSweetwater Sound
ecommerce
Raytheon
defense
Transfer Pathways for Machine Learning Degrees in Indiana
State Transfer System
Indiana's strong transfer system makes it seamless for students to begin machine learning studies at community colleges and transfer to four-year universities. The state operates 2 associate's-granting institutions offering machine learning programs, with Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University leading completion counts (99 and unreported completions respectively). These programs provide affordable entry points, with tuition as low as $4,912 at Ivy Tech, before students transfer to bachelor's programs at Purdue University-Main Campus, Indiana University-Bloomington, or other top-ranked four-year institutions.
How Transfers Work
The Indiana Core Transfer Library (CTL) guarantees transfer of core courses statewide, eliminating lost credits and streamlining the path from associate's to bachelor's degree. This system ensures that foundational mathematics, computer science, and general education credits transfer seamlessly across Indiana's 12 two-year institutions and 60 four-year institutions. Students can complete associate's degrees in foundational computer science or information technology at community colleges, then transfer with full credit toward bachelor's degrees in machine learning at major universities. For detailed articulation agreements and transfer credit policies, visit the Indiana Commission for Higher Education website. Students exploring related pathways should also review Data Science in Indiana, Computer Science in Indiana, and Data Analytics in Indiana transfer options.
Why Pursue a Machine Learning Degree in Indiana?
Industry & Workforce
Indiana has established itself as a significant hub for machine learning education, with 42 institutions offering programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state awarded 2,714 machine learning degrees in 2023, reflecting strong demand and institutional investment in this critical field. Top employers including Eli Lilly, Amazon, and Indiana University Health are actively recruiting machine learning graduates, creating abundant career opportunities across Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and the South Bend-Mishawaka metro areas.
Salary Outlook
Indiana's premier institutions deliver machine learning education at accessible costs. Purdue University-Main Campus leads the state with 683 completions and ranks among the nation's best, while Indiana University-Bloomington has produced 925 completions across all levels. Public in-state tuition averages just $8,373 annually, significantly lower than the national average (Indiana Commission for Higher Education). Additionally, Indiana's 21st Century Scholars program covers up to 100% of tuition at public institutions for qualifying low-income students, making advanced technical education truly accessible. For those exploring related fields, Data Science in Indiana and Artificial Intelligence in Indiana programs offer complementary pathways.
30 Programs
Machine Learning Program Availability in Indiana
Indiana offers 30 accredited machine learning programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Indianapolis, Carmel, Fort Wayne.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Machine Learning Job Market & Salary Data in Indiana
Employment Outlook
Indiana's machine learning job market is experiencing strong growth, supported by a diverse employer base and strong educational infrastructure. The state has 42 institutions offering machine learning programs across all degree levels, producing 2,629 total completions annually (IPEDS). Major metropolitan areas including Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, Fort Wayne, and South Bend-Mishawaka are emerging as regional tech hubs attracting machine learning talent and investment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Indiana's technology sector continues to expand, with machine learning roles in high demand across multiple industries.
Salaries by Metro
The state's affordability advantage makes Indiana particularly attractive for students pursuing machine learning careers. Average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions is just $8,373, compared to $22,693 for out-of-state students (IPEDS). This cost-effectiveness, combined with strong state financial aid programs like the 21st Century Scholars initiative, which covers up to 100% of tuition at Indiana public institutions for low-income students, creates an accessible pathway into the field. Graduates from top institutions like Purdue University-Main Campus and Indiana University-Bloomington command competitive salaries while contributing to Indiana's growing technology economy. For detailed salary information and labor market trends, prospective students should consult the College Scorecard and state labor data from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Indiana$67,321$150,177
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Machine Learning Programs in Indiana
Online Programs
7 available in Indiana
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$22,879/yr$25,421/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Machine Learning Programs in Other States
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Illinois
- Total Programs
- 64
- Median Tuition
- $32,700
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Michigan
- Total Programs
- 37
- Median Tuition
- $19,400
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Ohio
- Total Programs
- 51
- Median Tuition
- $31,200
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Kentucky
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $19,200
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 179
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 73
- Median Tuition
- $9,000
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 119
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Machine Learning Degree Programs in Indiana: FAQ
What are the best machine learning degree programs in Indiana?
The best machine learning degree programs in Indiana based on our methodology are: 1) Purdue University-Main Campus (83% graduation rate), 2) Indiana University-Bloomington, and 3) Indiana University-Indianapolis. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Indiana offers 30 total accredited programs across 15 public and 15 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 26 bachelor's programs.
How much do machine learning degree programs cost in Indiana?
Machine Learning degree program costs in Indiana vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $25,421/year, while private institutions average $55,926/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $6,355/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $101,684 at public schools to $223,705 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can machine learning degree graduates earn in Indiana?
Machine Learning professionals in Indiana earn a median salary of $103,570, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $67,321, while senior roles exceed $150,177. Salaries vary by metro area: Indianapolis ($113,927), Carmel ($108,749) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online machine learning degree programs in Indiana?
Yes, Indiana offers 7 accredited online Machine Learning programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Indiana University-Kokomo. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire machine learning degree graduates in Indiana?
Major Machine Learning employers in Indiana include Salesforce, Angie, Cummins, Eli Lilly, Infosys. The Indianapolis and Carmel metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Indiana universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Indiana's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a machine learning degree program worth it in Indiana?
A machine learning degree program in Indiana offers strong ROI with a $103,570 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $25,421/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($117,034), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do machine learning degree programs take in Indiana?
Standard completion times for machine learning degree programs in Indiana are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Indiana community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Indiana university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for machine learning degree students in Indiana?
Indiana machine learning degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Indiana state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Indiana's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Indiana salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.