Last Updated on July 2, 2022 by Cheryl Moreo
Indiana is a state with many colleges and universities. This article is about the 5 Best Indiana Cities for College Students.
Choosing a college or university is one of the most critical decisions that affect your future career. Some of the factors you should consider when choosing a college are:
- Academic Support and Career Services
- Cost and fees of attendance and financial aid availability
- Safety
- Academic Majors and Minors
- Campus life
- Location
- Athletics and Extracurricular Activities
- Housing Options
The following 5 best Indiana cities for college students should meet or exceed the criteria above.
These factors make it attractive for students to study and find jobs in the state. Three of the colleges mentioned in this article are north of Indianapolis, and one is south of Indianapolis.

The 5 best Indiana cities for college students listed in alphabetical order are:
- Bloomington
- Indianapolis
- Marion
- Muncie
- South Bend
The city you live in during your college years is just as important as the college you attend. These Indiana cities have plentiful opportunities for students to study and find jobs. In addition, all five cities have vibrant communities that make it easy for students to socialize with fellow peers and meet new people.
5 Best Indiana Cities for College Students
Bloomington
Bloomington is a small city with a population of over 80,000 people. It’s very affordable, so it’s easy to find a place to live and pay for college. It also has many free events and activities to keep you entertained while studying or working on your degree.
Bloomington is also home to the Indiana University campus, making it the perfect place for any student looking for an affordable school with many opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities.
Indianapolis
Indianapolis, the Capitol of Indiana, is one of the best cities for college students because it has an excellent academic reputation and offers affordable living conditions.
There are plenty of options for living outside of the dorms for college students in Indianapolis. Students can choose from a variety of Indianapolis apartments for rent, which is why Indianapolis is one of the top cities in America to live as a student.
Students living in Indianapolis will enjoy a very walkable city with miles of recreational trails surrounding the area. Flowing through downtown Indianapolis is the Central Canal, or Indy Canal Walk, providing a 3-mile loop with remarkable views of the city’s skyline.
The city has a lot of colleges and universities that provide an affordable education, which means that students can get a degree without worrying about the cost. The city also has many jobs available in different industries such as engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality which can be the perfect stepping stone into their career.
Marion
Marion is a small city in Indiana that’s perfect for college students. The city is home to Indiana Wesleyan University. The city offers affordable housing, plenty of shopping, and many restaurants. In addition, it boasts a low cost of living and fast access to major cities like Chicago or Indianapolis.
Marion also has plenty of opportunities for students looking to stay active on campus, including clubs and organizations that offer many social events throughout the year.
Muncie
This small town is known for its charm and affordability. Both of which are attractive to young college students.
Home to Ball State University, Muncie provides students with plenty of opportunities for internships, research opportunities, and job opportunities. It also offers students space to grow intellectually and personally.
Muncie offers unique opportunities to students looking for a smaller town and campus life with plenty of things to do. Muncie is also close to many major cities like Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Chicago, and Columbus, for those who would still like to enjoy the benefits of a big town occasionally.
South Bend
South Bend is a city that has a lot going for it. It has affordable rent, low crime rates, and high quality of life. In addition to these qualities, South Bend is also home to many colleges and universities. For example, on the north edge of South Bend is the University of Notre Dame.
You can participate in many activities, such as attending sporting events, playing intramurals, or going on hikes with friends.
There are also plenty of places to eat near Notre Dame, so you never have to worry about not having food options. You can find anything from Indian food, Mexican food, or sushi restaurants near the school!
Other Lifestyle Articles
If you enjoyed this article about the 5 Best Indiana Cities for College Students, check out my other Lifestyle Posts at Lifestyle.
""As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases."