Indiana University’s Snapshot
17+
Online master’s programs
~$1,485
Per credit hour (Kelley)
~$45–76k
Typical total cost (Kelley)
Big Ten
Public research university
Key policies
Institution type
Public flagship university
Regional accreditation
HLC
Admissions model
Rolling (education/criminal justice) · Deadline-based (Kelley/nursing)
GRE/GMAT required
Waived (most programs)
Out-of-state premium
Varies — Kelley is flat-rate for all
Notable Programmatic Accreditations
- AACSB
- NASPAA
- CAEP
- CCNE
- CEPH
- CSWE
- CAHME
- Edited By Jeevan D'Souza
Start Here: Compare Indiana University by What Matters Most
- Compare institutional strengths → Particularly strong in business (Kelley), public affairs (O’Neill), informatics/data science (Luddy), education, and accredited health professions programs
- Compare accreditation → HLC regional accreditation plus AACSB, NASPAA, CAEP, CCNE, CEPH, CSWE, and CAHME programmatic credentials across major disciplines
- Compare prestige vs cost → Kelley Direct programs compete at a premium national-business-school tier, while other IU online programs vary more significantly by residency and department
- Compare flexibility → Many programs support part-time asynchronous learning, though several professional programs require residencies, field placements, or clinical hours
- Compare alternatives → Purdue University, Arizona State University, and Northeastern University
What Indiana University Is Known For
Indiana University’s online master’s reputation rests on the strength of its professional schools — specifically, the concentration of nationally recognized programs under a single institutional umbrella.
The Kelley School of Business
is the headline draw. The Kelley Direct Online MBA is one of the most established online MBA programs in the country, consistently ranked in the top tier by U.S. News and Poets & Quants. Beyond the MBA, Kelley offers online MS degrees in business analytics, finance, strategic management, accounting, and cybersecurity risk management — all AACSB-accredited. For students who want a business master’s with name-brand recognition among employers, Kelley is the primary reason to choose IU over less selectively branded alternatives.
O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
is IU’s second major differentiator. The O’Neill MPA is one of the highest-ranked public affairs programs in the nation and has been for decades. For students pursuing careers in government, nonprofit leadership, or environmental policy, this program has few online peers of this caliber.
Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
gives IU a genuine edge in data science and information science — fields in which many competing online programs originate in less research-intensive departments. IU was an early mover in establishing a standalone informatics school, and its MS in Data Science and MS in Information Science reflect that depth.
Beyond these three, IU fields well-regarded online programs in education (multiple MSEd tracks through the School of Education), social work (CSWE-accredited MSW), public health (CEPH-accredited MPH), nursing (CCNE-accredited MSN with NP tracks), and health administration (CAHME-accredited MHA). This breadth is unusual — most peer institutions are strong in two or three of these areas, not five or six.
What IU is not particularly known for in the online master’s space: engineering, computer science (as distinct from informatics), and the liberal arts. Students looking for those areas will likely find stronger options elsewhere.
Online Master’s Programs by Subject
The table below groups IU’s online master’s programs by subject area. Credit hours, tuition, and duration reflect published or estimated figures — where data is unavailable, fields are left blank rather than estimated.
| Program | Degree | Credits | Duration | Tuition/Credit | Accreditation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA (Kelley Direct) | MBA | 51 | 24–60 months | $1,485 | AACSB | 7 concentrations including analytics, finance, and marketing. Requires Kelley Connect Week on campus. GMAT/GRE waiver available. |
| MS in Business Analytics (Kelley Direct) | MS | 30 | 12–24 months | $1,485 | AACSB | GMAT/GRE waiver available. Applied analytics focus. |
| MS in Finance (Kelley Direct) | MS | 30 | 12–24 months | $1,485 | AACSB | GMAT/GRE waiver available. |
| MS in Strategic Management (Kelley Direct) | MS | 30 | 12–24 months | $1,485 | AACSB | GMAT/GRE waiver available. |
| MS in Accounting (Kelley Direct) | MS | 30 | 12–24 months | $1,485 | AACSB | Helps meet CPA exam credit-hour requirements. |
| MS in Cybersecurity Risk Management | MS | 30 | 12–24 months | — | — | Kelley School. Blends cybersecurity with business risk management. |
Kelley programs align with OMC’s coverage of online MBA programs and cybersecurity MBA concentrations.
| Program | Degree | Credits | Duration | Accreditation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Public Affairs (MPA) | MPA | 48 | 24–48 months | NASPAA | O’Neill School. 5 concentrations including nonprofit management and sustainability. Consistently top-ranked nationally. |
| Program | Degree | Credits | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Data Science | MS | 30 | 12–36 months | Luddy School. Selective admissions. |
| MS in Information Science | MS | 36 | 18–36 months | Luddy School. Concentrations in data science, health informatics, library science, security informatics. GRE not required. |
| Master of Library Science (MLS) | MS | 36 | 18–36 months | ALA-accredited. Luddy School. GRE not required. |
| Program | Degree | Credits | Duration | Accreditation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Education (MSEd) — multiple tracks | MS | 36 | 18–36 months | CAEP | School of Education. Tracks in curriculum & instruction, ed leadership, IST, literacy, special education, learning sciences. Rolling admissions. GRE not required. |
| Program | Degree | Credits | Duration | Accreditation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Social Work (MSW) | MSW | 60 | 24–36 months | CSWE | Requires field placements arranged locally. Advanced standing for BSW holders. Fall start only. |
IU’s MSW is CSWE-accredited — see our broader guide to CSWE-accredited MSW programs and our main MSW programs hub.
For broader context on healthcare administration degrees, see our MHA programs hub.
| Program | Degree | Credits | Duration | Accreditation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Public Health (MPH) | MPH | 42 | 24–36 months | CEPH | School of Public Health–Bloomington. 5 concentrations including epidemiology . Requires fieldwork. |
| Master of Health Administration (MHA) | MHA | — | 24–36 months | CAHME | O’Neill School (IUPUI). Requires residency/practicum. |
| Program | Degree | Credits | Duration | Accreditation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Nursing (MSN) — multiple tracks | MSN | — | 24–36 months | CCNE | NP tracks (Adult-Gero, Family, Psych-Mental Health), plus Nursing Education and Administration. Clinical hours required. Fall start. |
Explore our MSN programs hub or the BSN-to-MSN pathway guide for program comparisons.
| Program | Degree | Credits | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Criminal Justice | MS | 36 | 18–36 months | O’Neill School. Rolling admissions. GRE not required. Fully online. |
See our criminal justice programs hub for broader program comparisons.
| Program | Degree | Credits | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA in Applied Communication | MA | 36 | 18–36 months | Rolling admissions. GRE not required. Fully online. |
How Indiana University Compares
To evaluate IU fairly, it helps to stack it against universities that overlap in profile or audience. Here’s how IU positions relative to three relevant peers.
Key takeaways from this comparison:
IU vs. Purdue University
- Purdue University is the obvious in-state comparison — both are Big Ten flagships, and both have large online portfolios. But their strengths diverge sharply.
- Purdue’s online identity leans heavily on engineering, technology, and STEM — anchored by a strong Purdue Global platform and its engineering school. IU’s online identity is built around professional schools: business (Kelley), public affairs (O’Neill), informatics (Luddy), social work, and health sciences. If you’re choosing between them for an MBA or MPA, IU has the stronger pedigree. If you’re choosing between them for an MS in engineering or computer science, Purdue is the clearer pick.
- Tuition is comparable at the graduate level, though Kelley Direct programs sit at the higher end. Both offer multiple start dates and flexible pacing for most programs.
IU vs. Arizona State University
- Arizona State University is probably the closest comparison in terms of online program breadth — both offer 15+ online master’s degrees across diverse subject areas, both are large public research universities, and both serve a national online audience.
- The key difference is positioning. ASU’s online operation is built on scale and accessibility — it’s one of the largest online enrollers in the country, with a relatively open admissions model for many programs. IU’s approach is more selective, particularly for Kelley and O’Neill programs, and leans more heavily on professional-school brand value. ASU may be easier to get into; IU’s top programs carry more selectivity and, in some fields, more employer-recognized prestige.
- ASU generally offers more competitive tuition for out-of-state online students, especially at the master’s level. IU’s Kelley Direct programs are significantly more expensive but compete at a different tier in business rankings.
IU vs. Northeastern University
- For students considering IU’s data science, informatics, or healthcare programs, Northeastern University is a relevant private university alternative. Northeastern is known for experiential learning integration and has a strong online master’s presence in data analytics, public health, and health informatics.
- Northeastern’s tuition is higher across the board (private university rates), but its co-op and experiential components may appeal to students who want embedded professional experience. IU offers a research-university informatics pedigree that Northeastern can’t quite match in that specific domain, while Northeastern may edge IU in the variety of applied health sciences.
Summary comparison:
| Dimension | Indiana University | Purdue | ASU | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program breadth | Very high (17+) | High (STEM-heavy) | Very high (broadest) | Moderate-high |
| Professional school pedigree | Kelley, O’Neill, Luddy | Engineering-focused | W.P. Carey (business) | Applied/experiential |
| Selectivity | Moderate-high (varies) | Moderate | More accessible | Moderate |
| Tuition (out-of-state) | Moderate-high | Moderate | Moderate | High (private) |
| Flexibility (async) | Mostly async, some sync/residency | Mostly async | Mostly async | Mostly async |
Indiana University Is
Best For
- Working professionals seeking a nationally ranked online MBA. Kelley Direct is one of the few online MBA programs that consistently ranks alongside top full-time programs. If employer brand recognition matters and you can invest in the tuition, IU’s MBA is a top-tier option.
- Public affairs and policy career changers. The O’Neill MPA is a genuinely elite program in its field. Students pivoting into government, nonprofit management, or environmental policy will find few online programs with this level of national standing.
- Data science and informatics students who want a research-university foundation. The Luddy School gives IU an uncommon advantage in informatics and data science — this isn’t a business school tacking on an analytics degree. It’s a dedicated informatics school with deep research infrastructure.
- Education professionals in the Midwest. IU’s School of Education has strong regional recognition, and the variety of MSEd tracks (from curriculum and instruction to special education to instructional systems technology) makes it a practical option for teachers, administrators, and instructional designers.
- Healthcare and social work students who need accredited clinical programs. IU’s MSW (CSWE), MPH (CEPH), MHA (CAHME), and MSN (CCNE) programs all carry the gold-standard accreditations. For students who need programmatic accreditation for licensure or career advancement, IU checks those boxes across multiple health and human services fields.
Not a Best Fit For
- If you’re optimizing for the lowest possible tuition. IU is not a budget option. Kelley Direct programs run approximately $1,485 per credit, and many other IU programs charge out-of-state rates for non-Indiana residents. Students prioritizing affordability above all else may find significantly lower per-credit costs at institutions like Western Governors University or Southern New Hampshire University . If loan burden is a primary concern, explore student loan forgiveness programs before committing.
- If you need a fully asynchronous experience with zero in-person components. Several of IU’s most prominent programs require some form of on-site engagement. The Kelley Direct MBA mandates a one-week on-campus residency (Kelley Connect Week). The MSW requires local field placements. The MPH requires applied practice fieldwork. MSN nurse practitioner tracks require clinical hours. If you cannot travel or arrange local clinical sites, these programs may not work logistically.
- If your target field is engineering, computer science, or hard STEM. IU’s online master’s portfolio is strong in informatics and data science, but it does not offer online master’s degrees in traditional engineering disciplines or computer science proper. Students with those goals should look at Purdue University , Arizona State University , or other STEM-heavy institutions.
- If you need maximum admissions flexibility. IU’s strongest programs (Kelley, O’Neill, MSN) are genuinely selective. While GMAT/GRE waivers are available for Kelley with sufficient professional experience, these are not open-enrollment programs. Students who need guaranteed or near-guaranteed admission may want to consider universities with more accessible admissions models.
- If you need the fastest possible time to completion. While some IU programs can be completed in 12 months (MS degrees from Kelley), the higher-credit programs — MBA (51 credits), MSW (60 credits), MPA (48 credits) — take 2–4 years for most students. Accelerated options are limited compared to some competitors.
Featured Programs / Top Picks
These are the IU online master’s programs where the university has the clearest competitive advantage — the programs worth specifically choosing IU for.
This is IU’s flagship online program for a reason. The Kelley Direct MBA carries AACSB accreditation, consistently ranks among the top 5–10 online MBA programs nationally, and offers seven concentrations, including business analytics, finance, and supply chain. The mandatory Kelley Connect Week adds a networking component that most fully online MBA programs lack. At ~$75,700 total, it’s a significant investment — but the brand carries real weight with recruiters.
The O’Neill MPA is one of the top-ranked public affairs programs in the country — online or otherwise. NASPAA-accredited with concentrations in nonprofit management, policy analysis, sustainability, and public financial administration. For students targeting government leadership, nonprofit executive roles, or policy careers, this is one of the strongest online programs available anywhere.
IU’s Luddy School was among the first standalone informatics schools in the country, and its MS in Data Science reflects that institutional depth. This isn’t a data science program grafted onto a business or statistics department — it’s grounded in a school with decades of informatics research. Selective admissions, 30-credit format, and fully online delivery.
CSWE-accredited with an advanced standing option for BSW holders, IU’s MSW is a strong option for students who want a research-university MSW with clinical preparation. Field placements are required but can be arranged locally. See how it stacks up in our MSW programs guide.
While IU offers multiple MSEd tracks, the Instructional Systems Technology (IST) concentration deserves a specific callout. It’s one of the more established online IST programs in the country and serves a growing market of instructional designers, corporate trainers, and ed-tech professionals. The School of Education’s CAEP accreditation adds credential value.
Admissions Snapshot
IU does not have a single admissions model — requirements vary meaningfully by school and program.
Kelley School of Business programs: Selective. Most applicants have 3+ years of professional experience. GMAT or GRE is accepted but waivers are available for candidates with strong professional backgrounds (typically 5+ years of experience and/or a graduate degree). Application deadlines are structured by term (Fall, Spring, Summer starts). Expect a competitive pool.
O’Neill School (MPA, MHA, Criminal Justice): Selective to moderately selective depending on program. The MPA has deadline-based admissions with a holistic review process. The MS in Criminal Justice uses rolling admissions with a lower barrier to entry.
Luddy School (Data Science, Information Science, Library Science): Selective. Quantitative or technical backgrounds are expected for the MS in Data Science. The MS in Information Science and MLS are somewhat more accessible. GRE is not required for most Luddy programs.
School of Education (MSEd): Rolling admissions across most tracks. GRE not required. Generally, the most accessible IU online master’s programs in terms of admissions flexibility.
School of Social Work (MSW): Deadline-based (Fall start only). GRE not required. An advanced standing option is available for BSW holders, which reduces credit requirements significantly.
Health programs (MPH, MSN, MHA): Deadline-based, typically Fall start only. The MSN NP tracks are the most selective health programs due to clinical seat limitations. The MPH and MHA both require fieldwork or practicum components.
General pattern: Many IU programs are GRE-optional or GRE-free. Students researching online master’s programs with no GRE requirement will find several IU options qualify. However, IU’s strongest programs are meaningfully selective — this is not an open-enrollment institution.
Tuition & Cost Overview
IU’s tuition structure is not uniform — it varies by school, program, and residency status.
Kelley Direct programs have the most transparent and highest pricing: approximately $1,485 per credit . For the 51-credit MBA, that translates to roughly $75,735 total . The 30-credit MS programs (Business Analytics, Finance, Strategic Management, Accounting) come to approximately $44,550 . These rates apply regardless of residency.
Other IU online master’s programs generally follow IU’s standard graduate tuition structure, which differentiates between in-state and out-of-state residents. Indiana residents pay significantly less per credit than non-residents for most programs outside Kelley. Some programs offer reduced or flat online rates, but this is not universal — students should verify with the specific school.
Cost positioning: IU is a mid-to-upper range option. It is not competing with budget-oriented online universities on price. The Kelley MBA, in particular, is priced to compete with other top-ranked online MBA programs, not with more accessible MBA options . Students from outside Indiana should budget for out-of-state rates unless the specific program offers online parity pricing.
Financial aid and funding: IU participates in federal financial aid. Many Kelley Direct students leverage employer tuition reimbursement — the program’s structured pacing and part-time-friendly design are built with working professionals in mind. Graduate assistantships are limited for online students. Students should also research whether their career path qualifies for public service loan forgiveness — IU’s MPA, MSW, MPH, and education programs all feed into PSLF-eligible careers.
Important note on IU Bloomington vs. IUPUI: Some programs (notably the MHA) are administered through IUPUI rather than IU Bloomington. Tuition structures and administrative processes may differ between the two campuses, even though both fall under the Indiana University system.
Visit Indiana University’s official online programs page
Related Rankings
These OMC ranking pages are relevant to students evaluating IU’s program areas:
- Online Master’s Programs with No GRE Requirement — Many IU programs waive or don’t require the GRE, making this ranking relevant for applicants exploring test-free options across universities.
- Easiest Online MBA Programs — Useful contrast for students considering whether Kelley Direct’s selective, higher-investment MBA is worth it compared to more accessible alternatives.
- Online Masters Degree Programs in Indiana — For students specifically focused on Indiana-based institutions, this page compares IU against other in-state options , including Purdue and regional universities.
- CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs — Directly relevant for students comparing IU’s CSWE-accredited MSW against other accredited online social work programs.
- Online Juris Master Programs — For students interested in law-adjacent policy work, this provides context on legal master’s alternatives to IU’s public affairs and criminal justice programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. IU’s online master’s degrees are awarded by the same schools and departments as their on-campus equivalents. The diploma does not distinguish between online and on-campus delivery. A Kelley Direct MBA is a Kelley School of Business MBA.
Kelley Direct is the online and hybrid program platform operated by IU’s Kelley School of Business. It delivers the online MBA and several online MS programs (business analytics, finance, strategic management, accounting, cybersecurity risk management). Kelley Direct programs are AACSB-accredited and carry the same Kelley School branding as on-campus programs.
It depends on the program. Kelley Direct programs charge a flat per-credit rate regardless of residency. For other programs, IU generally maintains in-state/out-of-state tuition distinctions, though some online programs offer reduced online rates. Students should verify with the specific school before enrolling.
Several IU online master’s programs include in-person components. The Kelley Direct MBA requires a one-week Kelley Connect Week on the Bloomington campus. The MSW requires field placements. The MPH requires applied practice fieldwork. MSN NP tracks require clinical hours. Many other programs — including the MSEd, MS in Data Science, and MA in Applied Communication — are fully online with no in-person requirements.
Timelines vary widely. Some Kelley MS programs can be completed in 12 months. The MBA typically takes 2–5 years, depending on pace. The MSW is 2–3 years. The MPA is 2–4 years. Most education programs fall in the 18–36-month range. IU generally allows flexible pacing for working professionals.
Both are part of the Indiana University system, but they operate somewhat independently. Most online master’s programs listed here are administered through IU Bloomington. The MHA is notably offered through the O’Neill School at IUPUI. Tuition structures, application processes, and advising may differ between the two campuses.
Most IU online master’s programs do not require the GRE. Kelley Direct programs accept the GMAT or GRE but offer waivers for candidates with significant professional experience. The MSEd, MSW, MS in Criminal Justice, and several Luddy School programs do not require standardized test scores at all.