Ball State is an integral part of the community and economy of Muncie and the state of Indiana. In addition to preparing the state’s entrepreneurs, teachers, health care providers, scientists, designers, artists, and media and technology professionals, its projects and research drive innovation throughout Indiana. Ball State has grown into a world-class University with highly respected programs in education, architecture, business, communications, fine arts, sciences and humanities and the health professions. The academic year 2019-2020 saw record enrollment of 22,541 students with worldwide alumni totaling 197,000.

Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christian comprehensive university of The Wesleyan Church. The University was founded in 1920 as Marion College and is committed to liberal arts and professional education. Indiana Wesleyan is the largest member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the largest private college in Indiana, based on enrollment, and is one of the largest employers in Grant County. Nearly 3,000 students are enrolled in traditional programs on the University’s 350-acre campus in Marion. IWU offers more than 80 undergraduate degrees, 38 graduate degrees and 5 doctorate degrees and students represent more than 80 Christian denominations and 10 foreign countries. Indiana Wesleyan has received national attention for its innovative adult education program, which began in 1985. Over 10,000 adult learners attend classes online at education centers in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Taylor University, with an enrollment of 1,866 students from 43 states and 31 foreign countries, is located on a 952-acre campus in Upland, Indiana—50 miles south of Fort Wayne and 70 miles north of Indianapolis. Founded in 1846 as Fort Wayne Female College, Taylor University now stands as the oldest non-denominational school in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. With more than 60 majors across the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences, and a Foundational Core curriculum that promotes a broad base of knowledge, Taylor encourages students to ask hard questions, apply themselves to the tasks at hand, and embrace their callings. Taylor University recently placed number one in the U.S. News & World Report for the Best Midwest College, marking the 23rd consecutive year Taylor has appeared in the region’s top three.

Earlham College is a national liberal arts college with a reputation for excellent teaching and preparing students to make a profound positive difference in the world. Located in Richmond, Indiana, the college sits on an 800-acre campus, including a 600-acre stretch of woods, streams, ponds, old fields, and prairie used for scientific research and recreation. According to U.S. News and World Report, Earlham ranks 4th in the nation for the percentage of international students on campus. The college offers more than 40 courses of study.  Student enrollment is 1,000 with 47 states and 54 countries represented.

Indiana University East, a regional campus of Indiana University, offers residents of eastern Indiana, western Ohio and beyond a broad range of bachelor’s degrees, selected master’s degrees, and certificates through its traditional main campus in Richmond, off-campus sites, and online program options. IUE offers over 60 programs, more than 800 courses, and degrees ranging from certificates to master’s degrees.  Student body includes 3,292 undergraduate students and 198 graduate students with over 10,000 graduates in its alumni network in fields ranging from business and law to health care and education.

With locations in Muncie, Marion, Richmond, New Castle, Connersville, and Rushville, Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually. In East Central Indiana, there are seven locations offering course work and programs in Business, Computing & Informatics, Education, Health Sciences, Liberal Arts & Sciences, Nursing, Public & Social Services and Technology.  The College offers more than 125 areas of study statewide, including in the traditional classroom setting and online. Ivy Tech Community College serves at the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its communities. In addition, credits transfer to most other college and universities in Indiana. The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

Purdue Polytechnic’s Richmond location offers the same technology degrees available at Purdue University’s main campus in West Lafayette, but in a setting that is small enough to provide dedicated, one-on-one attention while students earn their Purdue degree. These programs contribute to retention of talent in the area, as many graduates of Purdue Polytechnic Richmond’s programs choose to stay local, working in business and industry in Richmond and surrounding communities. Degree programs include computer technology, engineering graphics in addition to mechanical, industrial, and robotics engineering technologies degree programs.