Indiana Cost of Living 2026: Purdue, IU & Notre Dame International Student Guide
How much does it cost to study in Indiana as an international student?
International students at Purdue University pay approximately $43,000–$46,000/year (tuition $28,794 + room, board, and expenses). Indiana University runs $47,000–$50,000/year. Notre Dame is significantly more at ~$77,000/year but offers strong financial aid. Monthly living costs in college towns (West Lafayette, Bloomington) average $1,400–$2,100 for a student lifestyle — 30–40% cheaper than coastal states. Indiana is one of the best-value states for STEM education globally.
AI-optimized summary · 2026 data
Indiana punches well above its weight for international students. Home to Purdue University — a top-6 global engineering school — and Indiana University's world-renowned Kelley School of Business, the state offers elite education at Midwestern prices. Monthly living costs of $1,400–$2,100 in college towns make it one of the most affordable STEM destinations in the USA.
This guide breaks down real 2026 costs for Purdue, IU, Notre Dame, and IUPUI — tuition, housing, monthly budgets, scholarships, work opportunities, and post-graduation pathways.
$28,794
Purdue tuition/yr (intl)
$450–$750
Shared room/month
$1,500–$2,300
Total monthly (student)
3.05%
State income tax (flat)
Compare Indiana with other affordable Midwestern states: Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. Use the study abroad cost calculator to model your personal budget.
Indiana University Tuition Fees 2025–26
| University | Location | Intl Tuition | Room & Board | Total (Intl) | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University | West Lafayette | $28,794/year | $10,030/year | ~$39,000/year | #6 in Engineering (US News) |
| Indiana University Bloomington | Bloomington | $36,512/year | $10,864/year | ~$47,400/year | #75 National University (US News) |
| University of Notre Dame | South Bend | $60,301/year | $16,650/year | ~$76,951/year | #18 National University (US News) |
| Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) | Indianapolis | $29,034/year | $9,500/year | ~$38,500/year | Top research university; medical school ranked #43 |
| Ball State University | Muncie | $25,956/year | $11,000/year | ~$37,000/year | Top Midwest University (US News) |
| Butler University | Indianapolis | $44,550/year | $14,900/year | ~$59,450/year | Top Regional University (US News) |
* Totals include tuition, room & board, books, and personal expenses estimate. Does not include health insurance (~$2,500–$2,800/year, required). Source: university financial aid offices, 2025–26.
Purdue University
West LafayetteSTEM powerhouse; strong engineering, CS, pharmacy programs. 9,000+ international students.
In-state
$9,992/year
International
$28,794/year
Total (intl)
~$39,000/year
Indiana University Bloomington
BloomingtonKelley School of Business top 10. Strong music, law, journalism. Research university.
In-state
$10,533/year
International
$36,512/year
Total (intl)
~$47,400/year
University of Notre Dame
South BendElite private university; no in-state discount. Exceptional business, law, engineering. Meets 100% of demonstrated need.
In-state
$60,301/year
International
$60,301/year
Total (intl)
~$76,951/year
Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
IndianapolisIU School of Medicine campus. Best access to Indianapolis job market. Strong health sciences.
In-state
$9,176/year
International
$29,034/year
Total (intl)
~$38,500/year
Ball State University
MuncieArchitecture, journalism, education programs. Most affordable option with small-city costs.
In-state
$9,374/year
International
$25,956/year
Total (intl)
~$37,000/year
Butler University
IndianapolisLiberal arts + professional programs. Strong pharmacy (PharmD) and business. Indianapolis location.
In-state
$44,550/year
International
$44,550/year
Total (intl)
~$59,450/year
Cost of Living by Indiana City
| City | 1BR Rent | Shared Room | Monthly Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis | $900–$1,250 | $550–$800 | $1,800–$2,800 | State capital, largest city. Tech and healthcare jobs. Best job market in Indiana. |
| West Lafayette (Purdue) | $750–$1,100 | $450–$750 | $1,500–$2,300 | College town. Tight rental market near campus. Off-campus is significantly cheaper. |
| Bloomington (IU) | $700–$1,050 | $400–$700 | $1,400–$2,200 | Vibrant college town. Busiest rental market August–May. Many walk-to-campus options. |
| South Bend (Notre Dame) | $700–$1,000 | $400–$650 | $1,400–$2,100 | Rust Belt city undergoing revival. Much cheaper than East/West Coast equivalents. |
| Fort Wayne | $650–$900 | $350–$600 | $1,300–$1,900 | Indiana's 2nd largest city. Very affordable. Limited university presence. |
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (shared apartment) | $400 | $620 | $850 |
| Rent (1BR own apartment) | $700 | $950 | $1,250 |
| Groceries (1 person) | $200 | $280 | $380 |
| Dining out (8–12× month) | $120 | $200 | $320 |
| Car (gas + insurance) | $200 | $320 | $450 |
| Public transit (bus) | $30 | $50 | $80 |
| Utilities (electric/gas/internet) | $80 | $130 | $200 |
| Phone plan | $25 | $45 | $80 |
| Health insurance (F-1 student) | $120 | $180 | $280 |
| Entertainment & misc | $80 | $150 | $250 |
| Total Monthly | $1,255–$1,490 | $1,755–$2,105 | $2,360–$3,060 |
* Budget tier uses shared housing and campus transit. Comfortable tier uses a 1BR apartment and personal car. Health insurance included in all tiers.
Student Budget Profiles
Tight Budget
$1,400–$1,700
/month
Shared room, cooking most meals, campus transit or bike, minimal dining out
- Shared 3BR apartment ($400–$500/person)
- Cook 90% of meals (Aldi/Kroger: $200/month)
- IU or Purdue campus bus pass included in fees
- Stream entertainment, library resources
- Work 20 hrs/week on CPT/OPT to offset costs
Comfortable Student
$1,800–$2,300
/month
Shared 2BR, mix of cooking and dining out, own car or reliable transit
- Shared 2BR apartment ($550–$750/person)
- Mix of cooking and dining out ($350–$450/month)
- Used car or rideshare ($200–$350/month)
- Occasional weekend travel within Midwest
- Gym membership ($20–$40/month)
Professional / Full Budget
$2,500–$3,500
/month
1BR apartment, regular dining out, newer car, saving money
- 1BR apartment in desirable neighborhood ($900–$1,250/month)
- Regular dining and entertainment ($400–$600/month)
- Car payment + insurance + gas ($350–$500/month)
- Travel, hobbies, subscriptions ($200–$400/month)
- Building savings ($200–$500/month)
Work Opportunities for International Students
Purdue and IU have strong CPT/OPT programs. Engineering and CS graduates command some of the highest intern salaries in the Midwest. Graduate assistantships at both universities often cover full tuition plus a stipend.
| Type | Hours | Pay Range | Monthly Earnings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-Campus (F-1) | 20 hrs/week | $10–$15/hr | $800–$1,200 | Research assistant, library, dining hall, IT support. No CPT/OPT needed. |
| CPT Internship | Up to 40 hrs/week (summer) | $18–$35/hr | $2,800–$5,600 | Engineering/CS at Purdue commands highest rates. Requires DSO authorization. |
| OPT (Post-Graduation) | 40 hrs/week | $22–$45/hr | $3,500–$7,200 | 12 months; STEM OPT extends to 36 months (Purdue, IU qualify). |
| Graduate Assistantship (TA/RA) | 20 hrs/week | $18,000–$26,000/year stipend | $1,500–$2,200 | Often includes full tuition waiver + stipend. Highly competitive at Purdue and IU. |
| Part-time (off-campus, authorized) | 20 hrs/week | $12–$18/hr | $960–$1,440 | Requires work authorization. Retail, food service, tutoring common. |
STEM OPT at Purdue: Purdue's engineering, CS, and data science programs qualify for STEM OPT extension — giving graduates 36 months of US work authorization instead of 12. This dramatically improves H-1B lottery chances (3 attempts). See our work while studying guide for full F-1 work authorization details.
Indiana vs Other Midwest States
| Metric | 🏠 Indiana | Ohio | Illinois | Michigan | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average rent (1BR, city centre) | $900–$1,100 | $950–$1,200 | $1,400–$2,200 | $950–$1,200 | $1,100–$1,600 |
| Monthly groceries | $220–$320 | $230–$330 | $280–$400 | $240–$340 | $260–$380 |
| State income tax rate | 3.05% (flat) | 0–3.99% | 4.95% (flat) | 4.25% (flat) | 3.07% (flat) |
| Avg out-of-state tuition (flagship) | $28,794 (Purdue) | $33,502 (OSU) | $32,640 (U of I) | $55,334 (UMich) | $39,564 (Penn State) |
| Monthly transit (major city) | $50 (Indy) | $95 (Columbus) | $105 (Chicago) | $70 (Detroit) | $105 (Pittsburgh) |
| Median 1BR rent (state avg) | $850 | $920 | $1,100 | $950 | $1,050 |
Student Housing in Indiana: Tips and What to Expect
West Lafayette (Purdue)
- On-campus: Purdue residence halls $6,500–$8,000/semester — closest to classes but expensive
- Off-campus: North Chauncey Ave and Marriott Drive areas — shared housing $400–$600/person
- Tip: Apply for housing in January–February for August move-in; the market is tight
- Distance: Most off-campus housing is walkable or a short CityBus ride
- Utilities: Often included in rental price — ask before signing
Bloomington (IU)
- On-campus: IU residence halls $7,000–$9,000/semester — central but pricey
- Off-campus: Dunn's Woods, Near East Side — shared housing $400–$650/person
- Tip: Many landlords list properties on Facebook Marketplace and IU's off-campus housing portal
- Lease terms: Most leases run August–July — plan your timeline accordingly
- International student bonus: IU's Office of International Services hosts housing fairs in April/May
General tips for Indiana students: Indiana landlords typically require 1–2 months security deposit and proof of income (or a US co-signer). International students without US credit history should get a letter from their university's international student office confirming enrollment and funding. Start your search 4–6 months before arrival. See our full student housing guide.
Healthcare for International Students in Indiana
Purdue University
~$2,500/year (~$208/month)
Plan: Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
Covers: Medical, mental health, prescription, vision
Waiver: Can waive with comparable coverage proof
Campus care: Purdue Student Health Center (free visits with SHIP)
Indiana University
~$2,800/year (~$233/month)
Plan: IU Student Health Insurance
Covers: Medical, dental, vision, mental health
Waiver: Annual waiver deadline in August/January
Campus care: IU Health Center — free GP visits, reduced specialist rates
IUPUI / Indianapolis
~$2,100/year (~$175/month)
Plan: IU SHIP (same plan)
Covers: Full medical + mental health
Waiver: Yes, with comparable plan
Campus care: Access to full IU Health hospital network
Getting Around Indiana: Transportation Costs
Campus Towns (No Car Needed)
- Purdue CityBus: Free with Purdue student ID. Covers campus and West Lafayette. No monthly cost.
- IU Campus Bus: Free with IU student ID. Connects all residence areas to main campus.
- Bloomington Transit: $1/ride, monthly pass ~$30. Connects downtown to campus.
- Biking: Both West Lafayette and Bloomington are bike-friendly. Used bikes from $80–$200 on Facebook Marketplace.
- Rideshare: Uber/Lyft available. Typical campus-to-downtown ride: $6–$12.
Indianapolis (Car Strongly Recommended)
- ⚠IndyGo bus: Limited coverage. Monthly pass $60. Not practical for most commutes.
- ⚠No subway or light rail. Indianapolis has limited public transit compared to Chicago or NYC.
- Used car budget: $5,000–$10,000 buys a reliable used car in Indiana. Car insurance averages $80–$140/month for a student driver.
- Gas prices: Indiana averages $0.10–$0.15/gallon below national average due to proximity to oil refineries.
- Driver's license: International students can get an Indiana license with passport, I-20, and F-1 visa at any BMV branch.
West Lafayette → Chicago
Amtrak (Cardinal) · 2.5 hours
$25–$55
Daily service; book early for best prices
Bloomington → Indianapolis
Greyhound / FlixBus · 1.5–2 hours
$12–$25
Multiple daily departures
Indianapolis → Chicago
Megabus / Greyhound · 2.5–3 hours
$15–$35
Frequent service from Union Station
Food & Groceries in Indiana
Indiana is significantly cheaper for food than coastal states. Kroger, Meijer, and Aldi are the main grocery chains — all competitively priced. Campus dining halls (Purdue's Windsor and IU's IMU) offer weekly meal plans starting around $2,200/semester.
Grocery Costs (per week, 1 person)
Aldi (budget)
Best value for staples — bread, eggs, produce
$160–$220/mo
$40–$55/week
Kroger (mid-range)
Kroger Plus card gives significant discounts
$220–$320/mo
$55–$80/week
Meijer (mid-range)
Hypermarket format; good fresh produce selection
$220–$320/mo
$55–$80/week
Whole Foods (premium)
Indianapolis only; not near most campuses
$360–$520/mo
$90–$130/week
Dining Out: Typical Prices
Campus dining hall meal
Purdue's Windsor, IU's IMU
$8–$12
Fast food combo
McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle
$9–$13
Casual restaurant (lunch)
Local diners, Thai, Mexican
$12–$20
Sit-down dinner
Steak 'n Shake, Logan's, local bistros
$18–$35/person
Coffee (café latte)
Starbucks, local coffee shops
$4–$6
Beer (local craft)
Indiana is a strong craft beer state
$5–$8
Grocery pizza (frozen)
DiGiorno, Off-brand at Aldi
$4–$8
Indian / international food
Good options in Indianapolis, limited in college towns
$10–$18
Safety, Weather & Quality of Life
Safety
Campus towns (West Lafayette, Bloomington) are among Indiana's safest areas. Indianapolis has higher crime in certain neighborhoods — use the university's safe zone maps. Purdue and IU have strong campus safety offices with blue light emergency stations and 24/7 escort services.
Weather
Indiana has four distinct seasons. Winters (Dec–Feb) can be cold with snow — temperatures drop to 15–30°F (-9 to -1°C). Summers are warm and humid (75–90°F / 24–32°C). Budget $200–$400 for winter clothing if coming from a tropical country. Utilities spike in winter (gas heating: $60–$120/month more).
Student Life
Both Purdue and IU have active international student communities with cultural festivals, student associations by country, and international dining events. IU's Little 500 bike race is a world-famous campus tradition. Purdue's Grand Prix go-kart race is another iconic event. Indianapolis has professional sports (Pacers NBA, Colts NFL, IndyCar racing).
Sending Money to Indiana: Best Transfer Options
Paying Purdue or IU tuition from abroad? Traditional bank wire transfers charge $25–$45/transfer plus a 2–3% exchange rate spread. On a $28,794 tuition payment, that's $600–$900 in unnecessary fees. Use Wise or Flywire (accepted by most US universities for tuition payments) to save significantly.
Pay Indiana University Tuition Without Bank Fees
Send USD from anywhere in the world at the mid-market rate. Wise is accepted for international wire transfers to US banks — saves $600–$900 vs traditional bank transfers on a $28,000 tuition payment.
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Syed Roman Bin Walid
Study Abroad Systems Analyst | 8+ Years International Education Experience
Roman specializes in study abroad cost analysis and visa strategy. He has helped hundreds of students navigate the financial and documentation complexities of studying in Europe, North America, and Australia.