Best Colleges in Indianapolis

Questions About Going to College in Indianapolis

How are the career opportunities for college graduates in Indianapolis?

Over the three-year period of 2015-2017, experts predict a 2.67 percent annual job growth for Indianapolis. Couple this with an unemployment rate and a cost of living both below the national average and you’ve found yourself a city which has earned a national reputation as one of the best places for young professionals to live. Health care, insurance, finance, and education contribute to a diversified economy. And don’t forget tourism! From the Indianapolis 500 to the Men’s and Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournaments, throngs of visitors mean plenty of opportunities in the hospitality industry.

What major companies/industries are hiring what type of graduates/skills in this city?

St. Vincent Hospital and Health, Clarian Health Partners Inc., Methodist Hospital . . . opportunities abound for health science grads in Indiana’s capital city. Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company also makes its home in Indianapolis which is great news for aspiring research scientists, database managers, statisticians, IT pros, and marketing strategists. And did you know that Anthem, a health-benefits company located in Indianapolis, provides their services to one out of every nine Americans? Whether you’re hired in the business department, customer service, or corporate communications, you’ll be a vital part of a firm upon which millions of people rely.

Is Indianapolis more of a college town or a great place to start a career and family?

With more than 400 student organizations and a Division I football team (Go Jaguars!), the 22,000+ undergrads at Indiana University-Purdue University – Indianapolis get an amazing collegiate experience. But Indiana’s largest city (852,000 residents) also rocks after graduation. Median pay for early careerists (1-5 years of experience) stands at $48,200, and the cost of living comes in at 7.5 percent lower than the national average. STEM grads flock to 16 Tech, downtown’s technology district, for its Stadium Lofts constructed within the original confines of the old Bush Stadium. Artsy types find camaraderie in areas around the Mass Ave Cultural District, known for theaters, galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Families appreciate Cottage Home, known for its active neighborhood association and community gardens.

What do the locals in Indianapolis like to do for fun?

The historic Indianapolis City Market serves as a popular hangout for people looking to shop for eclectic gifts or enjoy a pint of local beer. On Wednesdays in summer, the outdoor farmer’s market is a hit. Summer also means free Concerts on the Canal on Thursday evenings, courtesy of the Indiana Historical Society. Bring a blanket or reserve a table on the terrace to enjoy everything from swing to jazz. And every season proves a winner for Indianapolis sports enthusiasts. Head to Lucas Oil Stadium for pro football action from the Colts, or take your pick of men’s or women’s pro basketball played by the Pacers or the Fever. Prefer auto racing? You can’t beat the Indy 500, the world’s largest single-day spectator sporting event. Even locals never tire of hearing “Gentlemen, start your engines” each May.

What's the dating scene like in Indianapolis? Will I meet my perfect mate?

With 1.7 million people in the metro area, a relatively equal split between men and women, and pretty good diversity (62 percent white, 27 percent African American, 11 percent other), your Hoosier honey definitely could be somewhere in Indiana’s largest city. Make Happy Hour Thursdays on Georgia Street’s center block a weekly event to mingle with other professionals over drinks, appetizers, and live music. Or grab your yoga mat for a free sunrise class on the Canal on Workout Wednesdays. You may soon find yourself at the Indianapolis Museum of Art in front of its famous LOVE sculpture, one of the top locations in the United States for marriage proposals.