Indiana Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources

Indiana serves approximately 318,000 veterans - about 6% of the state's adult population. Whether you're transitioning to civilian life or already living in Indiana, you need to know what healthcare facilities, education benefits, and job opportunities are available.

This guide provides actual addresses, phone numbers, and actionable information for Indiana veterans.

Bottom Line Up Front

Healthcare: Indiana has 3 VA medical centers (Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Marion), 10+ community-based clinics, and comprehensive mental health services

Education: Free tuition for children of disabled veterans, Purple Heart tuition waivers, strong GI Bill support at major universities (Purdue, IU, Notre Dame)

Employment: State hiring preference for veterans, strong manufacturing sector (highest concentration in nation), defense contractors near Crane and Camp Atterbury, INvets job matching program

Veteran Population Hotspots: Marion County (Indianapolis) 50,000+, Allen County (Fort Wayne) 22,000+, Lake County (Gary/Hammond) 20,000+

VA Healthcare Facilities in Indiana

VA Medical Centers

1. Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center - Indianapolis

Address: 1481 West 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 Phone: (317) 554-0000 (main) | (317) 988-1772 (appointments) Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department

Bed count: 209 beds (flagship facility for Indiana)

Services:

• Primary care
• Mental health services (including same-day psychiatric services)
• Surgery (general, orthopedic, vascular)
• Cardiology
• Oncology (hematology and oncology services)
• Neurology
• Rehabilitation care
• Women's health
• Prosthetics
• Pharmacy (including mail-order)
• Spinal cord injury care
• Infectious disease treatment (hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis)

Specialty programs:

• PTSD treatment and mental health counseling
• Substance abuse treatment
• Homeless veteran services
• Hospice and palliative care
• Pain management
• Walk-in clinic (D Wing, Room D5029, Monday-Friday 8am-4pm)

Additional campus: Cold Spring Road Campus at 2669 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis (outpatient services)

Parking: Available on-site

Note: This is Indiana's largest VA facility and has been serving Indiana veterans since 1932. It's the flagship of Veteran Health Indiana (VHI).

2. VA Northern Indiana Health Care System - Fort Wayne Campus

Address: 2121 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Phone: (260) 426-5431 | Toll-free: 1-800-360-8387

Services:

• Primary care
• Mental health services
• Specialty care
• Surgery
• Emergency services
• Laboratory services
• Radiology/imaging
• Pharmacy

Also in Fort Wayne: Fort Wayne VA Clinic Address: 2500 East State Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Services: Primary care, mental health (including PTSD treatment), specialty services

The Fort Wayne system serves veterans throughout northeast Indiana.

3. VA Northern Indiana Health Care System - Marion Campus

Address: 1700 East 38th Street, Marion, IN 46953 Phone: (765) 674-3321 | Toll-free: 1-800-360-8387 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency medical care

Services:

• Primary care and specialty health services
• Mental health care (consultation, evaluation, treatment)
• Addiction and substance abuse treatment
• Cardiology
• Diabetes care
• Spinal cord injury and disorder treatment
• Vascular surgery
• Hematology and oncology
• Infectious disease treatment
• Rehabilitation services
• Nutrition counseling
• Hospice and palliative care
• Pain management

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, transportation services, beneficiary travel benefits for eligible veterans

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)

Indiana has an extensive network of VA clinics to improve access across the state:

Indianapolis VA Clinic

Address: Multiple locations in Indianapolis area Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth

Bloomington VA Clinic

Address: Bloomington, IN (new 24,000 sq ft facility opened September 2024) Services: Serves nearly 5,000 veterans in southern Indiana Services: Primary care, mental health, specialty care

South Bend VA Outpatient Clinic

Address: 333 W Western Ave, South Bend, IN 46601 Also: 5735 S Ironwood Rd, South Bend, IN 46614 Services: Primary care, mental health, specialty services

Evansville VA Clinic

Services: Primary care, mental health Coverage area: Southwestern Indiana

Muncie VA Clinic

Services: Primary care, mental health

Terre Haute VA Clinic

Services: Primary care, mental health

Crown Point VA Clinic

Services: Primary care, mental health Coverage area: Lake County region

Lafayette VA Clinic

Services: Primary care, mental health

Columbus VA Clinic

Services: Primary care, mental health

Goshen VA Clinic

Services: Primary care, mental health Coverage area: Elkhart County area

Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)

Vet Centers provide free counseling for combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, and bereaved family members. You don't need to be enrolled in VA healthcare to use Vet Centers.

Indianapolis Vet Center Address: (Contact VA for current location) Phone: Check VA.gov for current contact

Fort Wayne Vet Center Services: PTSD counseling, readjustment counseling, military sexual trauma counseling

Evansville Vet Center Services: Individual and group counseling, family counseling

South Bend Vet Center Phone: Check VA.gov Services: PTSD counseling, depression treatment, readjustment issues, substance abuse counseling, bereavement counseling, couples and family counseling

Services at all Vet Centers:

• PTSD counseling
• Depression and anxiety treatment
• Substance abuse counseling
• Employment counseling
• Family and couples counseling
• Bereavement counseling for families of service members who died on active duty
• Military sexual trauma (MST) counseling
• Readjustment support
• Art therapy, walking groups, adventure therapy groups

Wait Times and Quality Ratings

Indianapolis VA Medical Center: Generally rated average to above average for specialty care services

Fort Wayne VA: Good ratings for primary care access

Marion VA: Solid ratings for mental health services

Average wait times: 7-14 days for primary care appointments (varies by location and specialty)

Best practice: Enroll in VA healthcare as soon as you separate from active duty, even if you don't plan to use it immediately. This locks in your eligibility and priority group, which becomes more important as the veteran population ages.

How to Enroll in VA Healthcare

Online: va.gov/health-care/apply Phone: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) In person: Visit any VA medical center or clinic with your DD-214

Documents needed:

• DD-214 (discharge paperwork)
• Social Security card
• Insurance information (if you have other coverage)
• Income information (for priority group determination)

Priority groups: VA assigns you to a priority group (1-8) based on:

• Service-connected disabilities
• Income level
• Other factors (Purple Heart, former POW, Medal of Honor, etc.)

Higher priority groups (1-4) get faster access and lower or no copays.

Education Benefits for Indiana Veterans

Children of Disabled Veterans - Free Tuition Program

This is Indiana's flagship education benefit - completely free tuition for children of disabled veterans.

Eligibility:

• Children and stepchildren of veterans with service-connected death or disability as determined by VA
• Children of Purple Heart recipients
• Veteran parent must have Indiana as home of record at enlistment OR resided in Indiana at least 5 years before student applies

Benefit amount:

• Up to 100% of tuition and regularly assessed fees at Indiana public colleges/universities (undergraduate resident tuition rate)
• Up to 124 semester credit-hours total
• Up to $5,000 annually at Indiana private, non-profit colleges (for students whose veteran parent graduated high school January 1, 2023 or later)
• 8 academic years to use the benefit
• Must first apply before turning 33 years old

Coverage percentage (for veterans who enlisted on/after July 1, 2011):

• Percentage covered = 20% + veteran parent's VA disability percentage
• Example: Veteran rated 70% disabled → Student receives 90% tuition coverage
• 100% disabled veteran → Student receives 120% coverage (capped at 100% of tuition)

For veterans who enlisted before July 1, 2011: 100% tuition coverage regardless of disability percentage

Qualifying schools: All Indiana public universities and colleges, including:

• Indiana University (Bloomington, Indianapolis-IUPUI, Fort Wayne, South Bend, etc.)
• Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Northwest)
• Ball State University
• Indiana State University
• University of Southern Indiana
• Vincennes University
• Ivy Tech Community College (all campuses)
• All other Indiana public institutions

How to apply:

1. Complete Tuition and Fee Exemption application through Indiana Commission for Higher Education
2. Provide VA rating documentation showing service-connected disability
3. Apply through your chosen school's financial aid office
4. File FAFSA annually (other aid applied first, then exemption covers remaining costs)
5. Applications reviewed by Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs

Contact: Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, (317) 232-3910

Purple Heart Tuition Waiver

Eligibility: Indiana residents who are Purple Heart recipients

Benefit: 100% tuition and regularly assessed fees for up to 124% of required credit hours for degree/certificate programs

Schools: Indiana public institutions (undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels)

Important: Apply this benefit after using GI Bill and other VA benefits (except self-funded benefits like Montgomery GI Bill or Post-9/11 GI Bill)

How to apply: Through Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs and your institution's financial aid office

National Guard Tuition Supplement Grant

Eligibility: Active members of Indiana Air National Guard or Army National Guard

Benefit: Up to 100% of tuition and regularly assessed fees

Usage: Covers costs not paid by VA education benefits

Schools: Indiana state-supported institutions only

Post-9/11 GI Bill - Yellow Ribbon Schools

Several Indiana schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, covering 100% of out-of-state tuition for qualifying veterans:

Purdue University (West Lafayette)

Yellow Ribbon: Unlimited contribution for eligible students Result: Full out-of-state tuition covered for Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients at 100% BAH rate: ~$1,400/month (2025 rates) Veteran enrollment: 1,500+ student veterans

Contact: Military Success Center Phone: (765) 494-1355 Website: purdue.edu/veterans

Programs: Strong STEM programs, engineering, agriculture, business

Indiana University Bloomington

Yellow Ribbon: Participates in Yellow Ribbon Program BAH rate: ~$1,300/month Veteran enrollment: 1,200+ student veterans

Contact: Office of Veterans Services Phone: (812) 856-4000 Website: veterans.indiana.edu

Programs: Business (Kelley School), law, medicine, liberal arts

University of Notre Dame

Yellow Ribbon: Generous Yellow Ribbon participation for eligible veterans BAH rate: ~$1,300/month Veteran enrollment: 200+ student veterans

Contact: Office of Veterans Services Phone: (574) 631-6436

Programs: Business, engineering, liberal arts (highly selective)

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)

Yellow Ribbon: Participates BAH rate: ~$1,350/month Veteran enrollment: 800+ student veterans

Services: Dedicated Veteran Services office, veteran lounge

Ball State University

Yellow Ribbon: Participates Veteran enrollment: 600+ student veterans

Contact: Veterans Services Phone: (765) 285-1232

Indiana State University

Yellow Ribbon: Participates Veteran enrollment: 500+ student veterans

Programs: Strong teaching programs, aviation

Ivy Tech Community College

Services: All 40+ campuses serve veterans Veteran enrollment: 3,000+ student veterans statewide

Benefits: Affordable tuition, technical training, transfer agreements with four-year schools

In-State Tuition for Veterans

Veterans using GI Bill benefits qualify for in-state tuition at Indiana public schools under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA), regardless of residency status.

Eligibility:

• Using Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill
• Living in Indiana while attending school
• Enrolling within 3 years of discharge

This removes a major barrier for veterans relocating to Indiana for school.

Top GI Bill Schools in Indiana (by Veteran Enrollment)

1. Ivy Tech Community College - 3,000+ student veterans (all campuses)
2. Purdue University - 1,500+
3. Indiana University Bloomington - 1,200+
4. IUPUI - 800+
5. Ball State University - 600+
6. Indiana State University - 500+
7. University of Southern Indiana - 400+
8. Vincennes University - 400+
9. University of Notre Dame - 200+
10. Butler University - 150+

Employment Resources for Indiana Veterans

State Hiring Preference

Indiana law gives hiring preference to qualified veterans for state government jobs.

Who qualifies: Honorably discharged veterans

How it works: If you meet minimum qualifications for a state job, your veteran status gives you priority consideration over non-veteran applicants with similar qualifications.

Where to apply: in.gov/spd (State Personnel Department)

Jobs available: State agencies, universities, corrections, transportation, health services

INvets - Indiana's Veteran Employment Program

INvets is Indiana's premier veteran employment initiative, connecting transitioning service members and veterans with employers.

Website: invets.org

Services:

• Individual resume building assistance
• Interview preparation
• Company research
• Job matching with veteran-friendly employers
• Networking events
• Career fairs
• Transition workshops

Next Level Veterans: $5,000 relocation incentive for veterans who move to Indiana and accept employment with participating companies.

Indiana Department of Workforce Development - Veterans Services

Phone: (317) 232-7670

Services:

• Job search assistance through WorkOne Centers
• Resume writing
• Interview preparation
• Referrals to veteran-friendly employers
• Apprenticeship programs
• On-the-job training programs
• Veterans go to the front of the line at WorkOne Centers
• Each office has onsite Veteran's Representative

Programs:

• Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP): Specialized services for disabled veterans
• Local Veterans' Employment Representative (LVER): Connects veterans with employers
• VetWorks: Intensive 3-phase work-learn-earn program to skill up veterans

WorkOne Centers: Located throughout Indiana in every major city

Major Employers Hiring Veterans

Defense Contractors and Military-Adjacent

BAE Systems - Fort Wayne

• Roles: Engineering, manufacturing, program management
• Veteran programs: Active veteran recruiting

Raytheon Technologies - Fort Wayne

• Roles: Engineering, technical positions
• Veteran programs: SkillBridge partnerships

L3Harris Technologies - Fort Wayne

• Roles: Defense communications, engineering
• Veteran programs: Veteran hiring initiatives

Riverside Manufacturing - Fort Wayne

• Roles: Manufacturing, skilled trades

Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane, IN

• Federal civilian jobs: Engineering, research, testing, technical positions
• Security clearances often required (veterans have advantage)

Camp Atterbury - Edinburgh, IN

• Federal and contractor positions
• Training support, logistics

Manufacturing (Indiana has highest concentration of manufacturing jobs in nation)

Cummins - Columbus, IN

• Roles: Engineering, manufacturing, skilled trades
• Veteran programs: Active recruitment

Eli Lilly and Company - Indianapolis

• Roles: Pharmaceutical manufacturing, research, quality control
• Veteran programs: Veteran hiring initiatives

Subaru of Indiana Automotive - Lafayette

• Roles: Manufacturing, maintenance, quality control

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Stellantis) - Kokomo

• Roles: Manufacturing, engineering, skilled trades

General Motors - Fort Wayne, Marion

• Roles: Manufacturing, assembly, skilled trades

ArcelorMittal - Burns Harbor, East Chicago

• Roles: Steel manufacturing, skilled trades
• Strong union jobs with good benefits

United States Steel - Gary

• Roles: Steel production, skilled trades

Cook Medical - Bloomington

• Roles: Medical device manufacturing, quality control

Zimmer Biomet - Warsaw

• Roles: Orthopedic device manufacturing, engineering

Rexnord - Indianapolis

• Roles: Industrial manufacturing

Logistics and Distribution

Amazon - Multiple facilities (Indianapolis, Plainfield, Whitestown, etc.)

• Roles: Warehouse operations, logistics, management
• Veteran programs: Amazon Warriors (veteran employee group), Military Spouse Career Connection

FedEx - Indianapolis hub

• Roles: Package handling, logistics, management

UPS - Indianapolis

• Roles: Package handling, driving, logistics

Healthcare

Indiana University Health - Statewide (largest employer in Indiana)

• Roles: Nursing, medical support, administration, facilities
• Veteran programs: Values military medical training

Parkview Health - Fort Wayne

• Roles: Healthcare positions across all levels

Ascension St. Vincent - Indianapolis and statewide

• Roles: Healthcare, medical support

Community Health Network - Indianapolis

• Roles: Healthcare positions

Many healthcare systems offer veteran hiring programs and value military medical training (68W combat medics, corpsmen, etc.).

Technology and Business Services

Salesforce - Indianapolis

• Roles: Tech, sales, customer success
• Veteran programs: Veteran hiring initiatives

Infosys - Indianapolis

• Roles: IT, software development, consulting

Anthem (Elevance Health) - Indianapolis

• Roles: Healthcare IT, insurance, business operations

Rolls-Royce - Indianapolis

• Roles: Aerospace engineering, manufacturing

Defense Industry and Manufacturing Opportunities

Indiana's Defense Triangle connects Camp Atterbury, Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center, and the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne.

Statistics:

• 10,800 residents employed in defense and aerospace in northeast Indiana
• 40+ defense-related contractors perform work for Crane
• Indiana has highest concentration of manufacturing jobs in nation
• Low electricity costs compared to competing states

Radius Indiana: Job matching program between veterans and 40+ defense contractors in southwest central Indiana near Crane

Apprenticeship Programs

Indiana Registered Apprenticeship programs offer paid on-the-job training in skilled trades:

• Electrical work
• HVAC
• Plumbing
• Welding
• Industrial maintenance
• Automotive technology
• Information technology
• Advanced manufacturing

GI Bill benefits: Can often be used for apprenticeships, providing monthly housing allowance on top of apprenticeship wages.

Contact: Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Office of Apprenticeship, (317) 232-7670

Veteran Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX): Available if you separated from active duty in the last 18 months.

Contact: Indiana Department of Workforce Development, 1-800-891-6499

Support Services

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)

VSOs provide free assistance with VA claims, appeals, and benefits navigation.

Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs Headquarters: 302 W. Washington Street, Room W-469, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Phone: (317) 232-3910 Toll-free: 1-800-400-4520 Website: in.gov/dva

Services: VA claims assistance, benefits counseling, state benefits information, advocacy

County Veterans Service Officers: Available in every Indiana county. Find yours at in.gov/dva

American Legion - 300+ posts throughout Indiana Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) - 200+ posts statewide Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - Chapters in major cities Vietnam Veterans of America - Multiple chapters

Homeless Veteran Programs

VA Homeless Programs Hotline: 1-877-424-3838

Grant and Per Diem Program: Transitional housing available in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville

HUD-VASH: Housing vouchers paired with VA case management

HVAF (Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation) - Indianapolis Phone: (317) 951-0688 Services: Housing assistance, employment services (VetWorks program), supportive services

Center for the Homeless - Veteran's Center - South Bend Services: Housing, employment assistance, case management

Mental Health Resources

Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7) Text: 838255 Online chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net

Indianapolis VA Mental Health: (317) 988-2770 (Walk-in Clinic) Fort Wayne VA Mental Health: (260) 426-5431 Marion VA Mental Health: (765) 674-3321

Vet Centers (listed earlier) provide free counseling for:

• PTSD
• Depression and anxiety
• Military sexual trauma
• Readjustment issues
• Substance abuse
• Bereavement

Legal Assistance

Indiana State Bar Association - Veterans Assistance Services: Free legal help for veterans with discharge upgrades, benefits appeals, and other legal issues

Volunteer Lawyers Program Services: Free legal help in civil matters for low-income veterans

Indiana National Guard Family Programs

Phone: (317) 247-3559 Services: Support for Guard members and families, deployment assistance, reintegration support

County Veteran Resources

Marion County (Indianapolis Metro)

• Veteran population: 50,000+ (largest in state)
• VA Medical Center: Richard L. Roudebush VAMC (largest in state)
• Vet Centers: Indianapolis
• Major employers: Eli Lilly, IU Health, Anthem, Salesforce, Amazon, state government

County Veterans Service Office: (317) 327-4104

Allen County (Fort Wayne Metro)

• Veteran population: 22,000+
• VA Medical Center: Fort Wayne VA Medical Center
• VA Clinic: East State Boulevard location
• Major employers: BAE Systems, Raytheon, L3Harris, General Motors, Parkview Health

County Veterans Service Office: (260) 449-7248

Lake County (Gary/Hammond/Crown Point)

• Veteran population: 20,000+
• VA Clinic: Crown Point VA Clinic
• Major employers: ArcelorMittal, U.S. Steel, casinos, healthcare

County Veterans Service Office: (219) 755-3055

St. Joseph County (South Bend/Mishawaka)

• Veteran population: 15,000+
• VA Clinics: South Bend locations
• Vet Center: South Bend
• Major employers: University of Notre Dame, healthcare, manufacturing

County Veterans Service Office: (574) 235-9535

Hamilton County (Carmel/Fishers/Noblesville)

• Veteran population: 12,000+
• Served by: Indianapolis VA Medical Center
• Major employers: Corporate headquarters, tech companies, healthcare

County Veterans Service Office: (317) 776-9638

Key Takeaways

1. Enroll in VA healthcare immediately - Three VA medical centers plus extensive clinic network
2. Use education benefits - Free tuition for children of disabled veterans, Purple Heart waivers, strong GI Bill schools
3. Leverage INvets for employment - Job matching, resume help, $5,000 relocation incentive
4. Target manufacturing and defense sectors - Highest concentration of manufacturing jobs in nation
5. Connect with County VSO - Free help claiming every benefit you've earned

Indiana's veteran support infrastructure is solid, particularly for education (free tuition for children of disabled vets) and employment (manufacturing powerhouse). Healthcare access is good in major cities but can require travel in rural areas.

Additional Resources

• Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs: (317) 232-3910 | in.gov/dva
• VA Central Indiana: (317) 554-0000 | va.gov/indiana-health-care
• VA Northern Indiana: 1-800-360-8387 | va.gov/northern-indiana-health-care
• INvets (Job Resources): invets.org
• WorkOne Centers: in.gov/dwd
• GI Bill School Search: benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison

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Information current as of January 2025. Contact facilities directly to verify hours, services, and eligibility requirements.