At $12,188/yr net price, Indiana State University graduates earn $48,387/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,387/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,188 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,752 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,387/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,387/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,702/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,876/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,400/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,908/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,574/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $98,915 | $77,582 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $97,959 | $44,211 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $94,408 | $42,966 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $67,420 | $61,500 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $63,997 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,005 | $30,294 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $61,350 | $23,378 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $59,124 | $23,110 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,739 | $24,582 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $55,512 |
The Risk Factor
41.1% of students at Indiana State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Indiana State University delivers poor ROI for most students, with a 41% graduation rate that signals significant financial risk and median earnings of just $48,387 after ten years. Your chances of completing your degree are worse than a coin flip, making this a risky investment despite the relatively low net price.
The healthcare programs stand out as clear exceptions. Nursing graduates earn nearly $98,000 annually with manageable debt of $44,211, while allied health professionals top $98,915 but carry crushing debt of $77,582 that undermines the return. Educational administration also pays well at $94,408 for those pursuing advanced degrees in education leadership.
Most other programs fail to justify the investment. The low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without earning a degree, and even graduates in non-healthcare fields often earn less than $50,000 annually. The 69% retention rate after freshman year suggests academic struggles begin early.
You should consider Indiana State only if you plan to study nursing or allied health and can handle the academic demands that trip up most students here. The school works best for Indiana residents who qualify for substantial state aid and have strong academic preparation. Out-of-state students and those unsure about their major should look elsewhere, as the combination of low graduation rates and modest earnings creates significant downside risk with limited upside potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indiana State University worth the cost?
Indiana State University offers a low net price at $12,188 annually, but graduates earn only $48,387 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The 41% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at Indiana State University?
Allied health programs and nursing at Indiana State University lead to strong salaries around $98,000, well above the school's overall graduate earnings. Educational administration and rehabilitation programs also pay significantly better than the university average.
How much debt do Indiana State University graduates have?
Indiana State University graduates carry a median debt of $24,000, which is manageable given the low annual costs. However, with graduate earnings of $48,387, debt payments may still strain budgets for those in lower-paying fields.
What is the graduation rate at Indiana State University?
Only 41% of students graduate from Indiana State University within six years. This low completion rate means many students accumulate debt without earning a degree, making the financial risk higher than the sticker price suggests.