At $15,342/yr net price, Indiana University-Bloomington graduates earn $63,742/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,742/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,342 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $61,368 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,742/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,742/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 81.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,509 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,125/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,383/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,311/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,828/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,018/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $114,366 | $41,000 |
| Optometry. | Doctoral | $108,370 | $177,626 |
| Human Computer Interaction. | Master | $80,355 | $41,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Certificate | $76,460 | |
| Sociology. | Doctoral | $74,576 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $73,446 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $70,596 | $19,366 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $67,869 | $32,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Certificate | $66,915 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $65,832 | $19,500 |
The Risk Factor
81.2% of students at Indiana University-Bloomington graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Indiana University-Bloomington gives you a solid financial return with low risk. You borrow a median of $19,509 and earn $63,742 ten years out, so your debt gets paid back inside a few years of typical earnings. The 81% graduation rate and 90% retention rate mean you are likely to finish, which is the biggest factor in whether college pays off at all.
Your major decides your payoff here. Computer Science graduates clear $70,596 while carrying the same debt load as most other majors, making it the strongest bet on campus. Business and Computer and Information Sciences also land above the school median. Mathematics and Nursing sit lower at $57,318, and Nursing carries the heaviest debt of the listed programs at $22,442. None of the top-earning bachelor's programs here look like money-losers, but the gap between CS and math is real dollars over a career.
The main risk is income-based. If your family earns over $110k, you pay $24,018 a year, and out-of-state tuition drives that number for many students. At that price you want a high-earning major to justify the cost, so a humanities or education path could leave you paying near-private-school rates for mid-tier salaries.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $30k, you pay $6,125. between $30-48k, $7,383. Those numbers make IU-Bloomington a strong deal if you qualify. The jump is steep at $75-110k, where price nearly doubles to $20,828.
This school fits you if you can land in-state pricing or aid and target CS, business, or nursing. Look harder at the math if you are paying the top tier for a lower-earning field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indiana University-Bloomington worth the cost compared to other state schools?
IU-Bloomington offers decent value with a net price of $15,342 and 10-year earnings of $63,742, though graduates earn less than many flagship state universities. The 81% graduation rate is solid, but the relatively high acceptance rate of 82% means less selectivity than top-tier state schools.
What are the best paying majors at Indiana University-Bloomington?
Business and optometry graduates see the highest returns, with median earnings of $114,366 and $108,370 respectively. Liberal arts and sociology majors earn significantly less at around $75,000, making program choice critical for ROI at IU.
How much student debt do Indiana University-Bloomington graduates typically have?
The median debt of $19,509 is manageable compared to national averages. With average earnings of $63,742 after 10 years, most graduates should be able to handle their debt payments without major financial strain.
Does Indiana University-Bloomington provide good financial aid for in-state students?
The net price of $15,342 suggests reasonable financial aid, especially for in-state students. However, out-of-state students will pay significantly more and should carefully consider whether the earnings potential justifies the higher cost.