At $9,082/yr net price, Indiana University-East graduates earn $47,156/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,156/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,082 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $36,328 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,156/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,156/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,216/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,260/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,061/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,497/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,863/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,154 | $21,500 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $46,478 | $15,488 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $43,798 | $17,250 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $35,213 | $17,710 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $34,575 | $13,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,485 | $21,062 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $32,569 | $12,076 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $26,353 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $26,121 | $17,731 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $21,703 | $16,826 |
The Risk Factor
45.4% of students at Indiana University-East 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 University-East delivers solid financial value for a regional public university, with graduates earning $47,156 ten years after enrollment while accumulating just $18,000 in median debt. Your net price of roughly $9,000 annually makes this one of the more affordable four-year options in Indiana.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $57,154 annually despite slightly higher debt loads. Business majors also perform well at $46,478, making both programs strong choices if you can handle the coursework. Mathematics graduates earn $43,798, providing decent returns for STEM-inclined students.
Criminal justice and social work present financial challenges, with starting salaries in the mid-30s that may struggle to justify even this school's low costs. These fields require careful consideration of your long-term career goals and debt tolerance.
The 45% graduation rate signals academic struggles for many students, though the 63% retention rate suggests most who stay complete their first year successfully. You face real completion risk here, which could leave you with debt but no degree.
Financial aid reaches only about one-third of students, so you'll likely pay close to the full net price. The low sticker price partially offsets limited aid availability, but merit scholarship opportunities appear limited compared to private competitors.
This school works best for Indiana residents seeking affordable nursing or business degrees who can commit to completing their programs. Students targeting high-earning fields like engineering or computer science should look elsewhere, as these programs aren't available. The combination of low costs and reasonable outcomes in key programs makes IU-East a practical choice for budget-conscious students in its service area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indiana University-East worth the cost?
Indiana University-East offers decent value with a low net price of $9,082 annually and graduates earning $47,156 after 10 years. However, the 45% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the best paying majors at Indiana University-East?
Nursing programs at Indiana University-East provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $57,154 annually. Business graduates earn $46,478 while criminal justice and social work majors see much lower returns at $35,213 and $34,575 respectively.
How much debt do Indiana University-East students graduate with?
Indiana University-East graduates carry a median debt of $18,000, which is manageable given the school's low cost. The debt-to-income ratio works out reasonably well for nursing and business majors but becomes problematic for lower-earning fields.
Does Indiana University-East have good job placement rates?
Indiana University-East's 45% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs, which directly impacts job prospects. The school works best for students in nursing programs who can complete their degrees and enter a strong local job market.