At $11,408/yr net price, Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates earn $55,198/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,198/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,408 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $45,632 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,198/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,198/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,748/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,752/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,445/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,012/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,866/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Master | $223,678 | $163,144 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $128,985 | $257,402 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $110,432 | $96,811 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $103,335 | $37,032 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $98,638 | $40,950 |
| Public Administration. | Certificate | $84,653 | |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $76,727 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $69,596 | $76,088 |
| Genetics. | Master | $69,338 |
The Risk Factor
53.9% of students at Indiana University-Indianapolis 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-Indianapolis delivers strong financial returns for students who pick the right majors, but your program choice matters enormously. The $11,408 annual net price makes this one of the more affordable public options, yet nearly half of students don't graduate within six years.
Healthcare programs dominate the high-earning majors here. Dentistry graduates earn $128,985 annually but carry $257,402 in debt, creating a challenging payback period despite the strong salary. Allied health diagnostic programs offer better balance at $110,432 in earnings with $96,811 in debt. Nursing provides solid returns with $98,638 in annual earnings and manageable $40,950 debt loads.
Business majors see respectable $103,335 earnings with relatively low $37,032 debt, making this program a financial winner. However, many other majors at IU-Indianapolis show weaker earning potential, which the overall median of $55,198 reflects.
The 53.9% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you struggle academically or lack clear career direction, you could accumulate debt without earning your degree. The 72.5% retention rate suggests many students transfer or drop out after freshman year.
You should consider IU-Indianapolis if you plan to study healthcare, business, or other high-demand fields where the school has strong regional employer connections. Indianapolis offers good job opportunities for these graduates. However, look elsewhere if you want to study lower-earning majors or need more academic support to ensure graduation. The relatively low percentage receiving financial aid suggests merit opportunities may be limited for middle-income families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indiana University-Indianapolis worth the cost for most students?
Indiana University-Indianapolis offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $11,408 and median debt of just $20,000. However, the 54% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI for those who leave with debt but no degree.
What are the highest paying majors at Indiana University-Indianapolis?
Dentistry programs at Indiana University-Indianapolis lead to strong earnings, with advanced dentistry graduates earning $223,678 and general dentistry graduates earning $128,985. Allied health and nursing programs also pay well, while general business graduates earn around $103,335.
How much student debt do Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates typically have?
Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates have a median debt of $20,000, which is manageable compared to many universities. The low net price of $11,408 per year helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
Does Indiana University-Indianapolis have good job outcomes after graduation?
Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates earn $55,198 ten years after graduation, which is solid for the cost but not exceptional. The real concern is the 54% graduation rate, meaning many students struggle to complete their programs and see any return on investment.