At $8,257/yr net price, Indiana University-Southeast graduates earn $47,596/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,596/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,257 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,028 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,596/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,596/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,684 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,253/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,592/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,343/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,726/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,852/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $69,338 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,025 | $16,863 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $52,941 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $45,696 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $44,276 | $18,400 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $44,170 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $38,829 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $37,054 | $20,829 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,526 | $19,500 |
The Risk Factor
33.4% of students at Indiana University-Southeast graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Indiana University-Southeast delivers strong financial returns for business and computer science majors but presents significant risks for most other fields. The low net price of $8,257 annually makes the investment manageable, but the 33% graduation rate means two-thirds of students never complete their degrees.
Business majors earn $84,653 ten years after graduation, making this program the clear financial winner. Computer science graduates follow at $69,338, while nursing majors earn $58,025 with relatively low debt of $16,863. These three programs justify the investment and align well with Louisville-area job markets across the river.
Education majors face tougher economics, earning $45,696 despite similar debt loads. The broader $47,596 median earnings figure suggests many other programs struggle to deliver adequate returns. You need to carefully evaluate your specific major's prospects before enrolling.
The biggest financial risk is not graduating. The low retention rate of 69.79% indicates many students leave after freshman year, often with debt but no degree. If you have doubts about your academic preparation or commitment, consider starting at a community college.
This school works best for Southern Indiana residents pursuing business, computer science, or nursing who want to minimize debt while staying close to home. Out-of-state students should look elsewhere unless they have specific ties to the region. The location provides access to Louisville job markets without Louisville living costs, benefiting local graduates in high-paying fields.
With only 34% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy is maximizing state aid as an Indiana resident and choosing one of the three financially viable programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indiana University-Southeast worth the cost?
IU-Southeast offers decent value with a low net price of $8,257 annually and moderate debt levels around $19,684. However, the 33% graduation rate is concerning and could impact your investment.
What are the highest paying majors at Indiana University-Southeast?
Business majors at IU-Southeast earn the most at $84,653 after 10 years, followed by Computer Science at $69,338. Education majors earn significantly less at $45,696, which may not justify the debt for some students.
How much debt do Indiana University-Southeast graduates have?
IU-Southeast graduates carry a median debt of $19,684, which is manageable compared to the national average. The low annual cost helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
What is the job market like for Indiana University-Southeast graduates?
IU-Southeast graduates earn an average of $47,596 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. The school's 85% acceptance rate and regional focus may limit career advancement opportunities.