At $12,621/yr net price, University of Southern Indiana graduates earn $47,605/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,605/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,621 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $50,484 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,605/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,605/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,105 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,102/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,159/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,194/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,062/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,421/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. | Doctoral | $106,577 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $91,744 | $24,415 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $64,087 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $63,997 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $62,632 | $41,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,020 | $18,311 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,554 | $19,025 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $55,151 | $23,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $54,880 | $20,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $52,733 | $21,262 |
The Risk Factor
52.0% of students at University of Southern Indiana 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
University of Southern Indiana delivers solid financial returns for career-focused programs but struggles with overall completion rates that could derail your investment. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning over $100,000 annually, making it one of the strongest ROI opportunities in the region. Engineering and industrial technology graduates also command respectable salaries around $64,000.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its 52% graduation rate. If you don't finish, your $20,000 in typical debt becomes a pure loss with no degree to show for it. The 69% retention rate signals that many students struggle to stay enrolled beyond freshman year.
You'll find the strongest value proposition if you're pursuing nursing, engineering, or technical programs where USI has established regional employer relationships. Liberal arts and general studies majors face weaker job prospects in the Evansville market, making the investment questionable for these fields.
The $12,621 annual net price makes USI accessible, but only 22% of students receive institutional aid, suggesting limited merit scholarship opportunities. Your best cost strategy involves completing the degree quickly in a high-demand program rather than banking on significant financial aid reductions.
USI works financially if you're committed to finishing a career-oriented program and staying in the Indiana-Kentucky-Illinois tri-state region where employers know the school. If you're unsure about your major or want broader geographic opportunities, the combination of modest earnings and completion risks makes other options worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Southern Indiana worth the cost?
University of Southern Indiana offers decent value with a low net price of $12,621 and modest debt levels around $20,000. However, the 52% graduation rate and $47,605 median earnings 10 years after graduation suggest mixed returns depending on your program choice.
What are the best paying majors at University of Southern Indiana?
Nursing programs at University of Southern Indiana lead to the highest earnings, with some nursing specializations reaching over $100,000 annually. Engineering and industrial technology programs also perform well, with graduates earning around $64,000.
How much debt do University of Southern Indiana graduates have?
University of Southern Indiana graduates carry a median debt of $20,105, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low annual cost of $12,621 helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
Does University of Southern Indiana have good job outcomes?
Job outcomes at University of Southern Indiana vary significantly by major, with nursing and engineering students seeing strong career prospects. The overall 52% graduation rate indicates that many students struggle to complete their programs, which hurts long-term earning potential.