Students at Indiana State University benefit from exceptional affordability, with low-income students paying among the lowest net prices in the country while still achieving earnings that exceed expectations.
The university's commitment to accessible pricing and effective financial aid creates genuine opportunities for economic advancement without overwhelming debt.
Indiana State University serves as an accessible public institution that prioritizes affordability while delivering solid long-term value for its graduates. Located in Terre Haute, Indiana State maintains a strong commitment to serving working-class families, with nearly 40% of students receiving Pell Grants and over 36% being first-generation college students. The university's approach emphasizes practical career preparation through programs like nursing, criminology, and aerospace engineering technology.
While Indiana State's overall earnings outcomes place it in the lower third nationally, graduates still achieve meaningful financial progress, earning a median of $48,387 ten years after enrollment. The university's strength lies in its affordability structure, with low-income students paying just $7,702 annually and middle-income families facing costs of $11,400 per year. This combination of broad access and reasonable debt levels creates pathways for students who might otherwise struggle to afford higher education.
As a medium-sized public university, Indiana State focuses on providing educational opportunities to students from diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining manageable costs. The institution's commitment to accessibility, combined with targeted program strengths in health sciences and technical fields, positions it as a practical choice for families seeking affordable higher education with clear career outcomes.
Indiana State University's program portfolio emphasizes practical, career-focused education that leads directly to employment opportunities. Adult Health Nursing dominates both in scale and outcomes, graduating 201 students annually with median earnings of $58,739, making it the university's clear flagship program. The combination of high enrollment and strong pay creates substantial aggregate value for both students and the regional healthcare system.
Criminology represents Indiana State's largest program by enrollment with 141 graduates, reflecting strong student interest in criminal justice careers that typically offer stable employment at $35,546 median earnings. Aerospace Engineering Technology, while smaller with 72 graduates, delivers the highest individual earnings at $61,350, demonstrating the university's technical program strength and connections to Indiana's manufacturing and aerospace industries.
The program mix reveals Indiana State's focus on serving regional workforce needs through professional and technical education. Psychology, while showing lower early earnings at $26,880, often serves as preparation for graduate study or careers requiring additional training. This diverse portfolio allows students to pursue both immediate career entry and longer-term educational pathways, reflecting the university's comprehensive mission to serve students with varying goals and backgrounds.
Indiana State University graduates achieve steady financial progress, with median earnings of $48,387 ten years after enrollment. While these outcomes place the university in the lower third nationally for earnings, graduates still see meaningful career advancement over time. The university demonstrates particular strength in helping students exceed earnings expectations, with graduates earning nearly $7,745 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting effective career preparation and student support.
The strongest financial returns come from Indiana State's professional programs. Adult Health Nursing leads with 201 graduates earning a median of $58,739, combining high enrollment with solid pay to create the university's highest aggregate return. Aerospace Engineering Technology graduates earn $61,350 with strong industry demand, while Criminology, the university's largest program with 141 graduates, provides stable career paths with median earnings of $35,546. Psychology graduates typically see more modest early earnings at $26,880, though many pursue additional education or training.
Indiana State's program mix emphasizes practical, career-focused education that translates directly into employment opportunities. The university's strength in nursing and technical programs reflects its mission to serve students seeking clear pathways to stable, middle-class careers. While overall earnings may not match those of flagship universities, graduates benefit from manageable debt levels and solid preparation for their chosen fields.
Indiana State University stands out for its strong affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $7,702 annually, well below national averages, while middle-income families face costs of $11,400 per year. Even high-income families pay $19,574, which remains reasonable for a comprehensive public university. This pricing structure reflects Indiana State's commitment to keeping higher education accessible for working-class families throughout the region.
The university's financial aid approach helps students minimize borrowing while completing their degrees. Typical graduates leave with $24,000 in federal student loan debt, a manageable level given the university's focus on career-oriented programs. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $14,009, reflecting the institution's success in keeping family debt obligations reasonable. The combination of low sticker prices and effective financial aid packaging means most students can complete their education without excessive debt burdens.
What makes Indiana State particularly sustainable is how well graduates can manage their debt obligations after graduation. With median earnings approaching $48,400 and no federal loan defaults, borrowers demonstrate strong repayment capacity. The university's emphasis on practical career preparation helps ensure that students enter fields with stable employment prospects and predictable income growth.
Indiana State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
