Indiana State University combines open access admission with meaningful earnings advancement, generating $7,744 beyond expected outcomes while maintaining manageable debt levels. As an Opportunity Builder institution, the university demonstrates effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for first-generation and Pell-eligible students through practical career-focused programs.
With typical outcomes, reflecting moderate absolute earnings levels balanced by strong value-added performance
With well above average performance, reflecting controlled net prices and manageable debt levels relative to earnings outcomes
With above average performance, driven by substantial enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
With well above average performance, indicating strong effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for students from diverse backgrounds
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisIndiana State University delivers strong earnings beyond expectations while maintaining manageable costs and debt levels. Graduates earn $7,744 more than predicted based on student demographics and institutional characteristics, placing the university at the 81.2nd percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
This represents well above average performance in translating educational access into economic advancement. Median earnings reach $48,387 ten years after enrollment, with outcomes ranging from $32,998 at the 25th percentile to $69,512 at the 75th percentile.
Students seeking practical career preparation with strong earnings outcomes despite lower absolute income levels. Well-suited for first-generation students (36.2%) and Pell-eligible students (39.1%) who prioritize affordability, manageable debt, and programs with clear career pathways.
Indiana State University's accessible admission combines with specialized programs in nursing, aviation, and business that deliver meaningful economic advancement for diverse student populations.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Indiana State University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/indiana-state-university/analysis.
Strong earnings beyond expectations
Indiana State University ranks #353 nationally in Azimuth's analysis, with composite performance at the 78.4th percentile and well above average outcomes. Located in Terre Haute, Indiana, this medium-sized public university maintains open access admission with a 91.5% acceptance rate while delivering notable value through earnings beyond expectations.
Indiana State University enrolls 39.1% Pell-eligible students and 36.2% first-generation students, reflecting strong commitment to educational access. Graduates earn $7,744 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 81.2nd percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
Median earnings reach $48,387 ten years after enrollment, and while absolute earnings rank at the 36th percentile, the institution demonstrates strong affordability performance at the 76.2nd percentile. This combination of accessible admission, diverse student enrollment, and controlled costs positions Indiana State University as an Opportunity Builder institution that provides meaningful educational access with solid economic outcomes.
Indiana State University admits 91.5% of applicants, representing open access admission where most qualified students receive offers. This acceptance rate means roughly 9 in 10 applicants gain admission, making Indiana State University accessible to students across diverse academic backgrounds.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows that Indiana State University maintains more open access than typical institutions in its category, with a 6.9 percentage point higher acceptance rate. For prospective students, this selectivity level indicates that meeting basic admission requirements typically results in acceptance.
However, students should still submit strong applications and meet all deadlines, as admission is not automatic. This accessibility creates opportunities for students who may not qualify for more selective institutions but seek quality higher education with demonstrated career outcomes.
Applicants should focus on demonstrating college readiness and clear academic goals rather than competing for limited spots. The open access model supports Indiana State University's mission of serving first-generation and Pell-eligible students, with 36.2% first-generation and 39.1% Pell-eligible enrollment reflecting broad educational access.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Indiana State University's published cost of attendance reaches $23,475 per year, including $9,992 in-state tuition, $11,483 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $21,734, raising total attendance costs significantly.
However, the average student pays just $12,188 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,287 from the sticker price. This net price of $12,188 compares to a peer median of $14,093, though Indiana State University costs $1,905 more than typical peer institutions.
For Indiana residents, the combination of in-state tuition rates and financial aid creates more affordable access to higher education. The substantial gap between published costs and actual net prices demonstrates that most families pay far less than advertised rates, particularly those qualifying for need-based federal and state financial aid.
Students should focus on net price rather than sticker price when evaluating affordability, as the financial aid system significantly reduces actual costs for most families attending Indiana State University.
Indiana State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth and outcomes that exceed expectations based on institutional and student characteristics. Median earnings rise from $41,047 six years after enrollment to $44,622 at eight years and $48,387 at ten years, representing 17.9% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect data from a ten-year cohort of 3,818 graduates, providing solid confidence in the reported figures. The institution generates $7,744 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 81.2nd percentile nationally for value-added performance.
This indicates that graduates achieve significantly higher earnings than would be predicted for similar students at comparable institutions. Low-income graduates earn $40,700 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for students from lower-income families.
Approximately 26.7% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. While absolute earnings rank modestly at the 36th percentile nationally, the substantial positive difference between actual and expected outcomes highlights Indiana State University's strength in converting educational opportunity into meaningful economic advancement for its student population.
Chemical Engineering Technology/Technician.
27 graduates
Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician.
72 graduates
Construction Management, General.
53 graduates
Actuarial Science.
15 graduates
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
201 graduates
Indiana State University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #201 nationally and #6 in Indiana, producing 201 graduates with median earnings of $64,077 and strong enrollment reflecting student demand.
Criminology ranks #21 nationally and #1 in Indiana, graduating 141 students with median earnings of $45,272 and an excellent value score of 59.2. Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science ranks #14 nationally and #2 in Indiana, with 108 graduates earning $54,448.
Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management ranks #4 nationally and #1 in Indiana, graduating 73 students with median earnings of $43,052 and the highest value score of 88.5. Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology ranks #16 nationally and #3 in Indiana, producing 72 graduates with the highest median earnings at $70,581.
Clinical Pastoral Counseling ranks #7 nationally and #1 in Indiana, reflecting the university's diverse program portfolio serving specialized career paths with strong national positioning.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Suny Brockport Similar quality tier (#352 ranked) | NY | 71% | $54,496 | #352 | Compare |
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina Similar quality tier (#356 ranked) | SC | 98% | $72,085 | #356 | Compare |
Ramapo College Of New Jersey Similar quality tier (#357 ranked) | NJ | 73% | $67,541 | #357 | Compare |
University Of Alabama In Huntsville Similar quality tier (#348 ranked) | AL | 74% | $61,767 | #348 | Compare |
Augusta University Similar quality tier (#359 ranked) | GA | 89% | $48,472 | #359 | Compare |