Students at Indiana University-Bloomington achieve earnings that consistently place the university among the top tier of public institutions nationwide, with particularly strong outcomes for students from low-income backgrounds.
The combination of flagship-level resources and reasonable net prices creates exceptional long-term value for graduates across diverse academic programs.
Azimuth ranks Indiana University-Bloomington among the top public universities nationwide for overall value, reflecting its strong combination of academic reputation, career outcomes, and long-term return on investment. As Indiana's flagship research university, IU Bloomington delivers consistently strong earnings for graduates across a wide range of programs, with median 10-year earnings of $63,742 that place it in the 86th percentile nationally.
What distinguishes IU Bloomington is its ability to maintain high academic standards while still providing meaningful access for students from diverse backgrounds. About 17% of students receive Pell Grants and 22% are first-generation college students, yet the university maintains strong graduation rates and career outcomes that rival more selective institutions. The campus combines the resources of a major research university with the college town atmosphere of Bloomington, creating an environment where students can access both rigorous academics and extensive networking opportunities.
IU Bloomington's strength lies in its balanced approach to higher education—offering the academic breadth and alumni network of a flagship institution while maintaining affordability for Indiana residents and competitive outcomes for students across income levels. For families seeking a well-established public university with proven long-term value, IU Bloomington represents one of the stronger options in the Midwest.
Indiana University-Bloomington's program portfolio reflects the breadth and depth expected from a flagship research university, with particular strength in business and professional fields that translate directly into career success. Business/Commerce stands out as both the largest program, graduating 2,002 students, and one of the highest-earning, with median 10-year earnings of $65,832. This combination of scale and outcomes makes business the university's primary economic engine, connecting students to extensive alumni networks in corporate America and entrepreneurship.
Computer Science represents the university's highest-earning program at $70,596 median income, though with a smaller cohort of 142 graduates reflecting the competitive nature of the field. Public Administration, with 593 graduates earning $45,034, demonstrates IU's commitment to preparing students for public service careers, where financial returns may be more modest but social impact is significant.
The range of outcomes across programs—from specialized fields like music performance to high-earning professional programs—illustrates both the comprehensive nature of IU's offerings and the critical importance of program selection. Students interested in maximizing financial returns will find strong options in business, computer science, and other professional fields, while those pursuing other interests can still benefit from IU's academic reputation and alumni network, even if earnings potential varies significantly by field.
Indiana University-Bloomington graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that consistently outperform many peer institutions. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $63,742, placing the university in the 86th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. This performance reflects both the strength of IU's academic programs and the robust alumni network that helps graduates access career opportunities across the Midwest and beyond.
The university's return on investment varies significantly by program choice, with business and computer science leading the way in terms of both scale and earnings potential. Business/Commerce graduates represent the largest and most financially successful cohort, with 2,002 graduates earning a median of $65,832 ten years out—creating the highest aggregate return of any program. Computer Science, while smaller with 142 graduates, delivers the highest individual earnings at $70,596 median income. Public Administration represents another substantial program with 593 graduates, though earnings are more moderate at $45,034, reflecting the public service orientation of many graduates.
The university's diverse program portfolio means outcomes can vary widely depending on field of study. While professional programs like business and computer science deliver strong financial returns, students in fields like music performance may see more modest earnings that reflect different career priorities and market dynamics. This range underscores the importance of program selection in maximizing the financial value of an IU Bloomington degree.
Indiana University-Bloomington offers reasonable affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families, though costs rise notably for higher-income households. Low-income students pay an average net price of $6,125 annually, which represents strong value for a flagship research university education. Middle-income families face annual costs around $12,311, while high-income families pay approximately $24,018—reflecting the university's approach of providing substantial need-based aid while expecting higher-income families to contribute more toward educational costs.
The university's financial aid structure helps make the education accessible despite its research university sticker price. Most students who borrow graduate with manageable debt levels, with typical federal student loan debt of $19,509 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $27,060 for families who choose that option. The combination of reasonable debt levels and strong post-graduation earnings creates a sustainable financial equation for most graduates.
What makes IU Bloomington particularly attractive from an affordability standpoint is how well graduates can service their educational debt. With median earnings approaching $64,000 ten years out, most borrowers can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building their careers. The university's strong job placement rates and extensive alumni network in business, government, and other sectors help ensure that the investment in education translates into career opportunities that justify the upfront costs.
Indiana University-Bloomington Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
