Indiana University-East stands out primarily for its exceptional affordability, with low-income students paying just over $5,000 annually after financial aid.
The university maintains a zero default rate on federal loans, reflecting sustainable debt levels that align with graduate earning capacity.
Indiana University-East serves as an accessible regional campus that prioritizes affordability while delivering mixed outcomes for graduates. The university enrolls a substantial share of first-generation students (45%) and provides strong financial aid, with low-income families paying just $5,216 annually and middle-income families around $11,061. However, graduates face more modest long-term earnings, with a median of $47,156 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the middle range nationally for return on investment.
What distinguishes IU East is its role as an access-focused institution that keeps education affordable for working families in eastern Indiana. Nearly 34% of students receive Pell Grants, and the university welcomes a meaningful share of transfer students who use it as a pathway to complete their degrees. The campus offers a practical approach to higher education, emphasizing career preparation in fields like nursing, education, and business that serve local and regional employment needs.
As a medium-sized public university, IU East provides the personal attention of a smaller institution while maintaining the resources and recognition of the broader Indiana University system. For students who prioritize affordability and accessibility over prestige, and who plan to work in Indiana or the broader Midwest region, IU East represents a solid educational investment that won't burden families with excessive debt.
Program choice significantly impacts career outcomes at Indiana University-East, with nursing emerging as the clear standout for return on investment. Adult Health Nursing graduates 65 students annually who earn a median of $57,154 ten years out, reflecting strong regional demand for healthcare professionals and the program's effectiveness in career preparation. This represents the university's strongest pathway to above-average earnings and demonstrates how professional programs can deliver solid returns even at a regional institution.
Mathematics-related programs also show promise, with graduates earning around $43,798, indicating that STEM fields provide viable career paths for IU East students. However, the university's most popular major, Psychology, enrolls 104 students but leads to more modest earnings of $21,703, highlighting the importance of career planning and potentially graduate school preparation for students in liberal arts fields.
General Studies, which graduates 62 students annually, produces the lowest median earnings at $26,121, suggesting that students benefit from choosing more specialized programs with clearer career pathways. The variation in outcomes across programs underscores the importance of academic advising and career counseling to help students align their interests with fields that offer stronger employment prospects in the regional economy. Success at IU East depends heavily on making informed program choices that match both student interests and local workforce demands.
Graduates of Indiana University-East see modest but steady long-term earnings, with a median of $47,156 ten years after enrollment. While this places the university around the national average for public institutions, outcomes vary significantly by program choice. The university performs slightly better than expected given its student profile, with graduates earning about $2,518 more than similar students at comparable institutions, suggesting effective career preparation and student support.
Program selection makes a substantial difference in financial outcomes at IU East. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the highest-return major, with 65 graduates earning a median of $57,154 ten years out, reflecting strong demand for healthcare professionals in the region. Mathematics-related programs also show solid returns, with graduates earning around $43,798. However, some popular majors like Psychology (104 graduates) and General Studies (62 graduates) lead to more modest earnings of $21,703 and $26,121 respectively, highlighting the importance of aligning program choice with career goals.
The university's program mix reflects its regional mission, with substantial enrollment in education, business, and health-related fields that serve local workforce needs. While IU East may not produce the highest-earning graduates compared to research universities, it provides reliable pathways into stable careers that match the economic landscape of eastern Indiana and surrounding areas.
Indiana University-East excels in affordability, making higher education accessible to families across income levels. Low-income students pay just $5,216 per year after financial aid, well below national averages, while middle-income families face annual costs of $11,061. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $14,863 annually, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education affordable for all students. This pricing structure places IU East among the more affordable public universities nationwide.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $18,000 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $13,498. These amounts are modest compared to many four-year institutions, and the university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can successfully manage their repayment obligations. The combination of low net prices and reasonable debt levels creates a sustainable financial model for most families.
What makes IU East particularly attractive from an affordability standpoint is how the modest debt levels align with realistic earnings expectations. While graduates may not achieve the highest salaries, the low borrowing requirements mean that loan payments remain a manageable portion of post-graduation income, allowing students to build financial stability without being overwhelmed by educational debt.
Indiana University-East Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
