Students at Indiana University-Indianapolis consistently earn more than similar students at other institutions, with particularly strong outcomes for low-income graduates who achieve earnings in the top quartile nationally.
The combination of exceptional affordability and higher-than-expected earnings makes this university a standout choice for families seeking both access and long-term financial success.
Indiana University-Indianapolis delivers exceptional value as a large public research university, combining broad access with strong long-term outcomes for students from diverse backgrounds. With 36% of students receiving Pell Grants and 35% being first-generation college students, IU Indianapolis maintains an inclusive environment while consistently producing graduates who earn more than expected compared with similar institutions nationwide.
The university's strength lies in its ability to translate access into meaningful economic mobility. Graduates earn a median of $55,198 ten years after enrollment, with the institution delivering earnings beyond expectations of approximately $5,723 compared with peer institutions. This performance places IU Indianapolis in the "Mobility Engine" category, reflecting its success in serving diverse student populations while maintaining strong financial outcomes.
As Indiana's premier urban research university, IU Indianapolis offers the resources and scale of a major institution with the accessibility and affordability that families need. The combination of reasonable net prices, manageable debt levels, and consistently strong earnings makes it a compelling choice for students who want both educational quality and financial security after graduation.
Indiana University-Indianapolis offers a program mix that directly connects to stable, well-paying career paths in Indiana's key economic sectors. Nursing stands out as both the largest high-return program and a cornerstone of the university's success, graduating 525 students annually with median earnings of $58,015. This reflects the strong demand for healthcare professionals in Indianapolis and throughout Indiana, where IU Indianapolis has established deep relationships with major health systems.
Business and Commerce represents the university's largest program with 522 graduates earning median salaries of $46,071, providing a solid foundation for careers in finance, management, and entrepreneurship. Computer Engineering, while smaller with 28 graduates, delivers the highest individual earnings at $69,338, reflecting the growing technology sector in Indianapolis and the premium placed on technical skills.
The university's program portfolio emphasizes professional preparation and practical application, with strong connections to regional employers who actively recruit IU Indianapolis graduates. This focus on career-oriented education, combined with the university's urban location and extensive alumni networks, helps explain why graduates consistently achieve earnings that exceed expectations and maintain strong employment outcomes across multiple industries.
Graduates of Indiana University-Indianapolis achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $55,198, with the university delivering earnings beyond expectations of approximately $5,723 compared with similar students at other institutions. This earnings advantage reflects the institution's strength in preparing students for careers that offer both immediate employment opportunities and long-term growth potential.
The university's program mix drives much of this success, with nursing leading both in scale and financial returns. Adult Health Nursing graduates 525 students annually with median earnings of $58,015, making it the highest aggregate return program. Business and Commerce, the largest program with 522 graduates, produces median earnings of $46,071, while Computer Engineering delivers the highest individual earnings at $69,338 for its 28 graduates. These programs reflect IU Indianapolis's focus on professional fields that connect directly to Indiana's healthcare, business, and technology sectors.
The university's urban Indianapolis location provides graduates access to a diverse job market where healthcare systems, financial services, and technology companies actively recruit. This geographic advantage, combined with strong alumni networks in key industries, helps explain why IU Indianapolis graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations and maintain steady career progression over time.
Indiana University-Indianapolis offers strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to families with varying financial circumstances. Low-income students pay approximately $5,748 annually in net price, well below national averages and placing the university in the top tier nationally for affordability. Middle-income families see net costs around $11,445 per year, while higher-income families pay about $19,866, representing reasonable value for a comprehensive research university experience.
The university's financial aid approach emphasizes grants and scholarships over excessive borrowing, helping students minimize debt while accessing quality education. Most graduates leave with manageable federal loan debt of around $20,000, and families who choose Parent PLUS loans typically borrow about $15,895. These debt levels remain well within sustainable ranges given the strong earnings outcomes that IU Indianapolis graduates achieve.
What makes the affordability picture particularly compelling is the combination of reasonable upfront costs with strong long-term financial returns. The university's focus on career-oriented programs in healthcare, business, and technology means that graduates enter fields with clear employment pathways and earnings potential that justify the educational investment. This balance of accessible pricing and strong outcomes creates genuine value for families across the economic spectrum.
Indiana University-Indianapolis Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
