Students at Indiana University-Northwest benefit from exceptional affordability that makes higher education accessible regardless of family income level.
The university combines some of the lowest net prices in the country with broad access for first-generation and low-income students seeking degree completion.
Indiana University-Northwest ranks among public universities with exceptional affordability but more modest earnings outcomes. Located in Gary, Indiana, this medium-sized public institution serves a diverse student body where 43% receive Pell Grants and 45% are first-generation college students. The university excels at keeping costs low—particularly for low-income families who pay just $2,164 annually—while maintaining broad access to higher education.
While overall earnings outcomes place the institution in the lower tier nationally, with graduates earning a median of $43,361 ten years after enrollment, the university shows particular strength in professional programs like nursing and allied health. These targeted programs demonstrate that students who choose high-demand fields can achieve strong financial returns despite the institution's overall modest earnings profile.
As an "Under-Resourced Institution" in terms of mobility outcomes, Indiana University-Northwest faces challenges in delivering the highest earnings for low-income students, but it compensates through exceptional affordability and genuine accessibility. For families prioritizing cost control and educational access, particularly those seeking professional training in healthcare fields, the university provides a practical pathway to degree completion without overwhelming debt.
Indiana University-Northwest's program portfolio reflects its role as a regional institution focused on professional preparation and workforce development. The university's strongest financial outcomes concentrate in healthcare fields, where employer demand and professional licensing create clear pathways to stable, well-compensated careers.
Nursing stands out as the institution's flagship program, with Adult Health Nursing producing 71 graduates who earn a median of $61,516 ten years after graduation. This represents both the largest high-return program and demonstrates the university's effectiveness in preparing students for in-demand healthcare roles. Allied Health programs also perform well, with 22 graduates earning around $52,822, showing the breadth of the university's healthcare preparation.
Business programs enroll significant numbers of students—55 graduates in Business/Commerce—but show more modest earnings outcomes at $36,608, reflecting the competitive nature of general business fields. General Studies, while serving 55 students, produces the lowest earnings at $29,956, suggesting these graduates may need additional career development or further education to maximize their degree value. The concentration in professional programs like nursing provides the clearest pathway to middle-class earnings for students who choose these focused career tracks.
Graduates of Indiana University-Northwest earn a median of $43,361 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the lower tier nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. However, this overall figure masks significant variation by field of study, with professional programs delivering substantially stronger financial returns than the institutional average.
The university's strongest economic outcomes come from its healthcare programs. Adult Health Nursing graduates, representing the largest high-return program with 71 graduates, earn a median of $61,516 ten years out—well above the institutional average and reflecting the strong demand for nursing professionals. Allied Health programs also perform well, with graduates earning around $52,822, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in preparing students for stable, well-compensated healthcare careers. Business majors, while representing a significant portion of graduates at 55 students, see more modest outcomes with median earnings of $36,608.
The university's program mix reflects its mission as a regional institution serving local workforce needs. While General Studies graduates earn around $29,956—the lowest among tracked programs—the concentration in nursing and healthcare fields provides clear pathways to middle-class earnings for students who choose these professional tracks. For students with specific career goals in high-demand fields, Indiana University-Northwest can deliver solid returns despite its overall modest earnings profile.
Indiana University-Northwest stands out nationally for exceptional affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $2,164 annually in net price, placing the university among the most affordable options in the country. Middle-income families see costs of $8,589 per year, while even high-income families pay only $13,021—all well below typical public university pricing.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $21,710 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $12,000. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully despite the institution's modest earnings outcomes. This combination of low upfront costs and manageable debt loads makes Indiana University-Northwest particularly accessible for families who need to minimize educational expenses while still pursuing a four-year degree.
The university's affordability model works especially well for students who can leverage the low costs to complete degrees in higher-earning fields like nursing and healthcare. For families prioritizing cost control and debt minimization, the institution provides one of the most budget-friendly pathways to degree completion among public universities nationwide.
Indiana University-Northwest Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
