Students at Indiana University-South Bend benefit from exceptional affordability that keeps college costs manageable across all income levels, ranking in the top 15% nationally for value.
The university combines broad access for first-generation and Pell-eligible students with practical career preparation that leads to stable employment and successful debt repayment.
Indiana University-South Bend ranks as a regional public university that excels in affordability while serving a diverse student population. The institution stands out for its commitment to access, with 41% of students receiving Pell Grants and 41% being first-generation college students. While earnings outcomes are more modest compared to flagship universities, IU South Bend provides exceptional value through its low net prices and manageable debt levels.
The university's strength lies in its affordability profile, ranking in the top 15% nationally for keeping costs low across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $4,347 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $9,272 per year. This pricing structure, combined with solid programs in nursing, business, and computer science, creates pathways to stable careers without overwhelming financial burden.
As a medium-sized regional campus in northern Indiana, IU South Bend serves students who want the Indiana University brand and resources at a more accessible scale. The institution focuses on practical, career-oriented programs that connect directly to regional employment opportunities, making it a sensible choice for students who plan to work in the Midwest after graduation.
Indiana University-South Bend's program portfolio reflects its mission as a regional university focused on practical career preparation. Business represents the largest program with 180 graduates annually, providing broad preparation for management and professional roles across various industries with median earnings around $41,711. This program serves as the university's economic engine, combining high enrollment with solid career outcomes that align well with regional employment opportunities.
Nursing stands out as the university's premium program, graduating 90 students annually who earn approximately $54,174 early in their careers. This program benefits from strong regional demand for healthcare professionals and provides graduates with job security and clear advancement pathways. Computer Science, though smaller with about 20 graduates, offers the highest earnings potential at around $50,606, reflecting growing demand for technology skills even in regional markets.
The program mix emphasizes practical, professionally-oriented fields that connect directly to regional employment needs. While General Studies graduates earn more modest amounts around $29,685, this program serves students who need flexible degree options while working or managing family responsibilities. Overall, the university's programs prioritize career readiness and regional workforce development over research or theoretical pursuits.
Graduates of Indiana University-South Bend earn a median of $44,947 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the institution's focus on practical, regionally-oriented career preparation. While earnings are more modest than at research-intensive universities, they align well with the cost of living in northern Indiana and provide solid returns given the low upfront investment most students make. The university serves students who prioritize financial stability and debt management over maximum earning potential.
Program outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Nursing graduates, representing one of the largest programs with 90 students annually, earn around $54,174 early in their careers and enter a field with strong job security and growth prospects. Computer Science majors, though a smaller cohort of about 20 graduates, see earnings around $50,606 and benefit from growing demand for tech skills in the regional economy. Business majors, the largest program with 180 graduates, earn approximately $41,711 and represent the university's core strength in preparing students for management and professional roles across various industries.
The university's return profile reflects its mission as a regional institution focused on accessible education rather than premium outcomes. Students benefit from low debt levels and practical skills training that translate directly into stable employment, making IU South Bend a solid choice for families who want predictable, manageable financial outcomes rather than high-risk, high-reward scenarios.
Indiana University-South Bend delivers exceptional affordability across all income levels, ranking in the top 15% nationally for keeping costs manageable. Low-income students pay just $4,347 per year after aid, well below typical public university prices, while middle-income families see annual costs around $9,272. Even higher-income families pay a reasonable $15,174 annually, making the university accessible to a broad range of economic backgrounds without creating financial strain.
Debt levels remain very manageable for most graduates. Typical students leave with about $21,355 in federal loan debt, a moderate amount that aligns well with the university's earnings outcomes and regional cost of living. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $11,168, reflecting the institution's success in keeping family contributions reasonable. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations even with more modest earnings levels.
What makes IU South Bend particularly sustainable financially is the combination of low upfront costs and predictable outcomes. Students can pursue degrees in practical fields like nursing, business, and education without taking on excessive debt, and the regional job market provides stable employment opportunities that support comfortable loan repayment. This approach prioritizes financial security and debt management over maximum earning potential.
Indiana University-South Bend Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
