Indiana State University's published cost of attendance reaches $23,475 per year, including $9,992 in-state tuition, $11,483 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $21,734, raising total attendance costs significantly.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $24,535 |
| Tuition and Fees | $22,322 |
| Room and Board | $12,262 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,140 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$13,662 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $10,873 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $6,455 |
| $30–48k | $6,571 |
| $48–75k | $9,317 |
| $75–110k | $15,450 |
| $110k+ | $19,345 |
Indiana State University's published cost of attendance reaches $23,475 per year, including $9,992 in-state tuition, $11,483 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $21,734, raising total attendance costs significantly. However, the average student pays just $12,188 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,287 from the sticker price.
This net price of $12,188 compares to a peer median of $14,093, though Indiana State University costs $1,905 more than typical peer institutions. For Indiana residents, the combination of in-state tuition rates and financial aid creates more affordable access to higher education. The substantial gap between published costs and actual net prices demonstrates that most families pay far less than advertised rates, particularly those qualifying for need-based federal and state financial aid.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Indiana State University graduates complete their degrees with median debt of $24,000, falling within typical ranges nationally at the 41st percentile. Debt levels range from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $24,814 at the 75th percentile, showing variation in borrowing patterns across students.
Compared to peer institutions with median debt of $21,105, Indiana State University graduates borrow $2,895 more, representing 13.7% higher debt levels than similar institutions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 indicates that annual debt payments represent approximately half of first-year post-graduation earnings, creating manageable but notable repayment obligations.
Parent PLUS borrowers take on median debt of $14,009 with monthly payments of $184, adding family-level debt considerations. While debt levels exceed peer medians, they remain within manageable ranges given career earnings, particularly for programs with higher earning potential.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Indiana State University provides solid return on educational investment through strong earnings beyond expectations despite moderate absolute earnings levels. The institution generates $7,744 in value-added earnings, ranking at the 81.2nd percentile nationally and demonstrating well above average performance in converting educational access into economic advancement.
With median earnings of $48,387 and debt of $24,000, graduates achieve a debt-to-earnings ratio that supports manageable repayment while building long-term financial stability. The university costs $1,905 more in net price compared to peer institutions but delivers substantially higher value-added performance, justifying the modest cost premium through superior outcomes.
Students benefit from accessible admission combined with meaningful earnings uplift, particularly valuable for first-generation and Pell-eligible students seeking economic mobility. The combination of moderate costs, manageable debt, and strong value-added performance creates favorable investment conditions for students prioritizing practical career outcomes and long-term financial advancement over prestige or absolute earnings levels.
Indiana State University serves a substantial population of students requiring financial assistance, with 39.1% qualifying for federal Pell grants based on demonstrated financial need. This Pell share indicates significant enrollment of students from families earning less than approximately $50,000 annually, reflecting the institution's role in providing educational access to lower-income populations.
The average financial aid savings of $11,287 per student demonstrates substantial institutional investment in affordability through federal, state, and institutional aid programs. First-generation students comprise 36.2% of enrollment, often overlapping with Pell-eligible populations and representing families with limited higher education experience and resources.
The combination of high Pell enrollment and significant aid savings indicates that Indiana State University effectively leverages multiple funding sources to reduce costs for students who need assistance most. This financial aid profile supports the institution's mission as an accessible public university serving diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining affordability through comprehensive aid packaging.
