Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Indiana State University vary significantly by field of study, reflecting different career pathways and labor market demands. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or enrollment size.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform economically and assess which programs align with your career goals and financial priorities.
Analyzing 42 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and career preparation effectiveness.
#10 nationally
$43K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Indiana State University.
Engineering Technology programs deliver the highest earnings at Indiana State University, with Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology producing $70,581 median earnings and ranking #16 nationally. This program combines technical expertise with industry connections, graduating 72 students annually with strong employment prospects.
The substantial earning potential justifies higher debt levels, creating excellent long-term return for students committed to technical careers in aerospace and related industries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering Technology/Technician. | #10 |
Program outcomes reflect post-graduation employment and earnings data from the Department of Education's College Scorecard system, based on graduates who received federal financial aid. Rankings compare programs nationally within specific major categories, showing how Indiana State University programs perform relative to the same majors at other institutions. Earnings represent median income ten years after initial enrollment, while debt reflects typical borrowing for degree completion. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and completion rates to assess overall program return on investment. Cohort sizes indicate enrollment scale and data confidence, with larger cohorts providing more reliable outcome measures. These outcomes reflect career paths and labor market demand rather than academic quality or instructional effectiveness, helping students understand economic prospects for different fields of study.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 27 |
| Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician. | #16 | $70,581 | $21,211 | 72 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #189 | $59,410 | — | 44 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other.Small sample | #11 | $54,713 | — | 12 |
| Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology/Technician. | #11 | $47,260 | — | 20 |
Business programs span a wide earnings range, from Construction Management at $70,486 to Accounting Technology at $56,781. Business/Commerce General produces $50,859 with solid national ranking, while Banking and Financial Support Services generates $60,508.
Digital Marketing earns $51,935, reflecting varied career paths within business disciplines. These programs offer balanced outcomes for students seeking management, finance, or specialized business roles.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Management, General. | #25 | $70,486★ | — | 53 |
| Actuarial Science.Small sample | #66 | $67,319 | — | 15 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #174 | $60,508 | — | 56 |
| Insurance.Small sample | #13 | $57,719 | — | 18 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #225 | $56,781 | — | 55 |
| Digital Marketing. | #171 | $51,935 | — | 49 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | #45 | $50,859 | — | 58 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #321 | $46,753 | — | 30 |
| Executive/Career Coaching. | #62 | $42,862 | — | 36 |
Health programs at Indiana State University demonstrate strong earning potential with excellent career preparation. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing generates $64,077 in median earnings with substantial enrollment of 201 graduates, while Clinical Pastoral Counseling produces $42,930 with specialized career focus.
These programs combine practical clinical training with manageable debt levels, positioning graduates for stable healthcare careers with growth potential. Best suited for students seeking direct patient care roles or health counseling specializations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #209 | $64,077★ | $16,253 | 201 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #91 | $51,557 | — | 22 |
| Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling. | #8 | $42,930 | $11,574 | 62 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other. | #85 | $42,336 | — | 20 |
Biology, General generates $46,860 median earnings with 48 graduates annually, providing foundation for healthcare, research, and environmental careers. The program offers solid preparation for graduate school continuation or direct workforce entry.
Artificial Intelligence produces higher earnings at $59,410, though with smaller cohort size, reflecting emerging technology career paths with strong growth potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #262 | $46,860★ | — | 48 |
| Algebra and Number Theory.Small sample | #223 | $45,954 | — | 14 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #175 | $34,526 | — | 23 |
Criminology. leads social sciences & policy with 45K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology. | #22 | $45,272★ | $10,033 | 141 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #126 | $43,760 | — | 33 |
| Psychology, General. | #285 | $37,358 | $12,739 | 119 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #286 | $36,694 | — | 25 |
Communication and Media Studies produces $38,665 median earnings with moderate value scores, graduating 71 students annually. The program provides foundation skills in media, public relations, and organizational communication, though earnings remain below university averages.
Best suited for students prioritizing creative careers, media production, or communications roles where passion and skill development outweigh immediate earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #185 | $38,665 | $11,676 | 71 |
General Studies produces the lowest earnings at $33,414 but serves students seeking flexible degree completion or broad liberal arts foundation. Psychology, General generates $37,358 with substantial enrollment of 119 graduates, providing preparation for human services, counseling, or graduate school.
These programs emphasize personal development and critical thinking skills while acknowledging modest immediate earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States).Small sample | — | $38,162★ | — | 8 |
| Brass Instruments. | #96 | $36,998 | — | 26 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #267 | $36,448 | — | 29 |
| General Studies. | #182 | $33,414 | $18,222 | 54 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #201 | $31,732 | — | 34 |
| Acting.Small sample | — | $31,099 | — | 8 |
| Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other.Small sample | #5 | $21,052 | — | 12 |
Education programs provide solid earnings with public service focus. Adult and Continuing Education generates $41,705 with good value score of 55.0, while Agricultural Teacher Education produces $42,403.
These programs prepare graduates for teaching and educational leadership roles with earnings that reflect public sector career paths. Best suited for students committed to education careers and community service priorities.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #122 | $42,403★ | — | 56 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #104 | $41,705 | $15,278 | 104 |
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed.Small sample | — | $41,485 | — | 5 |
Other & Interdisciplinary graduates earn 43K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General. | #14 | $54,448★ | $20,953 | 108 |
| Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management. | #4 | $43,052 | $18,475 | 73 |
| Apparel and Textile Manufacture.Small sample | #24 | $42,656 | — | 13 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #153 | $40,903 | $13,138 | 52 |
| Interior Architecture.Small sample | #12 | $40,441 | — | 14 |
| Adult Development and Aging. | #72 | $35,729 | $18,346 | 43 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
