Indiana University-Bloomington achieves well above average return performance, ranking at the 76.5th percentile nationally for educational return on investment. Graduates earn $63,742 ten years after enrollment, placing the university at the 79th percentile for long-term earnings and $3,199 above the peer median of $60,543. While graduates earn $9,501 below expectations compared to similar student populations, the absolute earnings level remains competitive within the flagship public university landscape. Median debt of $19,509 sits $491 below the peer median, creating a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 that supports sustainable repayment. The combination of strong absolute earnings, controlled debt levels, and above-peer performance positions Indiana University-Bloomington as delivering solid value relative to educational investment, though the modest value-added performance suggests comparable institutions may provide stronger earnings uplift for similar student populations. Return performance reflects the university's effectiveness in translating accessible admission standards into meaningful career outcomes through comprehensive academic programming and career development resources.
Indiana University-Bloomington graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over their early career trajectory. Median earnings increase from $53,417 six years after enrollment to $59,525 at eight years and $63,742 at ten years, representing 19.3% growth from the six-year benchmark. These outcomes reflect data from substantial graduate cohorts, with 7,810 graduates included in the ten-year earnings analysis, providing high confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $63,742 at the ten-year mark, ranking at the 79th percentile nationally and $3,199 above the peer median of $60,543. The earnings distribution spans from $41,928 at the 25th percentile to $95,667 at the 75th percentile, indicating meaningful variation in post-graduation career paths and program outcomes. Low-income graduates earn $57,600, demonstrating the university's capacity to generate strong outcomes for students from diverse economic backgrounds. Approximately 23.6% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, reflecting balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. While graduates earn $9,501 below expectations relative to similar student populations, the absolute earnings level remains competitive within the national landscape of public research universities.
Latest FE earnings field: 10-year
Lower quartile, 10-year field
Upper quartile, 10-year field
Return outcomes show meaningful variation across the earnings distribution, with graduates at the 25th percentile earning $41,928 compared to $95,667 at the 75th percentile. This 2.3:1 ratio reflects significant differences in program choice and career trajectory outcomes within the university's comprehensive academic portfolio. Low-income graduates earn $57,600, demonstrating the university's ability to support economic advancement for students from disadvantaged backgrounds despite serving relatively fewer Pell-eligible students overall.
Earnings outcomes at Indiana University-Bloomington show substantial variation reflecting the university's diverse academic portfolio. The gap between the 25th percentile ($41,928) and 75th percentile ($95,667) represents a 2.3:1 ratio, indicating significant differences across programs and career trajectories. Business/Commerce graduates lead earnings outcomes at $89,404, followed by Computer Science graduates at $91,304 and Artificial Intelligence graduates at $79,394. The earnings trajectory accelerates modestly over time, with 19.3% growth between the six-year and ten-year measurement points. With nearly 8,000 graduates included in the ten-year cohort, these outcomes reflect broad institutional performance rather than isolated high-earning programs, providing confidence in the representativeness of reported figures across the university's comprehensive program mix.
Financial justification for the investment.
Return outcomes show meaningful variation across the earnings distribution, with graduates at the 25th percentile earning $41,928 compared to $95,667 at the 75th percentile. This 2.3:1 ratio reflects significant differences in program choice and career trajectory outcomes within the university's comprehensive academic portfolio. Low-income graduates earn $57,600, demonstrating the university's ability to support economic advancement for students from disadvantaged backgrounds despite serving relatively fewer Pell-eligible students overall.
Approximately 23.6% of Indiana University-Bloomington graduates continue to graduate or professional study, based on program mix analysis with high confidence. This continuation rate indicates balanced preparation for both immediate workforce entry and advanced education pathways, reflecting the university's comprehensive research university mission.
Program mix and student pathways explain much of the earnings story.
Program-level outcomes at Indiana University-Bloomington demonstrate the significant impact of field selection on return on investment. Business/Commerce leads with graduates earning $89,404 and ranking #2 nationally, followed closely by Computer Science at $91,304. These high-earning programs contrast with fields like Behavioral Neuroscience at $31,129, illustrating how program choice fundamentally shapes post-graduation economic outcomes. The university's strength in business and technology fields drives overall institutional return performance, while comprehensive program offerings ensure diverse pathways for students with varying career interests. Applied Economics, Behavioral Aspects of Health, and Biological Sciences provide mid-range earnings options that balance strong outcomes with service-oriented career preparation. This program diversity supports the university's solid return performance while accommodating students pursuing both high-earning professional tracks and public service career pathways within a comprehensive research university environment.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
