Analysis
Butler's health sciences bachelor's carries a moderate $27,000 debt load, but the estimated first-year earnings of $36,411 sit right at Indiana's median for these programs. That's a workable 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio—you'd be borrowing roughly nine months' salary, which is reasonable for a healthcare-adjacent field. However, it's worth noting that Butler's tuition is substantially higher than public alternatives, yet the earning outcomes (based on comparable Indiana programs) don't show a premium. Ball State graduates in similar programs, for instance, earn an estimated $41,603 their first year out with comparable debt levels.
The challenge is that "health sciences" is an umbrella term covering everything from health informatics to pre-professional tracks. Some pathways lead directly to employment, while others are stepping stones to graduate programs where the real credential value materializes. Butler's strong pre-health advising reputation matters if your child is heading to medical, dental, or PA school, but less so if they're seeking immediate employment. The estimated earnings here reflect direct-to-work outcomes, which may not capture the program's true value for students using it as a springboard.
If your child plans to work immediately after graduation, scrutinize whether Butler's specific concentration justifies the private school price tag when Indiana publics produce similar early earnings. If graduate school is the plan, the investment calculus shifts entirely—though that debt will compound with additional borrowing.
Where Butler University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health services/allied health/health sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Butler UniversityIndianapolis | $45,980 | $36,411* | — | $27,000 | — |
 Ball State UniversityMuncie | $10,758 | $41,603* | — | $27,000 | 0.65 |
 Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette | $10,110 | $41,104* | $41,910 | $37,375 | 0.91 |
 University of Saint Francis-Fort WayneFort Wayne | $35,420 | $38,878* | $44,866 | $27,000 | 0.69 |
 Purdue University NorthwestHammond | $8,419 | $33,944* | — | $26,500 | 0.78 |
 Indiana University-South BendSouth Bend | $8,179 | $32,829* | — | $25,551 | 0.78 |
| National Median | — | $35,279* | — | $26,690 | 0.76 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health services/allied health/health sciences graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Butler University, approximately 14% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.