Analysis
Butler's estimated debt load of nearly $25,000 exceeds what most Indiana programs report for this major—the state median sits at just over $18,000. That additional $6,500 in borrowing matters when comparable programs across Indiana suggest first-year earnings around $67,000, putting Butler's projected outcomes squarely in the middle of the state pack rather than ahead of it.
The numbers tell a story of paying more for similar results. While the 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming on its own, Butler students would be borrowing 36% more than the typical Indiana graduate in this field to reach earnings that mirror what Ball State, Indiana State, and Valparaiso grads achieve. The program does appear positioned above the national median of $62,000, but that advantage comes with a premium in debt that Indiana's public universities don't require.
For families weighing Butler's $24,840 estimated debt against state alternatives, the value proposition depends heavily on factors beyond these numbers—campus fit, network strength, or specific program features that justify the higher borrowing. The earnings ceiling matters too: Notre Dame and Purdue graduates pull significantly ahead in first-year pay, suggesting that within Indiana, outcomes vary considerably by institution. Without concrete data specific to Butler's program, you're making an educated guess that their results match the state average rather than exceed it.
Where Butler University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $45,980 | $67,350* | — | $24,840* | — | |
| $62,693 | $83,810* | — | $19,000* | 0.23 | |
| $9,992 | $70,903* | $92,054 | $18,284* | 0.26 | |
| $10,758 | $67,350* | $80,507 | $16,654* | 0.25 | |
| $9,992 | $67,267* | $67,319 | —* | — | |
| $46,588 | $67,129* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $62,069* | — | $23,250* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates
Actuaries
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Operations Research Analysts
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 5 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.