Business Administration, Management and Operations at Indiana State University

Indiana State's business administration program produces graduates earning $44,868 in their first year—about $4,400 below the Indiana state median and trailing most other Indiana business programs significantly. Among the 41 Indiana schools offering this degree, it ranks in just the 40th percentile, meaning six out of ten comparable programs produce higher-earning graduates. The gap widens when compared to top state performers: Grace College graduates earn nearly $18,000 more annually, and even large public competitors like Ball State clock in at $60,526.

The debt burden of $23,025 is reasonable compared to the $26,000 state and national medians, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51. However, earnings growth is minimal—just $1,885 over four years, or 4% total. This means students start below their peers and stay there, never catching up to what graduates from other Indiana programs earn right out of the gate.

For Indiana residents, this program represents a below-average outcome in a crowded field. The lower debt provides some cushion, but when Ball State and Indiana Wesleyan consistently produce graduates earning $13,000-15,000 more annually with similar debt loads, those schools deliver meaningfully better return on investment. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to attend Indiana State, families should explore other options within the state system.