Analysis
Indiana's insurance programs show a wide spread in outcomes, and based on national patterns, Indiana State appears positioned near the top of that range. While the DOE suppressed actual graduate data for this cohort, comparable insurance bachelor's programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $56,000, significantly above what Ball State's graduates reported ($48,615). The estimated debt load of $22,400 produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.4—meaning roughly 40% of one year's salary would cover the full borrowing.
The four-year earnings figure of $57,700 is actual reported data for this program, and it tells an important story: unlike many fields where incomes climb steeply after graduation, insurance careers appear to hit their stride early and plateau relatively quickly. That early earning power matters when you're carrying student loans, but it also means the financial advantage of this degree may not compound as dramatically over time as fields with steeper growth curves.
For families weighing this investment, the math looks reasonable if your student is genuinely interested in insurance—the debt burden isn't alarming relative to likely starting pay. However, with only four Indiana schools offering this specialized degree, you're betting on a narrow career path. If your child isn't certain about the insurance industry specifically, a broader business degree might offer more flexibility without sacrificing earning potential.
Where Indiana State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all insurance bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana State University | — | $57,719 | — |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $78,796 | $96,327 | +22% |
| St. John's University-New York | $70,752 | $85,642 | +21% |
| Temple University | $66,080 | $78,623 | +19% |
| Florida State University | $61,071 | $78,449 | +28% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Insurance bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,992 | $55,819* | $57,719 | $22,394* | — | |
| $10,758 | $48,615* | — | $27,000* | 0.56 | |
| National Median | — | $55,819* | — | $22,728* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with insurance graduates
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Insurance Sales Agents
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
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 Indiana State University, approximately 39% 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 national median of 20 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.