Business/Commerce at Indiana University-Bloomington
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Indiana University-Bloomington's business program delivers exceptional value that places it among the elite nationwide. With first-year earnings of $71,100—ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile in Indiana—graduates earn 50% more than the typical business major and significantly outpace the national 75th percentile of $54,742. Only Notre Dame's business program in Indiana produces higher-earning graduates, making IU-Bloomington a standout performer in a competitive field.
The financial picture is equally impressive. At just $19,500 in median debt (compared to $26,000 nationally and $24,074 statewide), students graduate with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27—meaning they owe less than three months of their starting salary. This combination of high earnings and low debt places the program in the 95th percentile nationally for debt management, a remarkable achievement that reflects both strong job placement and reasonable costs.
The 26% earnings growth over four years, reaching $89,404, demonstrates the program's long-term value and the strength of IU's alumni network. With an 80% admission rate and the backing of a major research university, this program offers accessible entry to a high-performing business education. For parents concerned about ROI, this represents one of the best business degree investments available, combining strong earnings potential with manageable debt levels.
Where Indiana University-Bloomington Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Indiana University-Bloomington graduates compare to all programs nationally
Indiana University-Bloomington graduates earn $71k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all business/commerce bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (22 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-Bloomington | $71,100 | $89,404 | $19,500 | 0.27 |
| University of Notre Dame | $73,170 | $84,414 | — | — |
| Indiana University-East | $54,860 | $57,188 | $25,250 | 0.46 |
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | $52,467 | $59,798 | $22,003 | 0.42 |
| Indiana University-South Bend | $48,238 | $51,179 | $20,500 | 0.42 |
| Indiana University-Southeast | $47,862 | $55,336 | $22,062 | 0.46 |
| National Median | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Other Business/Commerce Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Notre Dame Notre Dame | $62,693 | $73,170 | — |
| Indiana University-East Richmond | $8,179 | $54,860 | $25,250 |
| Indiana University-Indianapolis Indianapolis | $10,449 | $52,467 | $22,003 |
| Indiana University-South Bend South Bend | $8,179 | $48,238 | $20,500 |
| Indiana University-Southeast New Albany | $8,179 | $47,862 | $22,062 |
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 University-Bloomington, approximately 17% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 1243 graduates with reported earnings and 1219 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.