Economics at Indiana University-Bloomington

Indiana University-Bloomington's economics program costs roughly a third of first-year earnings—a manageable starting point that improves significantly as graduates gain experience. With earnings jumping 27% by year four to nearly $75,000, this program shows the kind of trajectory that makes early-career debt less of a burden over time. The $20,500 median debt sits below both national and state averages, giving graduates breathing room that many economics majors at pricier institutions don't have.

The program holds its own competitively, landing in the 75th percentile nationally and outperforming the typical Indiana economics degree by about $2,000 annually. While Notre Dame graduates earn substantially more out of the gate, IU-Bloomington's combination of solid earnings and lower debt creates a comparable value proposition—especially considering the 80% admission rate makes this accessible to a broader range of students. The performance clusters with flagship peer Purdue, both delivering similar outcomes at state flagship pricing.

For families weighing options, this represents a straightforward calculation: reasonable debt, strong starting salary, and clear upward momentum. The moderate sample size suggests these outcomes reflect a stable pattern rather than outliers. If your student can handle the academic rigor at a large research university and sees themselves in business, policy, or finance roles, this program delivers results without the financial stress that defines many college decisions today.