Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Indiana University-Bloomington

Indiana University-Bloomington's nursing program shows an unusual earnings trajectory that deserves close attention. Graduates start at $71,458—right around the state median but below the national average—then see incomes drop 13% by year four to $62,408. This is the opposite pattern from most nursing careers, which typically see steady growth. The program ranks in the 40th percentile among Indiana nursing schools, meaning several in-state alternatives deliver stronger earnings, including Purdue Northwest ($77,691) and University of Saint Francis ($74,478).

The $25,000 debt load is manageable in absolute terms and slightly below state and national medians, yielding a comfortable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio initially. However, that ratio effectively worsens as earnings decline over time. With a robust sample size, these figures appear reliable rather than statistical noise.

For an in-state student, this program offers moderate value—reasonable debt and starting salary, but concerning income trajectory and middling performance compared to other Indiana options. Out-of-state families should think twice: you'd pay premium tuition for below-average national outcomes. The declining earnings pattern suggests graduates may be concentrated in lower-growth nursing specialties or facing local market constraints. If your child is set on IU Bloomington, budget for the possibility that their fourth-year income may be lower than their first paycheck.