Business Administration, Management and Operations at Indiana University-Indianapolis
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates from this business certificate program see their earnings jump 60% by year four—climbing from roughly $41,000 to nearly $65,000. That kind of trajectory is unusual for a certificate program and suggests graduates are building real career momentum. Starting at the Indiana state median, they surpass the 60th percentile statewide, landing closer to what Purdue grads earn than typical Ivy Tech certificate holders.
The $21,000 in debt sits well below Indiana's typical level for this credential, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.52. That means graduates owe about half their first-year salary—manageable territory that shouldn't derail other financial goals. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means these numbers are based on real outcomes, not just a handful of cases.
This certificate delivers what working adults often need: a credential that opens doors without crushing debt. The earnings growth pattern suggests graduates are moving into roles with advancement potential, not dead-end positions. For students who want business credentials without committing to a four-year degree, this represents solid value—particularly given the school's 81% admission rate makes it accessible to most applicants.
Where Indiana University-Indianapolis Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations certificate'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-Indianapolis graduates compare to all programs nationally
Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates earn $41k, placing them in the 55th percentile of all business administration, management and operations certificate 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 Administration, Management and Operations certificate's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (11 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | $40,659 | $64,862 | $21,181 | 0.52 |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $71,977 | $61,570 | $19,500 | 0.27 |
| Ivy Tech Community College | $38,291 | $35,332 | $10,125 | 0.26 |
| National Median | $39,085 | — | $14,699 | 0.38 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette | $9,992 | $71,977 | $19,500 |
| Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis | $4,912 | $38,291 | $10,125 |
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-Indianapolis, approximately 36% 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 30 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.