Business Administration, Management and Operations at Indiana University-Indianapolis
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
indianapolis.iu.eduAnalysis
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
Earnings Distribution
How Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | $40,659 | $64,862 | +60% |
| University of Georgia | $77,610 | $86,227 | +11% |
| University of Phoenix-Hawaii | $48,528 | $65,468 | +35% |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $71,977 | $61,570 | -14% |
| Ivy Tech Community College | $38,291 | $35,332 | -8% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Business Administration, Management and Operations certificate's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,449 | $40,659 | $64,862 | $21,181 | 0.52 | |
| $9,992 | $71,977 | $61,570 | $19,500 | 0.27 | |
| $4,912 | $38,291 | $35,332 | $10,125 | 0.26 | |
| National Median | — | $39,085 | — | $14,699 | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
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.