Business/Commerce at Indiana University-Indianapolis
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
IU-Indianapolis delivers solid value for business students, with graduates earning $52,467 in their first year—outperforming both national and Indiana medians by about $5,000. Among Indiana's 22 business programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, placing it in the upper half of state options. While it trails the premium programs at Notre Dame and IU-Bloomington, it significantly outpaces other regional IU campuses and offers much better accessibility with an 81% admission rate.
The debt picture tells an encouraging story. At $22,003, student debt sits well below both national ($26,000) and state ($24,074) medians for business programs. This creates a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42, meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary—a manageable burden that most financial advisors would consider reasonable. The 14% earnings growth over four years also suggests good career trajectory potential.
For families seeking a business degree that balances quality with affordability, IU-Indianapolis represents a practical choice. The combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt creates genuine value, especially for students who might not qualify for the state's most selective programs. With robust sample data backing these figures, parents can feel confident this program delivers on its promises without the premium price tag of elite alternatives.
Where Indiana University-Indianapolis 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-Indianapolis graduates compare to all programs nationally
Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates earn $52k, placing them in the 67th 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-Indianapolis | $52,467 | $59,798 | $22,003 | 0.42 |
| University of Notre Dame | $73,170 | $84,414 | — | — |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | $71,100 | $89,404 | $19,500 | 0.27 |
| Indiana University-East | $54,860 | $57,188 | $25,250 | 0.46 |
| 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-Bloomington Bloomington | $11,790 | $71,100 | $19,500 |
| Indiana University-East Richmond | $8,179 | $54,860 | $25,250 |
| 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-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 717 graduates with reported earnings and 634 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.