Median Earnings (1yr)
$37,151
68th percentile (60th in IN)
Median Debt
$24,947
4% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.67
Manageable
Sample Size
186
Adequate data

Analysis

Indiana University-Indianapolis's hospitality program delivers solid middle-of-the-pack results—ranking 60th percentile among Indiana programs and 68th percentile nationally—with graduates earning $37,151 their first year and $45,565 by year four. That 23% earnings growth trajectory is encouraging, though starting salaries still lag behind top Indiana programs like Purdue's main campus ($41,099). The $24,947 debt load sits right at state median, translating to a manageable 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio that's better than many hospitality programs nationally.

The real question is whether these outcomes justify the investment given Indiana's competitive landscape. While IU-Indianapolis ranks in the middle tier statewide, the gap to Purdue's flagship program is significant but not insurmountable—graduates here start about $4,000 behind but see steady salary growth. The program's 36% Pell grant population suggests it serves students who might not have access to more selective options, making its above-average national performance (68th percentile) more impressive in context.

For families comparing Indiana options, this represents a reasonable choice if location or admission requirements favor IU-Indianapolis. The debt level won't be crushing, earnings grow meaningfully over time, and outcomes beat more than half of competing state programs. Just know you're paying for a solid middle option, not a standout program.

Where Indiana University-Indianapolis Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all hospitality administration/management bachelors's programs nationally

Indiana University-IndianapolisOther hospitality administration/management programs

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 $37k, placing them in the 68th percentile of all hospitality administration/management 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

Hospitality Administration/Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (11 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Indiana University-Indianapolis$37,151$45,565$24,9470.67
Purdue University-Main Campus$41,099$48,973$19,4320.47
Purdue University Northwest$39,017$38,054$29,1690.75
Purdue University Fort Wayne$34,013$43,172$24,7720.73
Indiana University-Kokomo$32,325———
Ball State University$28,071—$24,1480.86
National Median$34,675—$23,9200.69

Other Hospitality Administration/Management Programs in Indiana

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette
$9,992$41,099$19,432
Purdue University Northwest
Hammond
$8,419$39,017$29,169
Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne
$9,254$34,013$24,772
Indiana University-Kokomo
Kokomo
$8,179$32,325—
Ball State University
Muncie
$10,758$28,071$24,148

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 186 graduates with reported earnings and 171 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.