Hospitality Administration/Management at Indiana University-Indianapolis
Bachelor's Degree
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
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | $37,151 | $45,565 | $24,947 | 0.67 |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $41,099 | $48,973 | $19,432 | 0.47 |
| Purdue University Northwest | $39,017 | $38,054 | $29,169 | 0.75 |
| Purdue University Fort Wayne | $34,013 | $43,172 | $24,772 | 0.73 |
| Indiana University-Kokomo | $32,325 | — | — | — |
| Ball State University | $28,071 | — | $24,148 | 0.86 |
| National Median | $34,675 | — | $23,920 | 0.69 |
Other Hospitality Administration/Management 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 | $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.