Median Earnings (1yr)
$37,151
68th percentile
60th percentile in Indiana
Median Debt
$24,947
4% above national median

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

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Indiana University-Indianapolis$37,151$45,565+23%
Cornell University$77,803$81,947+5%
Purdue University-Main Campus$41,099$48,973+19%
Purdue University Fort Wayne$34,013$43,172+27%
Purdue University Northwest$39,017$38,054-2%

Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis$10,449$37,151$45,565$24,9470.67
Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette$9,992$41,099$48,973$19,4320.47
Purdue University NorthwestHammond$8,419$39,017$38,054$29,1690.75
Purdue University Fort WayneFort Wayne$9,254$34,013$43,172$24,7720.73
Indiana University-KokomoKokomo$8,179$32,325———
Ball State UniversityMuncie$10,758$28,071—$24,1480.86
National Median—$34,675—$23,9200.69

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with hospitality administration/management graduates

Facilities Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling

Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Lodging Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that provides lodging and other accommodations.

$68,130/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Food Service Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.

$65,310/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions.

$59,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Gambling Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate gambling operations in a casino. May formulate house rules.

$35,630/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers in assigned gambling areas. May circulate among tables, observe operations, and ensure that stations and games are covered for each shift. May verify and pay off jackpots. May reset slot machines after payoffs and make repairs or adjustments to slot machines or recommend removal of slot machines for repair. May plan and organize activities and services for guests in hotels/casinos.

$35,630/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

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.