Human Computer Interaction at Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indiana University-Indianapolis's Human Computer Interaction certificate outperforms 95% of similar programs nationally in earnings, but that $56,251 first-year salary comes with a catch: you're paying more than nearly every other program of its kind. The debt load of $23,992 ranks in the 5th percentile nationally—meaning only 5% of comparable programs saddle students with higher debt—even as those other schools typically charge less and deliver lower earnings.

The 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable by most standards, and that first-year salary is solid for a certificate program from a regional university. But context matters here: only five schools nationwide offer this specific undergraduate HCI certificate, making the comparison pool tiny. IU-Indianapolis happens to be the only one in Indiana, so the state percentile data (60th) is essentially meaningless. The real question is whether the premium price tag—about $2,900 more in debt than the national median—is justified by the $10,981 earnings advantage.

For students who can minimize borrowing through in-state tuition or other aid, this program delivers strong return on investment. But families taking on the full debt load should recognize they're paying top dollar for these outcomes. The certificate clearly opens doors in the tech sector, but make sure the total cost of attendance doesn't push debt significantly higher than what's reflected here.