Human Resources Management and Services at Indiana University-Indianapolis
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Indiana University-Indianapolis charges more for its HR certificate than most Indiana alternatives, but the earnings premium appears to justify it. At $51,570 in first-year earnings, graduates earn roughly $5,000 more than the state median for this program—and $10,000 more than what Ivy Tech Community College grads typically make. The debt runs higher too ($25,422 versus $19,738 state median), but with a 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates need less than half their first year's salary to cover the cost.
What makes this stand out is the sustained earnings growth: incomes climb to $56,585 by year four, suggesting this certificate actually opens doors rather than just checking a box. Nationally, this program ranks in the 89th percentile for earnings despite being only middle-of-the-pack within Indiana—a reflection of how strong Indiana's HR market is overall. The relatively low debt percentile nationally (17th) confirms you're not overpaying for this premium.
For parents weighing community college versus a four-year institution's certificate, this data suggests IU-Indianapolis delivers tangible value. The extra $6,000 in debt translates to meaningfully higher starting salaries and better trajectory. With an 81% acceptance rate and the program serving a significant population of Pell-eligible students, this isn't an exclusive option—it's an accessible credential that appears to genuinely boost career prospects in Indiana's HR job market.
Where Indiana University-Indianapolis Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services certificate'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 89th percentile of all human resources management and services certificate 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
Human Resources Management and Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (9 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | $51,570 | $56,585 | $25,422 | 0.49 |
| Ivy Tech Community College | $41,237 | $37,035 | $14,054 | 0.34 |
| National Median | $46,304 | — | $17,974 | 0.39 |
Other Human Resources Management and Services Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis | $4,912 | $41,237 | $14,054 |
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 114 graduates with reported earnings and 133 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.