Journalism at Indiana University-Indianapolis
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Indiana University-Indianapolis journalism graduates are outearning their national peers by a comfortable margin—$38,540 first-year versus the national median of $34,515—while carrying less debt than typical for the field. At 60th percentile within Indiana, these graduates land squarely in the middle of the state's journalism programs, behind IU-Bloomington's $39,992 but well ahead of Ball State's $31,398. The debt load of $22,837 translates to a manageable 0.59 ratio to first-year earnings, meaning graduates can realistically handle their payments on entry-level salaries.
The 6% earnings growth over four years is modest but steady, with graduates reaching $40,760 by year four—not spectacular career acceleration but consistent progress in a field not known for explosive salary growth. The moderate sample size suggests this data reflects actual outcomes rather than a few outliers.
For parents weighing this investment, the math works: below-average debt combined with above-average earnings for journalism creates breathing room most journalism programs don't offer. If your child is committed to journalism and wants to stay in Indiana, this program delivers competitive preparation without the financial strain that often defines media careers.
Where Indiana University-Indianapolis Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all journalism 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 $39k, placing them in the 76th percentile of all journalism 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
Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | $38,540 | $40,760 | $22,837 | 0.59 |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | $39,992 | $54,955 | $19,500 | 0.49 |
| Ball State University | $31,398 | $47,164 | $25,675 | 0.82 |
| National Median | $34,515 | — | $24,250 | 0.70 |
Other Journalism Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington | $11,790 | $39,992 | $19,500 |
| Ball State University Muncie | $10,758 | $31,398 | $25,675 |
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 55 graduates with reported earnings and 58 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.