Location: Indianapolis, IN•In-State Tuition: $10,449•Out-of-State Tuition: $33,717•Admission Rate: 81%•Avg SAT: 1146
Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,540
76th percentile
60th percentile in Indiana
Median Debt
$22,837
6% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.59 ManageableSample: 55 graduates

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

Indiana University-IndianapolisOther journalism programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates compare to all programs nationally

Indiana University-Indianapolis earns $39k — 76th percentile among journalism bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Indiana University-Indianapolis$38,540$40,760+6%
George Washington University$52,015$66,907+29%
Northwestern University$50,426$63,740+26%
Indiana University-Bloomington$39,992$54,955+37%
Ball State University$31,398$47,164+50%

Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana

Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (15 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis$10,449$38,540$40,760$22,8370.59
Indiana University-BloomingtonBloomington$11,790$39,992$54,955$19,5000.49
Ball State UniversityMuncie$10,758$31,398$47,164$25,6750.82
National Median—$34,515—$24,2500.70

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with journalism graduates

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Film and Video Editors

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

$70,570/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Photographers

Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.

$42,520/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Proofreaders and Copy Markers

Read transcript or proof type setup to detect and mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors. Excludes workers whose primary duty is editing copy. Includes proofreaders of braille.

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.