Mathematics at Indiana University-Indianapolis
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Indiana University-Indianapolis's mathematics program produces earnings that lag significantly behind other Indiana options—25th percentile statewide means three-quarters of Indiana math programs deliver better outcomes. First-year graduates earn $45,397, roughly $13,000 less than the state median and even trailing the national benchmark by about $3,400. Within Indiana alone, IU-Bloomington math grads start at $59,277, while even regional campuses like IU-East match the state median at $58,764.
The debt load of $23,868 is reasonable and roughly aligned with state norms, yielding a manageable 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio. Earnings do grow 13% to $51,052 by year four, but that still leaves graduates behind where they might have started elsewhere. Keep in mind the sample size here is under 30 graduates, so individual circumstances could vary considerably from these medians.
For an Indianapolis-area student set on mathematics, this presents a clear tradeoff: accessible admission (81% acceptance) and modest debt, but substantially lower earning potential than comparable Indiana programs. If staying in Indianapolis isn't essential, the other IU campuses or Purdue would likely deliver significantly better returns on similar investment.
Where Indiana University-Indianapolis Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics 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 $45k, placing them in the 35th percentile of all mathematics 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
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (37 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | $45,397 | $51,052 | $23,868 | 0.53 |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | $85,977 | $96,973 | $25,000 | 0.29 |
| University of Notre Dame | $65,302 | $87,725 | $19,000 | 0.29 |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | $59,277 | $74,190 | $22,000 | 0.37 |
| Indiana University-East | $58,764 | $55,844 | $22,388 | 0.38 |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $49,387 | — | $18,820 | 0.38 |
| National Median | $48,772 | — | $21,500 | 0.44 |
Other Mathematics Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Terre Haute | $56,674 | $85,977 | $25,000 |
| University of Notre Dame Notre Dame | $62,693 | $65,302 | $19,000 |
| Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington | $11,790 | $59,277 | $22,000 |
| Indiana University-East Richmond | $8,179 | $58,764 | $22,388 |
| Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette | $9,992 | $49,387 | $18,820 |
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 25 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.