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
Earnings Distribution
How Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | $45,397 | $51,052 | +12% |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | $85,977 | $96,973 | +13% |
| University of Notre Dame | $65,302 | $87,725 | +34% |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | $59,277 | $74,190 | +25% |
| Indiana University-East | $58,764 | $55,844 | -5% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (37 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis | $10,449 | $45,397 | $51,052 | $23,868 | 0.53 |
 Rose-Hulman Institute of TechnologyTerre Haute | $56,674 | $85,977 | $96,973 | $25,000 | 0.29 |
 University of Notre DameNotre Dame | $62,693 | $65,302 | $87,725 | $19,000 | 0.29 |
 Indiana University-BloomingtonBloomington | $11,790 | $59,277 | $74,190 | $22,000 | 0.37 |
 Indiana University-EastRichmond | $8,179 | $58,764 | $55,844 | $22,388 | 0.38 |
 Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette | $9,992 | $49,387 | — | $18,820 | 0.38 |
| National Median | — | $48,772 | — | $21,500 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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.