Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Indiana University-Kokomo

At first glance, IU-Kokomo's health sciences program appears to struggle—starting salaries of $30,760 land in the bottom quartile both nationally and among Indiana programs. But that initial number tells only part of the story. Within three years, earnings jump 30% to nearly $40,000, suggesting graduates are entering the field in support roles before advancing to better-paying positions. While that growth trajectory is encouraging, it doesn't fully compensate for the weak starting point: even after four years, these graduates still earn $1,500 less than Indiana's median for this field.

The debt picture offers some relief. At $23,500, graduates borrow about $3,200 less than typical Indiana students in similar programs, yielding a manageable 0.76 debt-to-earnings ratio. That lighter debt load matters when you're starting at $30,760—monthly payments will be lower during those crucial early years. However, competing Indiana programs like Ball State and Purdue Global deliver $10,000 higher starting salaries, which could more than offset the modest savings on borrowing.

For families targeting health careers in Indiana, IU-Kokomo's lower price point makes it workable rather than optimal. The program gets students credentialed and employed, but parents should understand they're accepting below-average earnings—both immediately and long-term—in exchange for reduced debt. If your child can gain admission to Ball State or University of Saint Francis, the significantly higher earning potential justifies comparing total costs carefully.