Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Indiana University-Northwest

Indiana University-Northwest's liberal arts program delivers earnings that outpace most in-state alternatives—placing in the 60th percentile among Indiana schools—while keeping debt manageable at $31,000. That's roughly $3,000 above first-year salary, meaning graduates can realistically pay this down without crushing financial pressure. For a regional campus serving Gary's heavily working-class population (43% Pell-eligible), these outcomes matter.

The numbers tell a straightforward story: $37,000 starting salary rises to $39,400 within four years, tracking slightly above both state and national medians. You're not looking at Notre Dame's $45,000+ outcomes, but you're also not paying Notre Dame prices or competing for Notre Dame admission standards. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.84 sits in a manageable range, especially given consistent if modest earnings growth.

The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means individual outcomes may vary, but the pattern suggests this program provides what many regional universities promise: accessible education that leads to stable employment. For families prioritizing affordability and proximity to Gary or Northwest Indiana, this represents a defensible choice—particularly if your student plans to stay in the region where these credentials carry local recognition.