Business/Commerce at Indiana University-Southeast

Indiana University-Southeast's business program delivers solidly middle-of-the-road outcomes at a below-average price point. At $22,062 in median debt—about $4,000 less than the state average—graduates enter the workforce with manageable loans and earn slightly above both national and state medians. Within Indiana, this program ranks in the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms most competitors while charging less. The first-year salary of $47,862 won't compete with Notre Dame or IU-Bloomington, but it's reasonable for southern Indiana's lower cost of living.

The 16% earnings growth to $55,336 by year four shows steady career progression, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 means graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a few years. For a school with an 83% admission rate serving a significant number of Pell-eligible students, these outcomes represent accessible upward mobility rather than elite career placement. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these figures reliable, not flukes.

For families balancing affordability with solid returns, this program makes sense—particularly for students who want to work in the Louisville metro area or elsewhere in southern Indiana. You're not paying for prestige, but you're getting dependable outcomes at a reasonable cost. If your child gained admission to IU-Bloomington and can afford it, that's clearly the stronger choice, but as a value proposition for in-state students, IU-Southeast delivers competent business training without crushing debt.