Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Indiana University-Southeast
Bachelor's Degree
southeast.iu.eduAnalysis
Indiana University-Southeast's Liberal Arts program sits squarely in the middle of the pack, ranking 60th percentile among Indiana schools while keeping debt below both state and national medians. Starting earnings of $37,440 outpace the typical Indiana liberal arts graduate by about $1,500, and graduates see solid 15% income growth over four years. The debt load of $28,948 is manageable—about 77% of first-year earnings—meaning graduates could realistically pay this off within 2-3 years of aggressive repayment.
The real story here is consistency rather than standout performance. This program won't match Notre Dame's $45,000+ outcomes, but it delivers predictable results at a regional campus where 34% of students receive Pell grants. The four-year earnings trajectory suggests graduates find stable footing in the job market, even if they're not commanding premium salaries.
For families choosing between Indiana liberal arts programs, this represents a sound middle-tier option—particularly if in-state tuition keeps overall costs down. The debt-to-earnings ratio indicates graduates won't be financially hamstrung, though they shouldn't expect the program itself to open doors to high-paying careers. It's a reasonable foundation for students who know they'll need graduate school or who value the flexibility of a broad liberal arts education, but families hoping for immediate strong earnings should look elsewhere.
Where Indiana University-Southeast Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Indiana University-Southeast 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-Southeast | $37,440 | $43,037 | +15% |
| University of Notre Dame | $45,579 | $59,713 | +31% |
| University of Indianapolis | $43,509 | $49,359 | +13% |
| University of Southern Indiana | $34,573 | $45,153 | +31% |
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | $41,499 | $43,495 | +5% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (39 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,179 | $37,440 | $43,037 | $28,948 | 0.77 | |
| $62,693 | $45,579 | $59,713 | $18,800 | 0.41 | |
| $8,216 | $43,763 | $39,636 | $27,000 | 0.62 | |
| $31,168 | $43,763 | $39,636 | $27,000 | 0.62 | |
| $36,136 | $43,509 | $49,359 | $31,000 | 0.71 | |
| $10,449 | $41,499 | $43,495 | $29,000 | 0.70 | |
| National Median | — | $36,340 | — | $27,000 | 0.74 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates
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-Southeast, approximately 34% 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 64 graduates with reported earnings and 93 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.