Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Indiana University-Southeast
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Indiana University-Southeast graduates compare to all programs nationally
Indiana University-Southeast graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 55th percentile of all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-Southeast | $37,440 | $43,037 | $28,948 | 0.77 |
| University of Notre Dame | $45,579 | $59,713 | $18,800 | 0.41 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global | $43,763 | $39,636 | $27,000 | 0.62 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | $43,763 | $39,636 | $27,000 | 0.62 |
| University of Indianapolis | $43,509 | $49,359 | $31,000 | 0.71 |
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | $41,499 | $43,495 | $29,000 | 0.70 |
| National Median | $36,340 | — | $27,000 | 0.74 |
Other Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Notre Dame Notre Dame | $62,693 | $45,579 | $18,800 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global Marion | $8,216 | $43,763 | $27,000 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Marion | $31,168 | $43,763 | $27,000 |
| University of Indianapolis Indianapolis | $36,136 | $43,509 | $31,000 |
| Indiana University-Indianapolis Indianapolis | $10,449 | $41,499 | $29,000 |
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.