Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5 typically signals manageable student loans, and the estimated $23,120 in borrowing for this bachelor's program aligns with that threshold. However, the earnings picture requires closer scrutiny. While national peer programs suggest first-year earnings around $47,670, Indiana's own physics graduates tell a different story—the state median sits at just $30,203, meaning half of physics majors in Indiana earn less than that amount. Even Purdue, the state's flagship research institution, reports that same $30,203 figure for its physics graduates.
This gap matters enormously for debt repayment. If outcomes at University of Indianapolis track closer to Indiana norms than national estimates, you're looking at potential debt equal to 75% of first-year earnings rather than 49%. Physics is a credential that often requires graduate school to unlock stronger earning potential, which means taking on additional debt before seeing significant income gains. The field rewards those who continue their education, but that path demands careful financial planning from the start.
Given the wide range between state and national outcomes, investigate what proportion of graduates from this program pursue advanced degrees immediately versus entering the workforce. If most continue to graduate school, factor that timeline and additional debt into your decision. If most work after graduation, understanding their actual placement outcomes—not estimated ones—becomes essential before committing.
Where University of Indianapolis Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all physics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Physics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,136 | $47,670* | — | $23,120* | — | |
| $9,992 | $30,203* | — | $21,948* | 0.73 | |
| National Median | — | $47,670* | — | $23,304* | 0.49 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with physics graduates
Physicists
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
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 University of Indianapolis, approximately 36% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 75 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.