Analysis
The $26,904 in debt here sits just above the state median for public health programs, but the earnings trajectory reveals an unusual pattern worth examining closely. Based on comparable programs in Indiana, first-year earnings of around $43,073 would put graduates near the state medianβaligned with what Purdue and IU campuses report. Yet by year four, earnings drop to $39,219, a decline that runs counter to typical career progression and suggests graduates may be shifting into lower-paying roles or facing sector-specific challenges in Indiana's public health job market.
That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 looks manageable on paper, but it assumes those estimated first-year earnings materialize. If actual outcomes track closer to the year-four figure, monthly loan payments could consume a larger share of take-home pay than expected. For a field where median national earnings sit at $37,548, University of Indianapolis appears positioned in the middle of the pack, but without reported first-year data for this specific program, you're making investment decisions based on what peer institutions produce rather than this school's track record.
The practical question: can your child afford $26,904 in debt if their salary peaks early and potentially declines? If they're committed to public health and plan to pursue graduate education or certification that could boost earnings, this might be a stepping stone. If they expect the bachelor's degree alone to sustain a career trajectory, the estimated earnings pattern here warrants serious conversation about alternatives.
Where University of Indianapolis Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Indianapolis | β | $39,219 | β |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | $42,790 | $60,955 | +42% |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $45,274 | $54,930 | +21% |
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | $42,152 | $48,634 | +15% |
| Indiana University-Northwest | $43,356 | $47,980 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (18 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,136 | $43,073* | $39,219 | $26,904 | β | |
| $9,992 | $45,274* | $54,930 | $21,500 | 0.47 | |
| $8,179 | $43,356* | $47,980 | $27,334 | 0.63 | |
| $11,790 | $42,790* | $60,955 | $19,689 | 0.46 | |
| $10,449 | $42,152* | $48,634 | $22,220 | 0.53 | |
| National Median | β | $37,548* | β | $26,000 | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with public health graduates
Physicists
Medical and Health Services Managers
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Genetic Counselors
Epidemiologists
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Climate Change Policy Analysts
Environmental Restoration Planners
Industrial Ecologists
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
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 median of 4 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.