Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Indianapolis
Bachelor's Degree
uindy.eduAnalysis
University of Indianapolis nursing graduates face an unusual problem: their salaries actually decrease after the first year. Starting at $71,248, earnings drop to $65,857 by year four—an 8% decline that runs counter to typical career trajectories. While the initial debt load of $27,187 seems manageable at first glance (just 38% of starting salary), that ratio becomes less favorable as earnings shrink rather than grow.
The program ranks in the 40th percentile among Indiana nursing programs, lagging behind competitors like Chamberlain ($83,188), Purdue Global ($78,468), and even nearby University of Saint Francis ($74,478). Nationally, it sits at just the 30th percentile, meaning seven out of ten comparable nursing programs produce better earnings outcomes. For a profession known for stable, growing incomes, this backward trajectory suggests graduates may be hitting a ceiling quickly or shifting into lower-paying roles.
If your child is set on nursing in Indianapolis, understand they'll likely start below the state median and see their pay decline from there. The debt is average, but average debt paired with below-average, declining earnings isn't a winning combination. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to attend—like significant scholarship money or family proximity—stronger programs are available both in Indiana and nationally.
Where University of Indianapolis Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Indianapolis 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Indianapolis | $71,248 | $65,857 | -8% |
| Purdue University Global | $78,468 | $86,084 | +10% |
| Chamberlain University-Indiana | $83,188 | $81,995 | -1% |
| Purdue University Northwest | $77,691 | $75,243 | -3% |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | $73,557 | $73,087 | -1% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (30 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,136 | $71,248 | $65,857 | $27,187 | 0.38 | |
| $19,686 | $83,188 | $81,995 | $39,146 | 0.47 | |
| $10,110 | $78,468 | $86,084 | $42,396 | 0.54 | |
| $8,419 | $77,691 | $75,243 | $24,552 | 0.32 | |
| $51,430 | $74,962 | $67,942 | $27,000 | 0.36 | |
| $35,420 | $74,478 | $68,656 | $30,849 | 0.41 | |
| National Median | — | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates
Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse Midwives
Nurse Practitioners
Medical and Health Services Managers
Registered Nurses
Acute Care Nurses
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Critical Care Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
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.
Sample Size: Based on 236 graduates with reported earnings and 246 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.