Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Indianapolis
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
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
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 University of Indianapolis graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Indianapolis graduates earn $71k, placing them in the 30th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing 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
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (30 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Indianapolis | $71,248 | $65,857 | $27,187 | 0.38 |
| Chamberlain University-Indiana | $83,188 | $81,995 | $39,146 | 0.47 |
| Purdue University Global | $78,468 | $86,084 | $42,396 | 0.54 |
| Purdue University Northwest | $77,691 | $75,243 | $24,552 | 0.32 |
| Saint Mary's College | $74,962 | $67,942 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
| University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne | $74,478 | $68,656 | $30,849 | 0.41 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chamberlain University-Indiana Indianapolis | $19,686 | $83,188 | $39,146 |
| Purdue University Global West Lafayette | $10,110 | $78,468 | $42,396 |
| Purdue University Northwest Hammond | $8,419 | $77,691 | $24,552 |
| Saint Mary's College Notre Dame | $51,430 | $74,962 | $27,000 |
| University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne Fort Wayne | $35,420 | $74,478 | $30,849 |
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.