Analysis
Valparaiso's health sciences bachelor's comes with a manageable debt load of $19,500—well below the $26,750 median for Indiana programs—but based on comparable programs in the state, first-year earnings of around $36,400 suggest limited initial financial returns. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 looks reasonable on paper, yet it places graduates in the 89th percentile nationally for debt burden, meaning most similar programs nationwide produce better debt outcomes relative to earnings.
The earnings estimate itself sits right at Indiana's median for this field, but that's the middle of a wide distribution. Ball State and Purdue Global graduates reportedly earn $41,000+ in their first year, while Indiana University-South Bend sits below $33,000. Without actual outcome data for Valparaiso's program specifically, it's unclear where these graduates fall within that range—and in allied health fields, program specifics matter enormously. A health informatics track produces very different career prospects than general health sciences preparation.
The lower debt burden offers some cushion compared to state peers, but parents should recognize they're working with estimates derived from other Indiana programs rather than confirmed outcomes for Valparaiso graduates. If your student has admission offers from Ball State or University of Saint Francis with reported earnings in the low $40,000s, those represent less uncertain bets at potentially similar debt levels.
Where Valparaiso University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health services/allied health/health sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Valparaiso UniversityValparaiso | $46,588 | $36,411* | — | $19,500 | — |
 Ball State UniversityMuncie | $10,758 | $41,603* | — | $27,000 | 0.65 |
 Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette | $10,110 | $41,104* | $41,910 | $37,375 | 0.91 |
 University of Saint Francis-Fort WayneFort Wayne | $35,420 | $38,878* | $44,866 | $27,000 | 0.69 |
 Purdue University NorthwestHammond | $8,419 | $33,944* | — | $26,500 | 0.78 |
 Indiana University-South BendSouth Bend | $8,179 | $32,829* | — | $25,551 | 0.78 |
| National Median | — | $35,279* | — | $26,690 | 0.76 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health services/allied health/health sciences graduates
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 Valparaiso University, approximately 26% 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 6 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.