Butler University
Butler University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Butler University at a Glance
Butler University is a private university in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Founded in 1855 and named after founder Ovid Butler, the university has over 60 major academic fields of study within six colleges in the arts, business, communication, education, liberal arts and the sciences, and health sciences. It enrolls approximately 5,700 undergraduate and graduate students. Its 295-acre (119 ha) campus is approximately five miles (8.0 km) north of downtown Indianapolis.
1855
171 years old
$319M
$319.2 million (2025)
5,763
4,519 undergrad · 1,244 grad
372
295 acres
Identity
Is Butler University Worth It?
Butler University offers moderate value at $36,041/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $77,235, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 80% graduation rate means roughly 20% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Butler University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #25 of 58 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | Regis University | 60 | $18,397 | $72,105 |
| #3 | University of Portland | 59 | $28,210 | $82,804 |
| #4 | Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | 58 | $29,689 | $86,881 |
| #5 | Clarkson University | 55 | $30,305 | $89,696 |
| #6 | Bradley University | 54 | $22,719 | $66,852 |
| #25 | Butler University | 43 | $36,041 | $77,235 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Butler University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in IN.
Best Programs at Butler University
The highest-earning program at Butler University is Marketing at $32,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Finance and Financial Management Services at $31,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Marketing graduate from Butler University earns $32,800, while a Finance and Financial Management Services graduate earns $31,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Marketing graduates carry $12,000 in median debt vs. $12,000 for Finance and Financial Management Services.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $36,041/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing | $32,800 | $32,800 | $12,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $31,600 | $31,600 | $12,000 |
Similar Colleges in IN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Indianapolis, IN
- Student Body
- 4,317 students
- Admission Rate
- 85%
- Graduation Rate
- 80%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $36,041
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $77,235
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000