Indiana University-South Bend
Indiana University-South Bend — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Indiana University-South Bend at a Glance
Indiana University South Bend is a public university in South Bend, Indiana. It is the third largest and northernmost campus of Indiana University.
1922
104 years old
$36M
$35.9 million
4,326
3,753 undergrad · 573 grad
305
80 acres
Identity
Is Indiana University-South Bend Worth It?
Indiana University-South Bend offers moderate value at $8,653/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $44,947, which is 16% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 38% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Indiana University-South Bend compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in IN
Ranked #39 of 170 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 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #2 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #3 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #4 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #39 | Indiana University-South Bend | 49 | $8,653 | $44,947 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Indiana University-South Bend's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in IN.
Best Programs at Indiana University-South Bend
The highest-earning program at Indiana University-South Bend is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $53,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at $29,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Indiana University-South Bend earns $53,600, while a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate earns $29,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $21,625 in median debt vs. $23,006 for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $8,653/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $53,600 | $53,600 | $21,625 |
| Computer Science | $48,300 | $48,300 | $28,810 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | $45,700 | $45,700 | $23,750 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $40,200 | $40,200 | $23,598 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $37,400 | $37,400 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $35,800 | $35,800 | $29,294 |
| Psychology, General | $31,400 | $31,400 | $23,347 |
| Biology, General | $30,400 | $30,400 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $29,800 | $29,800 | $22,250 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $29,100 | $29,100 | $21,600 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $29,000 | $29,000 | $23,006 |
Similar Colleges in IN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- South Bend, IN
- Student Body
- 3,933 students
- Admission Rate
- 84%
- Graduation Rate
- 38%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $8,653
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,947
- Median Student Debt
- $21,355