University of Indianapolis
University of Indianapolis — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Indianapolis at a Glance
The University of Indianapolis (UIndy) is a private university in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. It was founded in 1902 as Indiana Central University and was popularly known as Indiana Central College from 1921 until 1975. In 1986 the name was changed to University of Indianapolis.
1902
124 years old
—
$134 – $140 million (2022)
5,638
4,271 undergrad · 1,367 grad
600
50 acres
Identity
Is University of Indianapolis Worth It?
At a value score of 35/100, University of Indianapolis is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $53,610 — 0% above average — while paying $21,602/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 56% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $26,864 representing 50% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Indianapolis has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Indianapolis compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IN
Ranked #64 of 132 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 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | University of Tulsa | 74 | $15,000 | $61,408 |
| #3 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #4 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #5 | Lewis University | 63 | $17,028 | $66,099 |
| #6 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #64 | University of Indianapolis | 35 | $21,602 | $53,610 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Indianapolis's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in IN.
Best Programs at University of Indianapolis
The highest-earning program at University of Indianapolis is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $58,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Communication and Media Studies at $25,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of Indianapolis earns $58,300, while a Communication and Media Studies graduate earns $25,300. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. 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 $27,000 in median debt vs. $26,464 for Communication and Media Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,602/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 | $58,300 | $58,300 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $43,400 | $43,400 | $27,530 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $38,700 | $38,700 | N/A |
| Marketing | $38,300 | $38,300 | N/A |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $34,200 | $34,200 | $27,108 |
| Psychology, General | $30,700 | $30,700 | $24,222 |
| Biology, General | $30,300 | $30,300 | $27,000 |
| Social Work | $28,700 | $28,700 | $25,319 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $27,900 | $27,900 | $25,000 |
| Public Health | $27,800 | $27,800 | $26,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $27,600 | $27,600 | $25,312 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $25,300 | $25,300 | $26,464 |
Similar Colleges in IN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Indianapolis, IN
- Student Body
- 3,005 students
- Admission Rate
- 67%
- Graduation Rate
- 56%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,602
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $53,610
- Median Student Debt
- $26,864