Head-to-head · 2026
Indiana State University vs Indiana University-Indianapolis
Compare average net price ($10,873 at Indiana State University; $11,668 at Indiana University-Indianapolis), ROI score (11.13 vs 11.83), ten-year median earnings ($48,387 vs $55,198), and admissions selectivity (80.8% acceptance at Indiana State University; 76.4% at Indiana University-Indianapolis) using federal College Scorecard data. Indiana University-Indianapolis has a 5-1 metric-level edge. Indiana University-Indianapolis leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Indiana State University | Indiana University-Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 11.13 | 11.83 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $10,873 ✓ | $11,668 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $48,387 | $55,198 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 80.8% | 76.4% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 42.9% | 54.5% ✓ |
| Median debt | $24,000 | $20,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 6,188 | 13,830 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1139 |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Indiana University-Indianapolis costs $795 more per year than Indiana State University ($11,668 vs $10,873). Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates report $6,811 higher median earnings after ten years ($55,198 vs $48,387). On EduGradify's model that puts Indiana University-Indianapolis ahead on projected ROI (11.83 vs 11.13, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Indiana University-Indianapolis) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Indiana State University is accessible at 80.8% acceptance versus 76.4% (accessible) at Indiana University-Indianapolis.
Frequently asked
Indiana State University vs Indiana University-Indianapolis, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Indiana State University or Indiana University-Indianapolis the better value?
Indiana University-Indianapolis has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.83 vs 11.13), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Indiana State University is cheaper — average net price $10,873 per year vs $11,668 at Indiana University-Indianapolis. The annual difference of $795 adds up to about $3,180 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Indiana University-Indianapolis reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $55,198 vs $48,387 at Indiana State University. The annual gap in the federal data is $6,811.
Which school is harder to get into?
Indiana University-Indianapolis is more selective at 76.4% acceptance vs 80.8% at Indiana State University.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Indiana State University reports a A value grade; Indiana University-Indianapolis reports A.