Indiana State University
Indiana State University has an acceptance rate of 80.8%, average net price of $10,873, and a national rank of #1020 (Grade B-), with a 42.9% six-year graduation rate, and median earnings of $41,047 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Indiana State University is a public university in Terre Haute, IN. Students most often pursue Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians and Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.
Academically, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 84.5%, roughly 34.6 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Indiana State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Indiana State University graduates 42.9% of students within six years and does not report first-year retention. Affordability earns an A- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Indiana State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | Not reported |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $24,535 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: Only 0.0% of Indiana State University students receive Pell Grants — far below the national average, underscoring equity challenges.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $6,455 to $19,345 depending on family income. Use Indiana State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $15,450/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $19,345/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $41,047
- 10-Year Median Earnings $41,047
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,574
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 49.8%
- Employment Rate 90.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Indiana State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Indiana State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Indiana State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Indiana State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Indiana State University graduates earn $41,047 median six years after enrollment, -6% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate 42.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
How to Get Into Indiana State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Indiana State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 80.8%, Indiana State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 80.8% acceptance rate, Indiana State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Indiana State University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Criminology, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 9.7%
- Criminology 6.8%
- Psychology, General 5.7%
- Air Transportation 5.2%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.0%
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Techni 3.5%
See more majors
- Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Manageme 3.5%
- Communication and Media Studies 3.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians $80,156
- 2. Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians $78,215
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $77,079
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Construction Management $76,234
- 5. Chemistry $73,702
- 6. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $72,284
- 7. Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians $71,755
- 8. Finance and Financial Management Services $68,204
- 9. Insurance $66,337
- 10. Accounting and Related Services $64,915
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $119,142
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $118,231
- 3. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $114,154
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $106,461
- 5. Educational Administration and Supervision (First Professional Degree) $102,326
- 6. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $81,068
- 7. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $76,661
- 8. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $73,901
- 9. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $72,403
- 10. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $71,895
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians grads earn $80,156—23% more than Accounting and Related Services ($64,915). Graduate: Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions programs lead with $119,142 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Indiana State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Air Transportation (Bachelor's Degree, 108 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 104 graduates)
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management (Bachelor's Degree, 73 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degree, 72 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 71 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (42 programs)▼
- Air Transportation
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
- Communication and Media Studies
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Biology, General
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Social Work
- English Language and Literature, General
- Music
- Political Science and Government
- Chemistry
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Mathematics
- Interior Architecture
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians
- Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- History
- Geography and Cartography
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Physics
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Engineering, General
- Philosophy
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
Online Master's Degrees (14 programs)▼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Psychology, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- English Language and Literature, General
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Communication and Media Studies
- Music
- Geography and Cartography
- Political Science and Government
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
Online Doctoral Degrees (5 programs)▼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Biology, General
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Geography and Cartography
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (5 programs)▼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Political Science and Government
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Communication and Media Studies
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (7 programs)▼
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
- Gerontology
- Geography and Cartography
- Music
- Marketing
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 0.0%
- Female Students 0.0%
- Caucasian 66.3%
- Asian 1.6%
- Hispanic 7.5%
- Black 17.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 0.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Indiana State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Indiana State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Indiana State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Indiana State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Indiana State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Indiana State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Indiana State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1020 nationally with a 84.5% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $10,873 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $41,047 median earnings. The 42.9% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 65.8% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Indiana State University's Strengths
Ranked #1020 with a B- grade, Indiana State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Indiana State University excel at providing affordable education ($10,873 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Indiana State University's 65.8% retention and 42.9% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($41,047 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Indiana State University's 84.5% ROI and $10,873 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 42.9% six-year graduation rate sits 19.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 65.8% first-year retention is 11.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 84.5% return on investment is 34.6 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $41,047 run about 6% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $10,873 is roughly $6,554 lower than the national median of $17,426.
Helpfulness for Students
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 65.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.5% employment rate within three years sits 22.3 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University operates as a public university and receives a B- from EDsmart. It is currently ranked #1020 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion C+, Support C+, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability A-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
The six-year graduation rate hovers around 42.9%. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 84.5%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $10,873 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $24,535.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $13,662 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,574 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
Pell Grant participation data is not reported.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $41,047 six years after entry. That sits about 6% below the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 90.5% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near 84.5%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
80.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Indiana State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Indiana State University's acceptance rate?
Indiana State University's acceptance rate is 80.8%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Indiana State University cost?
At Indiana State University, the average net price after aid is $10,873. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Indiana State University's ranking?
Indiana State University ranks #1020 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Indiana State University's graduation rate?
At Indiana State University, the six-year graduation rate is 42.9%.
What are Indiana State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Indiana State University report median earnings of $41,047 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
Contact Information
- Address Terre Haute, IN 47809
- Website indianastate.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$83.1M