Butler University vs University of Indianapolis: which has better ROI?
Butler University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $144,164 in 5 years versus 16.5 years at University of Indianapolis, on median earnings of $77,235 vs $53,610 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Butler University | University of Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $36,041 | $21,602 |
| Total net cost | $144,164 | $86,408 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $77,235 | $53,610 |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $26,864 |
| Payback | 5 yrs | 16.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $433,336 | $18,592 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Butler University or University of Indianapolis?
University of Indianapolis, at $21,602 a year after aid versus $36,041 — a gap of $14,439 a year, or $57,756 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Butler University or University of Indianapolis graduates earn more?
Butler University graduates report a median $77,235 ten years after entry, $23,625 more than the $53,610 at University of Indianapolis. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Butler University or University of Indianapolis?
Butler University: its completers carry a median $26,000 in federal loans versus $26,864 at University of Indianapolis, a difference of $864. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
80% of students finish at Butler University, against 56% at University of Indianapolis. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.