Indiana University-Bloomington vs Purdue University Global: which has better ROI?
Indiana University-Bloomington has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $65,056 in 4.2 years versus not at all at Purdue University Global, on median earnings of $63,742 vs $36,596 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Indiana University-Bloomington | Purdue University Global |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,264 | $7,770 |
| Total net cost | $65,056 | $31,080 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $63,742 | $36,596 |
| Median debt | $19,509 | $26,078 |
| Payback | 4.2 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $242,584 | -$266,360 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Indiana University-Bloomington or Purdue University Global?
Purdue University Global, at $7,770 a year after aid versus $16,264 — a gap of $8,494 a year, or $33,976 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Indiana University-Bloomington or Purdue University Global graduates earn more?
Indiana University-Bloomington graduates report a median $63,742 ten years after entry, $27,146 more than the $36,596 at Purdue University Global. 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, Indiana University-Bloomington or Purdue University Global?
Indiana University-Bloomington: its completers carry a median $19,509 in federal loans versus $26,078 at Purdue University Global, a difference of $6,569. 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 Indiana University-Bloomington, against 50% at Purdue University Global. 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.