Indiana University-Indianapolis vs Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses: which has better ROI?
Indiana University-Indianapolis has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $46,672 in 6.8 years versus 7.2 years at Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses, on median earnings of $55,198 vs $57,165 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Indiana University-Indianapolis | Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $11,668 | $15,788 |
| Total net cost | $46,672 | $63,152 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $55,198 | $57,165 |
| Median debt | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 6.8 yrs | 7.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $90,088 | $112,948 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Indiana University-Indianapolis or Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses?
Indiana University-Indianapolis, at $11,668 a year after aid versus $15,788 — a gap of $4,120 a year, or $16,480 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-Indianapolis or Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses graduates earn more?
Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses graduates report a median $57,165 ten years after entry, $1,967 more than the $55,198 at Indiana University-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, Indiana University-Indianapolis or Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses?
Indiana University-Indianapolis: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses, a difference of $5,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
54% of students finish at Indiana University-Indianapolis, against 0% at Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses. 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.