Indiana University-Indianapolis vs Valparaiso University: which has better ROI?
Valparaiso University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $74,312 in 5 years versus 6.8 years at Indiana University-Indianapolis, on median earnings of $63,191 vs $55,198 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Indiana University-Indianapolis | Valparaiso University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $11,668 | $18,578 |
| Total net cost | $46,672 | $74,312 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $55,198 | $63,191 |
| Median debt | $20,000 | $26,942 |
| Payback | 6.8 yrs | 5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $90,088 | $222,308 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Indiana University-Indianapolis or Valparaiso University?
Indiana University-Indianapolis, at $11,668 a year after aid versus $18,578 — a gap of $6,910 a year, or $27,640 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 Valparaiso University graduates earn more?
Valparaiso University graduates report a median $63,191 ten years after entry, $7,993 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 Valparaiso University?
Indiana University-Indianapolis: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $26,942 at Valparaiso University, a difference of $6,942. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
70% of students finish at Valparaiso University, against 54% at Indiana University-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.