Indianapolis, IN · Private University
Is Butler University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$77,235
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$45,980
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$45,980
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$183,920
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.68x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.4 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
80.2%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$26,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$38,472
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Butler University graduates earn $32,235 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Butler University ranked by graduate earnings
45 graduates
52 graduates
20 graduates
50 graduates
45 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Butler University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Butler University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Finance and Financial Management Services: $65,927) and the lowest (Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management: $33,735) is $32,192/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management ServicesBest ROI | $65,927 | 1.4x |
| Marketing | $61,624 | 1.3x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $53,606 | 1.2x |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $46,663 | 1.0x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $45,302 | 1.0x |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media ManagementLowest | $33,735 | 0.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Butler University offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $77,235 10 years after starting — $32,235 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.4 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.