Indiana University-Bloomington vs University of Colorado Boulder
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Indiana University-Bloomington comes out ahead: 84/100 to 80/100, a 4-point edge over University of Colorado Boulder. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Indiana University-Bloomington runs $16,264 a year against $25,346 at University of Colorado Boulder - $9,082 more a year, or about $36,328 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Colorado Boulder graduates earn a median $69,738 against $63,742 at Indiana University-Bloomington. The cost earns itself back in 7.1 years at Indiana University-Bloomington and 6.9 years at University of Colorado Boulder.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Colorado Boulder owing a median $19,500 versus $19,509 at Indiana University-Bloomington. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 and 0.46 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Indiana University-Bloomi... | University of Colorado Bo... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $12,144 | $15,666 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $41,891 | $44,918 |
| Net Price (avg) | $16,264 | $25,346 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $65,056 | $101,384 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $44,200 | $42,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $63,742 | $69,738 |
| Graduation Rate | 80.2% | 74.2% |
| Payback Period | 7.1 yr | 6.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,509 | $19,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $207 | $207 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.44 | 0.46 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 82.1% | 82.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 77.7% | 77.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 78.2% | 78.1% |
| Enrollment | 37,806 | 31,939 |
| SAT Range | 1170-1400 | 1240-1430 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Indiana University-B... | University of Colora... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $6,324 | $14,231 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $7,610 | $14,381 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $12,154 | $18,828 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $20,204 | $26,915 |
| $110,001+ | $25,128 | $34,818 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Indiana University-B... | University of Colora... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $114,199 | $121,952 |
| Economics | $99,653 | $73,319 |
| Mathematics | $89,112 | $90,635 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $78,721 | $68,488 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $74,151 | $71,942 |
| International Relations | $69,992 | $69,651 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $63,855 | $66,623 |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $55,861 | $63,337 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $60,199 | $62,119 |
| Journalism | $59,151 | $57,079 |
| History | $58,258 | $49,401 |
| Sociology | $56,591 | $58,026 |
| Psychology | $53,867 | $56,867 |
| English Language and Literature | $56,204 | $54,085 |
| Anthropology | $42,707 | $55,217 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Indiana University-B... | University of Colora... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 86 | 75 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 82 | 83 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 83 | 80 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 90 | 84 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 77 | 78 |
| Overall ROI Score | 84 | 80 |
The Verdict
It's close. Indiana University-Bloomington edges out University of Colorado Boulder by 4 points (84 vs 80), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Indiana University-Bloomington
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Colorado Boulder
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.