Butler University
Indianapolis, Indiana · Private Nonprofit · 85.1% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 79/100 · Strong Value
Butler University scores 79 (Strong Value) -- a strong result for an Indianapolis private university driven by an 80.4% completion rate and a 90.6% repayment rate. These institutional quality signals are among the best in this batch. Median 6-year earnings of $55,000 against a net price of $36,041 per year produces a 6.7-year payback period. The completion and repayment rates suggest Butler graduates finish their degrees and successfully manage their debt -- two foundational metrics that distinguish it from many peer schools. Accounting earns the highest ROI grade (A, $93,584 year-four, 23 graduates). Finance (102 graduates, $60,290 year-one, $81,344 year-four, B grade) is the volume leader with strong outcomes. Marketing (89 graduates, $60,438 year-one, B grade) is solid. Teacher Education (49 graduates, C+ grade) and Public Relations (79 graduates, C grade) are adequate for those fields. Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (20 graduates) earns a D grade -- one program where Butler's strong institutional quality cannot overcome field-specific earnings limitations. The Indianapolis labor market, Butler's professional school connections, and its pharmacy school create a multi-pathway career ecosystem that supports the earnings outcomes.
Butler University scores in the top 25% of all schools we track, with strong earnings outcomes relative to cost.
Butler University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $47,560/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $47,560/yr |
| Average net price | $36,041/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $144,164 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $77,235 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $55,000 |
| Median debt at graduation | $26,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $276 |
| Estimated payback period | 6.7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 80.4% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 4,317 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Butler University is $47,560/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $36,041/year, or roughly $144,164 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $25,278/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $41,134/year.
The median graduate leaves with $26,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $276 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $77,235 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.47 - well within manageable territory.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $25,278 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,696 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $32,679 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $36,778 |
| $110,001+ | $41,134 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 bracket pays $25,278 per year at Butler -- a high figure for low-income families at a school with a 15.1% Pell rate. Butler's relatively low Pell representation likely reflects that its aid model does not aggressively recruit low-income students, and the $25k net price confirms limited generosity at the bottom tier. For low-income students who do enroll, the strong completion and repayment rates reduce the risk of non-completion.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $32,679, rising steeply to $36,778 for the 75001-110000 tier. Middle-income families pay close to the average net price with limited differentiation. At $36,778 and a 6.7-year payback, the financial case requires completion of a high-earning program. Accounting and finance majors have a defensible case; arts and media management do not.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families above $110,000 pay $41,134 per year -- roughly $164,536 over four years. The full-pay scenario against $55,000 median earnings and a 6.7-year payback is reasonable by private school standards, especially for business, accounting, or health science tracks. Butler's strong completion and repayment rates mean that full-pay students who finish are well-positioned.
Earnings by Major
Top 8 most popular majors at Butler University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management | $81,344 | B |
| Marketing | $70,154 | B |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $75,382 | C |
| Teacher Education | $50,707 | C+ |
| Accounting | $93,584 | A |
| Romance Languages | $43,678 | C |
| Insurance | $89,343 | - |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management | $34,911 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Accounting
Accounting earns Butler's only A-grade ROI: 45 graduates, no year-one figure reported, $93,584 at year four, debt-to-earnings 0.248 on median debt of $23,250. The four-year figure of $93k is exceptional for an Indianapolis regional school and reflects placement into Big Four accounting, corporate finance, and consulting roles. The A grade and 0.248 debt-to-earnings ratio represent excellent value. The absence of year-one data limits full analysis, but four-year outcomes suggest strong early career placement.
Finance and Financial Management
Finance is Butler's largest program at 102 graduates: $60,290 year-one, $81,344 year-four, debt-to-earnings 0.386 (B grade) on median debt of $23,250. Year-one earnings are strong for Indianapolis and reflect direct entry into banking, corporate finance, and insurance sector roles. Butler's proximity to major Indianapolis employers and its professional reputation give finance graduates an advantage in the regional market. The low debt figure ($23,250) further improves the ratio.
Marketing
Marketing (89 graduates) posts $60,438 year-one and $70,154 year-four earnings with a B grade (debt-to-earnings 0.430, median debt $26,000). Year-one earnings are above many comparable private school marketing programs and reflect Butler's connection to Indianapolis consumer brands, healthcare marketing, and professional sports organizations. The B grade reflects a genuine value proposition for marketing-oriented students.
Teacher Education
Teacher Education (49 graduates) earns a C+ grade: $50,707 year-one (year-four not reported), debt-to-earnings 0.532 on median debt of $27,000. Year-one teacher earnings of $50k are above national median starting salaries and reflect Indiana's competitive teacher pay in metro Indianapolis. The C+ grade is consistent with teaching profession ROI profiles across selective private schools.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 86.8% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 90.6% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 87.0% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 89.0% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 85.1% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 570-670 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 590-680 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 26-31 |
| Enrollment | 4,317 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 15.0% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,694 |
Butler's 85.1% admission rate means it admits most applicants, but the SAT Math 570-670 and ACT 26-31 ranges signal a stronger academic baseline than many schools at this rate. Students below these ranges should verify fit before applying. The selective academic culture within an accessible admissions framework is what drives the 80.4% completion rate.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Butler's Scorecard peer set includes Creighton University, Gonzaga University, Seattle University, Anderson University (IN), and Bethel University (IN). Butler (ROI 79) is competitive with Creighton and Gonzaga (both Strong Value tier). Butler's completion rate of 80.4% and repayment rate of 90.6% are standout institutional quality metrics within this cohort. Gonzaga has slightly higher earnings; Creighton has a stronger graduate school pipeline. Butler's Indianapolis location and professional school integration give it distinct placement advantages in Midwest markets.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butler University (this school) | 79 | $36,041 | $77,235 |
| Gonzaga University | 81 | $35,119 | $78,892 |
| Creighton University | 79 | $31,568 | $73,911 |
| Seattle University | 79 | $34,662 | $75,272 |
| Bethel University | 34 | $18,610 | $48,860 |
| Anderson University | 32 | $25,021 | $48,899 |
Who Thrives Here
Butler admits 85.1% of applicants with SAT mid-ranges of 570-670 Math and 590-680 Reading, ACT 26-31. Enrollment of 4,317 is mid-sized for a private university. Pell rate of 15.1% indicates a predominantly upper-middle and high-income student body. The strong completion and repayment rates reflect an academically prepared, well-supported student population. Students in business, health sciences, or professional programs find strong career placement infrastructure. Butler's Indianapolis location provides access to healthcare, financial services, and pharmaceutical industry employers.
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
Butler University delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $36,041 per year ($144,164 over four years), graduates earn a median of $77,235 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 6.7 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: a 80.4% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $26,000 against $77,235 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.