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Head-to-head comparison

University of Indianapolis vs Trine University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Indianapolis IN · vs · Private nonprofit, Angola IN

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Indianapolis, IN

University of Indianapolis

Net price / year
$21,602
Earnings, 10 years
$53,610
Payback
16.5 yrs

Option B Angola, IN

Trine University

Net price / year
$25,355
Earnings, 10 years
$57,165
Payback
11.5 yrs
The verdict

Trine University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $101,420 in 11.5 years versus 16.5 years at University of Indianapolis, on median earnings of $57,165 vs $53,610 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of IndianapolisTrine University
Net price / yr$21,602$25,355
Total net cost$86,408$101,420
Median earnings, 10 yrs$53,610$57,165
Median debt$26,864$25,000
Payback16.5 yrs11.5 yrs
20-year net return$18,592$74,680

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of Indianapolis or Trine University?

University of Indianapolis, at $21,602 a year after aid versus $25,355 — a gap of $3,753 a year, or $15,012 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do University of Indianapolis or Trine University graduates earn more?

Trine University graduates report a median $57,165 ten years after entry, $3,555 more than the $53,610 at University of 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.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Indianapolis or Trine University?

Trine University: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $26,864 at University of Indianapolis, a difference of $1,864. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

64% of students finish at Trine University, against 56% at University of 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.

University of Indianapolis vs Trine University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Indianapolis or Trine University a better value?
Trine University. It clears its $101,420 net cost in about 11.5 years versus 16.5 years at University of Indianapolis, on median earnings of $57,165 vs $53,610 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Indianapolis or Trine University?
University of Indianapolis: $21,602/yr net price after aid versus $25,355/yr at Trine University — a difference of $3,753 a year, or about $15,012 over four years.
Do University of Indianapolis or Trine University graduates earn more?
Trine University graduates earn a median $57,165 ten years after entry, versus $53,610 at University of Indianapolis — a $3,555 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.