A recent report published by the Indiana Commission of Higher Education overwhelming indicated that earning a Leighton School business degree produces a high return on investment. The report compiled alumni salary information for all public Indiana college campuses one, five, and ten years after graduates earned their degrees. The study showed IU South Bend Judd Leighton School of Business and Economics graduates who earned bachelor’s degrees were among the highest paid IU South Bend graduates, earning an average of $31,000 one year after graduation, $47,000 after five years, and $64,000 after 10 years. Those earning master’s degrees also fared well, earning $54,000 after one year, $75,000 after five years, and $109,000 after ten years.

The average tuition at IU South Bend before financial aid is $21,000 annually. Seventy-two percent of IU South Bend undergraduate students graduate with an average of $28,420 of debt. As a rule of thumb, college students should not graduate with more debt than their anticipated starting annual salary. Leighton School undergraduates starting salaries after graduation were well above this threshold, offering an excellent return on investment.

“The Leighton School faculty and staff is committed to ensuring its graduates are prepared to make positive contributions when they enter the workplace,” said Interim Dean P.N. Saksena. “Our faculty and administrators are committed to providing experiences, including internships and career placement services, to ensure the best outcomes for our graduates. The Indiana Commission of Higher Education Report validates Leighton School alumni get good jobs after graduation, and continue to earn excellent salaries throughout their careers.”