Business Administration, Management and Operations at Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies

Indiana Tech's business management program lands graduates in the 79th percentile nationally for earnings—impressive at first glance—but that $38,629 debt load deserves serious scrutiny. While the first-year median of $53,894 outpaces both the national and state averages, graduates are carrying roughly $12,000 more debt than typical business majors nationally or in Indiana. That 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming by itself, but it becomes more concerning when earnings actually slip to $51,858 by year four. This backward trajectory is unusual for business grads, who typically see modest income growth in their first years of professional work.

The program ranks solidly in the 60th percentile among Indiana business programs, placing it in the middle of the pack statewide—above average but nowhere near top-performers like Grace College ($62,251) or Ball State ($60,526). Given that over half of students here receive Pell grants, that extra debt burden could squeeze budgets more than at comparable Indiana schools charging less. For families evaluating cost-versus-outcomes, Indiana Tech delivers respectable starting salaries but at a premium price point that may not justify the investment when state alternatives offer similar or better earnings with less debt.