Industrial Engineering at Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies

Indiana Tech's industrial engineering program punches above its weight nationally—graduates earn more than 72% of similar programs across the country right out of the gate. At $77,456 in year-one earnings, they're matching the state median and tracking just $4,000 behind Purdue's powerhouse program, while serving a predominantly working-class student body (53% receive Pell grants).

The debt load of $32,750 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42, meaning graduates owe roughly five months of their first-year salary. That's manageable territory for an engineering degree, though it's worth noting Indiana Tech carries higher debt than the national median for this field. The earnings trajectory is steady rather than spectacular—a 6% bump to $82,393 by year four suggests stable industrial jobs rather than rapid advancement.

The major caveat: these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so your child's experience could vary significantly. Still, for families looking at Indiana engineering programs without the sticker price or competition of Purdue, Indiana Tech appears to deliver strong earning potential and reasonable debt for a professional degree that can support a middle-class career from day one.