Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Indiana State University

Indiana State's Computer Engineering Technologies program graduates earn $48,639 in their first year—slightly below both the national median ($48,829) and Indiana's median ($49,929). Among the four Indiana schools offering this program, ISU ranks in the 40th percentile, trailing Ball State by about $2,600. The 13% earnings growth to $54,713 by year four is modest but consistent, though not enough to overcome the initial gap with competitors.

The financial picture is somewhat mixed. At $25,000, graduates carry less debt than the national median ($31,000) and slightly less than Indiana's typical burden ($25,500). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 is reasonable, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about six months if they devoted their entire salary to it. However, the program sits in the 75th percentile nationally for debt—meaning 75% of similar programs leave students with less debt—which tempers the affordability advantage.

The critical caveat: fewer than 30 graduates reported data, so individual circumstances heavily influence these numbers. For families focused on keeping costs down while pursuing a tech degree, this program offers manageable debt, but the earnings lag behind even in-state alternatives. If your child is admitted to Ball State or a higher-earning program, the modest initial investment difference could pay off quickly given the earnings gap.