Engineering (Bachelor's Degree) at Indiana State University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$67,911

Est. from national median (47 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,832

Est. from national median (18 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable engineering bachelor's programs nationwide, Indiana State's graduates can expect first-year earnings around $68,000—but that falls short of what's typical in Indiana itself. The state median for engineering programs sits at $75,000, suggesting that location and employer connections within the region may matter more than the raw credential. With an estimated $26,000 in debt, the 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper, but it's worth noting that similar programs exist in-state with stronger earning outcomes.

The school's 92% admission rate and significant Pell population (39%) point to an accessible option for families seeking an engineering degree without elite gatekeeping. However, the earnings gap between Indiana State's estimated outcomes and other in-state programs raises questions about employer preferences and network effects. Engineering is generally a reliable path to decent wages, but peer programs in Indiana appear to deliver better returns.

If your child is committed to staying in Indiana for work, investigate why graduates from comparable programs—like University of Southern Indiana—command higher salaries. The difference could be industry partnerships, curriculum focus, or simply geographic proximity to better-paying employers. The debt burden here won't be crushing, but the earnings ceiling appears lower than what Indiana's engineering market typically offers.

Where Indiana State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana

Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (13 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Indiana State UniversityTerre Haute	$9,992	$67,911*	—	$25,832*	—
University of Southern IndianaEvansville	$10,136	$74,976*	$78,008	—*	—
National Median	—	$67,911*	—	$26,056*	0.38

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Photonics Engineers

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

Robotics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.

Nanosystems Engineers

Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.

Wind Energy Engineers

Design underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications.

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Indiana State University, approximately 39% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 47 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.