Analysis
Engineering fields typically deliver strong returns, and Indiana State's program appears positioned near the middle of that spectrum. Based on comparable programs nationally, graduates can expect first-year earnings around $69,000—solidly within the range of peer institutions. While Purdue's main campus edges ahead at $72,000, Indiana State holds its own against the Northwest campus and matches the national benchmark for this field.
The estimated $25,000 debt load creates a manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly 37 cents for every dollar earned in year one. This is reasonable for engineering-related fields, where earning trajectories generally climb steadily. What's worth noting is that the state median debt for similar Indiana programs sits notably lower at $16,625, though without this school's actual graduate data, it's difficult to pinpoint why the gap exists—it could reflect differences in student financial aid packages, time-to-degree, or simply the estimation methodology.
For families concerned about financial risk, the fundamentals here look sound enough to move forward. The engineering sector rewards credentials with tangible job prospects, and starting near $69,000 provides breathing room to manage that debt comfortably. Just understand you're working with projections rather than this program's verified outcomes—if those actual numbers become available, they'd give you a clearer picture of what Indiana State specifically delivers.
Where Indiana State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering-related fields bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Engineering-Related Fields bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,992 | $68,919* | — | $25,236* | — | |
| $9,992 | $72,252* | — | $16,625* | 0.23 | |
| $8,419 | $66,798* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $68,919* | — | $25,368* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering-related fields graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Industrial Engineers
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
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 31 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.