Median Earnings (1yr)
$73,122
24th percentile (40th in IN)
Median Debt
$25,603
2% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.35
Manageable
Sample Size
48
Adequate data

Analysis

Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates in electrical engineering enter the workforce earning $73,122—falling below both the national median ($77,710) and landing at exactly the Indiana median. This middle-of-the-road performance means students are earning roughly $11,000 less initially than graduates from Purdue's main campus or Notre Dame, though the program does show solid 19% earnings growth over four years, reaching $86,685. Among Indiana's 12 engineering programs, IU-Indianapolis sits right at the median, which is respectable but not remarkable.

The debt picture looks manageable with a 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio—graduates owe about four months of their first-year salary. At $25,603, debt levels align closely with both state and national averages for engineering programs. The combination of reasonable debt and steady earnings growth creates a workable financial foundation, even if the starting salary doesn't match Indiana's top engineering schools.

For families prioritizing an accessible engineering degree in Indianapolis (81% admission rate), this program delivers legitimate engineering credentials without financial disaster. However, if your student can gain admission to Purdue's main campus or Notre Dame, the $11,000+ higher starting salaries would be worth serious consideration, especially since the debt levels are comparable. This is a functional choice rather than an exceptional value.

Where Indiana University-Indianapolis Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Indiana University-IndianapolisOther electrical, electronics and communications engineering programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates compare to all programs nationally

Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates earn $73k, placing them in the 24th percentile of all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (12 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Indiana University-Indianapolis$73,122$86,685$25,6030.35
University of Notre Dame$85,861$101,471$19,0000.22
Purdue University-Main Campus$84,300$89,141$19,0000.23
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology$80,062$89,159$26,1610.33
Purdue University Northwest$79,917—$26,4710.33
Trine University$73,923$85,111$27,0000.37
National Median$77,710—$24,9890.32

Other Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Programs in Indiana

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame
$62,693$85,861$19,000
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette
$9,992$84,300$19,000
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute
$56,674$80,062$26,161
Purdue University Northwest
Hammond
$8,419$79,917$26,471
Trine University
Angola
$35,600$73,923$27,000

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 University-Indianapolis, approximately 36% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 48 graduates with reported earnings and 51 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.