Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Indiana University-Indianapolis
Bachelor's Degree
indianapolis.iu.eduAnalysis
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
Earnings Distribution
How Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | $73,122 | $86,685 | +19% |
| University of Notre Dame | $85,861 | $101,471 | +18% |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | $80,062 | $89,159 | +11% |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $84,300 | $89,141 | +6% |
| Trine University | $73,923 | $85,111 | +15% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,449 | $73,122 | $86,685 | $25,603 | 0.35 | |
| $62,693 | $85,861 | $101,471 | $19,000 | 0.22 | |
| $9,992 | $84,300 | $89,141 | $19,000 | 0.23 | |
| $56,674 | $80,062 | $89,159 | $26,161 | 0.33 | |
| $8,419 | $79,917 | — | $26,471 | 0.33 | |
| $35,600 | $73,923 | $85,111 | $27,000 | 0.37 | |
| National Median | — | $77,710 | — | $24,989 | 0.32 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Computer Hardware Engineers
Aerospace Engineers
Electrical Engineers
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
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.