Median Earnings (1yr)
$73,122
24th percentile
40th percentile in Indiana
Median Debt
$25,603
2% above national median

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

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis$10,449$73,122$86,685$25,6030.35
University of Notre DameNotre Dame$62,693$85,861$101,471$19,0000.22
Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette$9,992$84,300$89,141$19,0000.23
Rose-Hulman Institute of TechnologyTerre Haute$56,674$80,062$89,159$26,1610.33
Purdue University NorthwestHammond$8,419$79,917$26,4710.33
Trine UniversityAngola$35,600$73,923$85,111$27,0000.37
National Median$77,710$24,9890.32

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications 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

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

$134,830/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electrical Engineers

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists

Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods.

$118,780/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.

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.