Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Indiana University-Indianapolis
Bachelor's Degree
indianapolis.iu.eduAnalysis
First-year earnings of $70,887 for this electrical engineering technology program sit above the national median but trail other Indiana options—though with small graduate samples suppressing the actual debt figures, treat these numbers as directional rather than definitive. Based on comparable bachelor's programs at similar institutions, students typically leave with around $26,220 in debt, creating a manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio that could be paid down within a few years of focused repayment.
The earnings trajectory here is what deserves closer attention. Growth from $70,887 to $77,416 over four years represents just 9% progress, suggesting graduates may hit their ceiling relatively quickly compared to traditional engineering paths. Meanwhile, Purdue's main campus reports similar first-year outcomes of $74,981 but likely offers stronger alumni networks and industry connections that could matter over a longer career arc. The technology track historically focuses more on hands-on implementation than design roles, which may explain both the solid starting salaries and the modest growth curve.
For families weighing this program, the estimated debt load appears reasonable given the earnings floor, making this a financially viable path into electrical systems work. The real question is whether the technology credential positions graduates for the kind of career progression they want—or whether the relatively flat growth and middle-of-the-pack Indiana outcomes suggest looking at Purdue's engineering programs if they're academically competitive for admission there.
Where Indiana University-Indianapolis Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians 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 | $70,887 | $77,416 | +9% |
| Wayne State University | $82,524 | $94,247 | +14% |
| California State University-Chico | $77,965 | $86,447 | +11% |
| University of Maine | $73,692 | $85,676 | +16% |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $74,981 | $76,358 | +2% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,449 | $70,887 | $77,416 | $26,220* | — | |
| $8,419 | $75,675 | — | $25,625* | 0.34 | |
| $9,992 | $74,981 | $76,358 | $23,250* | 0.31 | |
| National Median | — | $67,395 | — | $27,558* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Robotics Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Drafters
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Sound Engineering Technicians
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Photonics Technicians
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 15 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.