Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians at Indiana University-Indianapolis
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates with mechanical engineering technology degrees are out-earning nearly 81% of their national peers, pulling in $66,816 within a year of graduation—a solid $4,300 above the national median. Within four years, that grows to $80,150, representing healthy 20% earnings growth. The debt load of $25,319 is reasonable, translating to a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio that gives graduates breathing room in their early careers.
The in-state picture is more nuanced. Among Indiana's five programs, IU-Indianapolis lands squarely in the middle at the 60th percentile, trailing Purdue's main campus by just $277 but essentially matching Indiana State's outcomes. For families comparing options, this means IU-Indianapolis delivers competitive results at Indiana's flagship urban campus without the premium typically associated with Purdue's brand name in engineering fields.
The moderate sample size suggests some year-to-year variability is possible, but the fundamentals are sound: above-average starting salaries, steady income growth, and debt that won't dominate graduates' budgets. For students seeking a technical engineering degree in Indianapolis with strong post-graduation prospects, this program represents a practical investment with outcomes that justify the cost.
Where Indiana University-Indianapolis Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally
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 $67k, placing them in the 81th percentile of all mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians 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
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | $66,816 | $80,150 | $25,319 | 0.38 |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $67,093 | $75,842 | $20,500 | 0.31 |
| Indiana State University | $66,479 | $70,581 | $26,990 | 0.41 |
| Purdue University Fort Wayne | $65,385 | $77,914 | $27,000 | 0.41 |
| Purdue University Northwest | $65,059 | $67,622 | $25,000 | 0.38 |
| National Median | $62,503 | — | $27,000 | 0.43 |
Other Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette | $9,992 | $67,093 | $20,500 |
| Indiana State University Terre Haute | $9,992 | $66,479 | $26,990 |
| Purdue University Fort Wayne Fort Wayne | $9,254 | $65,385 | $27,000 |
| Purdue University Northwest Hammond | $8,419 | $65,059 | $25,000 |
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 66 graduates with reported earnings and 60 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.