Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians at Indiana University-Indianapolis
Bachelor's Degree
indianapolis.iu.eduAnalysis
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
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 | $66,816 | $80,150 | +20% |
| Purdue University Fort Wayne | $65,385 | $77,914 | +19% |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $67,093 | $75,842 | +13% |
| Indiana State University | $66,479 | $70,581 | +6% |
| Purdue University Northwest | $65,059 | $67,622 | +4% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Mechanical Engineering Related 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 | $66,816 | $80,150 | $25,319 | 0.38 | |
| $9,992 | $67,093 | $75,842 | $20,500 | 0.31 | |
| $9,992 | $66,479 | $70,581 | $26,990 | 0.41 | |
| $9,254 | $65,385 | $77,914 | $27,000 | 0.41 | |
| $8,419 | $65,059 | $67,622 | $25,000 | 0.38 | |
| National Median | — | $62,503 | — | $27,000 | 0.43 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians graduates
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Robotics Technicians
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Automotive Engineering Technicians
Mechanical Drafters
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Photonics Technicians
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.