Median Earnings (1yr)
$66,816
81st percentile
Median Debt
$25,319
6% below national median

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

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$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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis$10,449$66,816$80,150$25,3190.38
Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette$9,992$67,093$75,842$20,5000.31
Indiana State UniversityTerre Haute$9,992$66,479$70,581$26,9900.41
Purdue University Fort WayneFort Wayne$9,254$65,385$77,914$27,0000.41
Purdue University NorthwestHammond$8,419$65,059$67,622$25,0000.38
National Median$62,503$27,0000.43

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

$68,730/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Automotive Engineering Technicians

Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.

$68,730/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Mechanical Drafters

Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

$49,670/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

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.