Median Earnings (1yr)
$66,816
81st percentile
Median Debt
$25,319
6% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.38
Manageable
Sample Size
66
Adequate data

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

Indiana University-IndianapolisOther mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians programs

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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Indiana University-Indianapolis$66,816$80,150$25,3190.38
Purdue University-Main Campus$67,093$75,842$20,5000.31
Indiana State University$66,479$70,581$26,9900.41
Purdue University Fort Wayne$65,385$77,914$27,0000.41
Purdue University Northwest$65,059$67,622$25,0000.38
National Median$62,503—$27,0000.43

Other Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians Programs in Indiana

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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.