Business Administration, Management and Operations at Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech's business program delivers solid early earnings that outperform most programs nationally, but the Indiana comparison reveals a more complex picture. At $39,005 in the first year, graduates earn 15% more than the national median for associate-level business programs and land in the 71st percentile nationally. However, within Indiana, this program sits at just the 40th percentile, meaning 60% of similar programs in the state produce higher-earning graduates.

The debt picture offers genuine relief compared to both state and national norms. At $11,686, graduates carry about $4,000 less debt than typical Indiana business students and $2,300 less than the national average. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30, most graduates can realistically manage their loan payments. The concerning element is the slight earnings decline over four years—from $39,005 to $38,318—suggesting this program may not build skills that command salary growth.

For families prioritizing affordability and immediate employment, Ivy Tech represents a reasonable choice that gets graduates working quickly without crushing debt. However, parents should understand they're paying for accessibility rather than top-tier earning potential within Indiana's market. If your child can qualify for more competitive programs like Purdue University Global, the significantly higher earnings trajectory may justify exploring those options instead.