Carpenters at Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech's carpentry program punches well above its weight nationally, placing graduates in the 95th percentile for earnings—roughly $12,000 above what most carpentry associate degree holders make their first year. More impressively, earnings jump 43% by year four to over $73,000, suggesting graduates are moving into supervisory roles or specialized trades rather than staying at entry-level positions.

The debt picture is particularly attractive: just $9,125 compared to the national median of $12,610, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18. That means graduates owe less than two months' salary, which they could realistically pay off within a year or two of focused repayment. The state percentile of 60th might seem less impressive, but Indiana only has two schools offering this program, making the comparison less meaningful than the national standing.

For parents worried about trade school stereotypes, this data tells a different story. Your child would graduate with minimal debt into a field where experience translates directly into higher pay. With Indiana's construction sector continuing to grow, this represents a practical path to solid middle-class earnings without the debt burden that often comes with four-year degrees. The combination of low debt, strong starting salary, and clear earnings trajectory makes this a financially sound choice.