Education at Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech's associate education program offers better outcomes than most similar programs nationwide, with first-year earnings of $26,848 placing graduates at the 75th percentile nationally—notably above the $24,193 national median. The modest debt load of $10,874 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41, meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary.

The earnings trajectory here deserves attention: graduates see a 27% jump in pay by year four, reaching $34,167. This growth pattern is typical for education associates who often start in paraprofessional roles before moving into better-compensated positions or completing bachelor's degrees. Within Indiana, this program sits at the 60th percentile—solid middle ground—though state comparisons are limited since Ivy Tech appears to be the only institution reporting data for this credential in Indiana.

For parents of students planning to work in education support roles or use this as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree, the numbers work. The debt is reasonable, earnings beat most competitors from day one, and the upward trajectory suggests graduates find pathways to better opportunities. Just understand that an associate's in education typically leads to paraprofessional work rather than lead teaching positions, which require bachelor's degrees in most settings.