Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies at Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis

With only three schools offering this program in Indiana, Lincoln College of Technology lands right at the state median—but that's not necessarily reassuring when the broader national picture tells a different story. Graduates here earn about $42,000 initially, climbing to $49,000 after four years, which places them in just the 25th percentile nationally. Translation: three-quarters of similar programs across the country produce better outcomes.

The silver lining is manageable debt. At $12,000, students here borrow slightly more than the national median, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 means graduates should be able to handle payments without major strain. The 17% earnings growth over four years also suggests steady progression in the field. Given that nearly two-thirds of students receive Pell grants, many families here are price-sensitive, and keeping debt under control matters more than chasing the highest starting salary.

The question is whether your child can access one of the stronger programs nationally, or if geography and cost constraints make this the practical choice. If they're committed to staying in Indianapolis and need training fast, this program won't bury them in debt—but they should know they're entering at the lower end of national earning potential for equipment maintenance technicians. Look at specific employer partnerships and job placement rates before committing.