Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at Purdue University Fort Wayne

Purdue Fort Wayne graduates in this mental health services program start at $34,603—roughly 14% below the national median and slightly below the state's typical outcomes. What's striking here is the debt picture: at $22,809, graduates carry half the debt burden of the typical Indiana program in this field (state median: $44,811). This puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.66, meaning graduates owe less than eight months of their first-year salary.

The earnings trajectory shows steady 11% growth to $38,512 by year four, bringing graduates closer to state averages. While this program ranks in the 40th percentile within Indiana—meaning half of the state's programs produce higher earners—the significantly lower debt load changes the equation. Compared to Indiana Wesleyan's $40,426 median (likely with much higher debt), Purdue Fort Wayne offers a more accessible path into the field, particularly for students who need to minimize borrowing.

For families weighing this program, the key question is career goals. If your student plans to pursue graduate school for clinical licensure (common in mental health fields), starting with minimal undergraduate debt is strategically smart. If they're entering workforce roles directly, they'll be behind peers at top-performing programs but won't be crushed by loan payments while gaining experience. The value here is less about earnings potential and more about financial breathing room.