Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Purdue University-Main Campus

Purdue's Architectural Engineering Technologies program punches well above the national field, with first-year graduates earning $75,913—nearly 50% more than the typical program nationwide. Among the 18 schools offering this bachelor's degree nationally, Purdue lands in the 95th percentile for earnings. The debt load of $19,270 translates to a highly manageable 0.25 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly three months of their starting salary.

Within Indiana, the picture is more competitive but still solid. Purdue's outcomes place at the 60th percentile among the state's three programs, trailing the top performer but still exceeding the state median by about $3,000. Your child would be paying slightly less debt than the state average while earning slightly more—a favorable trade. The 13% earnings growth over four years suggests these graduates establish stable career trajectories in construction management, building systems, or facilities engineering.

The real advantage here is Purdue's brand recognition in technical fields combined with strong starting salaries that immediately justify the investment. While not the absolute top program in Indiana, your child would graduate with minimal debt and earnings that put most peers—both statewide and nationally—in the rearview mirror. For families prioritizing quick payback and clear career pathways, this delivers.