General Sales, Merchandising at Purdue University-Main Campus

Purdue's sales program starts graduates at $62,580—about $10,000 above the national median—but here's the surprise: that's actually below Indiana's state median of $63,882, landing in just the 40th percentile among the handful of in-state options. Ball State graduates edge out Purdue grads initially at $65,184. However, Purdue students make up ground quickly, with earnings jumping 28% to nearly $80,000 by year four, suggesting the Purdue network and brand deliver stronger long-term career acceleration than the first paycheck might indicate.

The debt picture is notably favorable. At $19,402, graduates owe about $5,000 less than typical sales program students nationally and nearly $4,000 less than the Indiana average. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31, most graduates could feasibly pay off loans within a year of focused repayment—a comfortable position that gives early-career flexibility.

The bottom line: This program represents solid financial footing rather than a standout bargain. Your child won't graduate debt-burdened, and the earnings trajectory is strong enough to reward patience. If they're choosing between Purdue and Ball State purely on first-year outcomes, Ball State has a slight edge. But Purdue's rapid earnings growth and manageable debt make it a reasonable bet for students who value the broader university experience and alumni network that come with a flagship institution.