Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University-Main Campus

Doctoral Degree

Location: West Lafayette, IN•In-State Tuition: $9,992•Out-of-State Tuition: $28,794•Admission Rate: 50%•Avg SAT: 1342
Median Earnings (1yr)
$119,547
65th percentile
Sample Size
17
Limited data

Earnings Distribution

How Purdue University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Purdue University-Main Campus graduates earn $120k, placing them in the 65th percentile of all mechanical engineering doctoral programs nationally.

Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana

Mechanical Engineering doctoral's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (2 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Purdue University-Main Campus$119,547———
National Median$110,057———

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Purdue University-Main Campus, approximately 13% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.