Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University-Main Campus
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Purdue University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Purdue University-Main Campus graduates earn $106k, placing them in the 94th percentile of all mechanical engineering masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Mechanical Engineering masters's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (6 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $105,764 | $112,491 | — | — |
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | $90,637 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $92,510 | — | — | — |
Other Mechanical Engineering Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-Indianapolis Indianapolis | $10,449 | $90,637 | — |
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.