Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians at Purdue University Northwest
Bachelor's Degree
pnw.eduAnalysis
Indiana's industrial production technology programs cluster around $68,500 in first-year earnings, and this Purdue Northwest degree appears positioned right in that range. With an estimated debt load of $20,500—below both the state and national medians for this field—the financial framework looks manageable. A 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would theoretically need less than four months of gross income to cover their student loans, well within reasonable territory.
The trajectory matters here. Four years out, the median jumps to $77,273, suggesting this field rewards experience and on-the-job learning. That's typical for production technology roles where technical expertise compounds over time. While Purdue Northwest lacks the immediate earning power of Indiana State's $78,000 outcomes, it substantially outpaces the $44,000 figures from Vincennes, putting it in the middle tier of Indiana's offerings. Nationally, these estimated earnings exceed the typical $59,822 median by nearly $9,000.
For a production-focused degree, this financial profile works. The modest debt paired with above-average starting pay creates room for young professionals to build careers without drowning in loan payments. Just remember these figures draw from similar Indiana programs, not verified outcomes from Purdue Northwest's specific graduates—the actual results could vary based on the school's industry connections and curriculum strengths.
Where Purdue University Northwest Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all industrial production technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University Northwest | — | $77,273 | — |
| Central Connecticut State University | $74,889 | $84,550 | +13% |
| Weber State University | $75,281 | $84,292 | +12% |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $68,582 | $79,638 | +16% |
| Vincennes University | $44,323 | $47,278 | +7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,419 | $68,582* | $77,273 | $20,500* | — | |
| $9,992 | $78,215* | — | $20,500* | 0.26 | |
| $9,992 | $68,582* | $79,638 | $21,345* | 0.31 | |
| $6,886 | $44,323* | $47,278 | $20,228* | 0.46 | |
| National Median | — | $59,822* | — | $24,250* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with industrial production technologies/technicians graduates
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Semiconductor Processing Technicians
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Photonics Technicians
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 Northwest, approximately 28% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.