Business Administration, Management and Operations at Trine University

Trine's business management program starts graduates nearly $6,000 below the Indiana median, but here's the twist: earnings jump 38% by year four, reaching $60,191—actually surpassing several programs that started higher. The question for parents is whether that delayed payoff justifies the wait, especially when schools like Ball State deliver stronger first-year earnings with similar debt loads.

The $23,250 debt sits slightly below both state and national medians, which helps. At a 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates can reasonably manage their loans even in that tougher first year. By year four, they're earning on par with graduates from Indiana Wesleyan and approaching Grace College numbers. That kind of growth suggests Trine students may need time to find their footing in the job market, but they're catching up.

The practical concern: those early years matter for paying rent, making loan payments, and building savings. Starting 40th percentile in Indiana means graduates will likely need family support or side income while they establish themselves. If your child can weather that initial period—perhaps by living at home or taking a less-than-ideal first job—the trajectory looks solid. But if they need strong immediate earnings, Ball State or Indiana Wesleyan offer more reliable starting points for comparable money.