Analysis
In Indiana's small industrial engineering market, comparable programs suggest first-year earnings around $77,500—a solid starting point that aligns with the national median for this degree. The estimated debt load of $24,400 is notably lower than Indiana's typical $32,750 for industrial engineering programs, giving University of Indianapolis graduates a meaningful advantage in their debt-to-earnings picture. With a ratio of 0.32, you're looking at roughly four months of gross pay to cover the debt, which puts most graduates in manageable territory from day one.
What makes this estimate particularly relevant is how closely it tracks with the state's median—industrial engineering appears to produce consistent outcomes across Indiana's four programs, with even Purdue's graduates only about $4,000 ahead in year one. The bigger differentiation comes from debt levels. While we can't verify U of I's specific outcomes due to small graduating cohorts, the pattern suggests this program could deliver similar earnings to its peers while keeping borrowing significantly lower.
The practical takeaway: if your child is choosing between Indiana industrial engineering programs primarily on financial grounds, the debt side of the equation matters as much as the salary side. Based on peer programs, this field produces reliable starting salaries in the mid-to-high $70,000s regardless of which Indiana school you choose. The question becomes how much you'll borrow to get there—and on that front, U of I's estimated position looks competitive.
Where University of Indianapolis Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all industrial engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Industrial Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,136 | $77,456* | — | $24,417* | — | |
| $9,992 | $81,379* | $92,621 | $19,427* | 0.24 | |
| $30,446 | $77,456* | $82,393 | $32,750* | 0.42 | |
| $9,900 | $77,456* | $82,393 | $32,750* | 0.42 | |
| National Median | — | $74,709* | — | $24,889* | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with industrial engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Industrial Engineers
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
Validation Engineers
Manufacturing Engineers
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 University of Indianapolis, approximately 36% 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.