Compare 10 Mechanical Engineering. programs in Indiana. Average earnings: $75,962.
Mechanical Engineering programs in Indiana produce graduates earning between $60,771 and $89,369—a $28K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 10 ranked programs, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
University of Notre Dame's Mechanical Engineering program leads with graduates earning $89,369, followed by Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology at $86,634 and Purdue University-Main Campus at $85,429. The average across all Indiana programs is $75,962, showing that the state's top three programs significantly outperform the median.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Notre Dame graduates borrow $19,000 and face just a 3.9% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families, Indiana University-Indianapolis leads with a 9.1% family burden in the 'Good' tier, proving that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $89,369
Strong outcomes ($86,634) with 73% acceptance
3.9% payment burden | Excellent
9.1% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $89,369 | 119 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Manageable |
| #2 | $86,634 | 154 | $25,000 | Excellent | $71,022 | Challenging | |
| #3 | $85,429 | 376 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Good | |
| #4 | $82,354 | 175 | $20,000 | Excellent | $17,205 | Good | |
| #5 | Trine UniversityPrivate | $78,795 | 41 | $25,000 | Excellent | $32,897 | Manageable |
| #6 | $77,927 | 62 | $21,229 | Excellent | $14,984 | Good | |
| #7 | Valparaiso UniversityPrivate | $72,788 | 53 | $26,942 | Excellent | $28,500 | Manageable |
| #8 | $64,534 | 18 | $21,500 | Excellent | $12,362 | Good | |
| #9 | University Of EvansvillePrivate | $61,020 | 16 | $24,606 | Good | $26,848 | Challenging |
| #10 | $60,771 | 16 | $26,391 | Good | $12,484 | Manageable |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
