Rankings / By State

Best Engineering Colleges in Indiana

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 13 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$61,129

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

60%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$20,598

Avg. Net Price

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Engineering colleges in Indiana offer a diverse range of programs that prepare students for the challenges of the workforce. With an average earning potential of $61,129, these institutions are attracting students looking for solid career prospects.

The top-performing schools on this list stand out based on key outcomes such as graduation rates, earnings, and student debt. For instance, while the average graduation rate among these institutions is 60%, some schools boast rates as high as 96%. This means students should consider both the financial implications and the likelihood of completing their degree when evaluating their options.

Take Purdue University and the University of Notre Dame, for example. Purdue graduates earn an average of $72,424, but they face a net price of $14,600. In contrast, students at Notre Dame can expect earnings of $99,980, albeit at a higher net price of $26,780. This difference highlights the tradeoffs between immediate costs and long-term financial benefits, offering a real reason to keep exploring the details below.

Key Findings

Graduates from the University of Notre Dame have average earnings of $99,980, the highest in Indiana.

Purdue University has a graduation rate of 83%, which is significantly higher than the average of 60%.

Trine University graduates earn an average of $57,165, the lowest among the top five schools.

Purdue University Northwest has the lowest net price at $6,079, but also the lowest graduation rate at 43%.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 13

Avg. earnings at 10yr $61,129

Avg. graduation rate 60%

Avg. net price $20,598

Avg. median debt $23,678

How We Ranked

Engineering programs in Indiana ranked by outcomes and program concentration

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

Graduation96%

Earnings$99,980

Net Price$26,780

View full profile →

Trine University

Angola, IN

Graduation66%

Earnings$57,165

Net Price$25,355

View full profile →

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Graduation83%

Earnings$72,424

Net Price$14,600

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN · 8,818 students · Private nonprofit

The University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame is a prestigious institution with a tight-knit community of just under 9,000 students. Known for its strong academic programs, it boasts a remarkable 96% graduation rate, and graduates earn a median of $99,980 ten years after starting their careers, making it an attractive option for those looking for high earning potential.

11% accepted 96% graduate $99,980 earnings

University's full profile

Trine University

Angola, IN · 2,324 students · Private nonprofit

Trine University in Angola is a smaller institution with around 2,300 students and a strong emphasis on personalized education. Though the graduation rate is lower at 66%, students can expect median earnings of $57,165 within ten years, which reflects the university's dedication to practical, career-oriented programs in various fields.

85% accepted 66% graduate $57,165 earnings

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN · 44,503 students · Public

With a large student body of over 44,500, Purdue University in West Lafayette is well-known for its engineering and technology programs. An impressive 83% of students graduate, and they go on to earn a median of $72,424 within a decade of finishing their degrees, reflecting strong job prospects in various fields.

50% accepted 83% graduate $72,424 earnings

Purdue's full profile

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, IN · 2,083 students · Private nonprofit

Valparaiso University, a private nonprofit institution, has a close-knit community with around 2,083 students. Located in Valparaiso, IN, the university enjoys a high acceptance rate of 89%, making it an appealing option for students seeking a more personalized educational experience without the competitive pressure found at larger schools.

89% accepted 69% graduate $63,191 earnings

Valparaiso's full profile

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Terre Haute, IN · 2,309 students · Private nonprofit

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute has a specialized focus on science, engineering, and mathematics, catering to a smaller population of about 2,300 students. The school has an 80% graduation rate, and its graduates enjoy impressive earnings of $101,253 after ten years, showcasing the strong demand for their skills in the job market.

77% accepted 80% graduate $101,253 earnings

Rose-Hulman's full profile

University of Evansville

Evansville, IN · 1,539 students · Private nonprofit

With a graduation rate of 68%, the University of Evansville cultivates an environment where students can thrive and complete their degrees. Located in a vibrant city, this private nonprofit institution has a student body of 1,539, offering a variety of programs that prepare graduates for successful careers.

78% accepted 68% graduate $53,770 earnings

University's full profile

Indiana Institute of Technology

Fort Wayne, IN · 1,441 students · Private nonprofit

The Indiana Institute of Technology has carved out a niche for career-focused education, with a strong emphasis on practical skills that prepare students for the job market. Though its graduation rate sits at 38%, the institution is dedicated to helping students succeed, as reflected in its supportive campus culture and programs tailored to meet industry demands.

70% accepted 38% graduate $47,327 earnings

Indiana's full profile

Hanover College

Hanover, IN · 1,031 students · Private nonprofit

Hanover College provides a close-knit community for its 1,031 students, with a graduation rate of 65% signaling that many find success within its walls. Nestled in a picturesque part of Indiana, the college fosters a collaborative environment that encourages personal and academic growth, making it an appealing choice for students looking for a more intimate educational experience.

84% accepted 65% graduate $53,957 earnings

Hanover's full profile

Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN · 13,830 students · Public

Indiana University-Indianapolis stands out as a vibrant urban campus with over 13,830 students. Nestled in the heart of Indianapolis, this public institution boasts a solid acceptance rate of 76%, attracting a mix of students eager to take advantage of the city’s resources and opportunities for hands-on learning.

76% accepted 54% graduate $55,198 earnings

Indiana's full profile

#10

Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, IN · 5,671 students · Public

With a student body of 5,671, Purdue University Northwest in Hammond, IN, welcomes a diverse range of learners. The school has a generous acceptance rate of 72%, making it an attainable choice for many students looking to pursue higher education without the pressures of extreme selectivity.

72% accepted 43% graduate $48,318 earnings

Purdue's full profile

#11

Purdue University Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN · 5,484 students · Public

Purdue University Fort Wayne, located in Fort Wayne, IN, offers a welcoming environment for around 5,484 students. With an acceptance rate of 84%, it allows many aspiring students to pursue their academic goals in a supportive setting, ideal for those looking for a more intimate college experience.

84% accepted 34% graduate $45,872 earnings

Purdue's full profile

#12

Anderson University

Anderson, IN · 1,057 students · Private nonprofit

Anderson University welcomes a diverse range of students, boasting an acceptance rate of 79%. With a graduation rate of 52%, the university emphasizes a supportive atmosphere where learners can connect academically and socially. For students who thrive in a community-oriented setting, Anderson's 1,057 students form a network that can enhance their college experience.

79% accepted 52% graduate $48,899 earnings

Anderson's full profile

#13

Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies

Fort Wayne, IN · 2,686 students · Private nonprofit

Situated in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Indiana Institute of Technology’s College of Professional Studies serves a diverse student body of 2,686. With 55% of its students receiving Pell Grants, the institution plays a crucial role in making education accessible, especially for those from lower-income backgrounds. The graduation rate sits at 28%, which highlights the challenges some students face, yet the median earnings of $47,327 a decade after graduation suggest that those who do complete their degrees find solid opportunities in the job market.

28% graduate $47,327 earnings

Indiana's full profile

When we compare Purdue University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, the difference in earnings is striking. Purdue graduates earn $72,424, while those from Rose-Hulman earn $101,253. However, Rose-Hulman students also face a higher net price of $42,513 compared to Purdue's $14,600, illustrating the balance between upfront costs and potential earnings.

For students considering these programs, it’s vital to weigh factors like location, specific engineering disciplines, and personal financial situations against the data presented. A lower net price may be appealing, but if it comes with a significantly lower graduation rate, that could impact future earning potential. Each student’s priorities will guide how they interpret these numbers.

Ultimately, the data underscores the importance of choosing the right college to pave the way for a stable career. Families must align their education investments with potential outcomes, as one decision can shape the trajectory of a student's life. Investing in an engineering degree can lead to substantial earnings, but understanding the nuances of each program is key.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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