# Best Engineering Colleges in Indiana

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 13 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-engineering-indiana

## Methodology

Engineering programs in Indiana ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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%.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [University of Notre Dame](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-notre-dame) | Notre Dame, IN | 96% | $99,980 | $26,780 | $19,000 | 0.19x |
| 2 | [Trine University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/trine-university) | Angola, IN | 66% | $57,165 | $25,355 | $25,000 | 0.44x |
| 3 | [Purdue University-Main Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/purdue-university-main-campus) | West Lafayette, IN | 83% | $72,424 | $14,600 | $19,500 | 0.27x |
| 4 | [Valparaiso University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/valparaiso-university) | Valparaiso, IN | 69% | $63,191 | $18,578 | $26,942 | 0.43x |
| 5 | [Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rose-hulman-institute-of-technology) | Terre Haute, IN | 80% | $101,253 | $42,513 | $25,000 | 0.25x |
| 6 | [University of Evansville](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-evansville) | Evansville, IN | 68% | $53,770 | $18,499 | $24,606 | 0.46x |
| 7 | [Indiana Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/indiana-institute-of-technology) | Fort Wayne, IN | 38% | $47,327 | $23,206 | $26,391 | 0.56x |
| 8 | [Hanover College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hanover-college) | Hanover, IN | 65% | $53,957 | $21,829 | $25,250 | 0.47x |
| 9 | [Indiana University-Indianapolis](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/indiana-university-indianapolis) | Indianapolis, IN | 54% | $55,198 | $11,668 | $20,000 | 0.36x |
| 10 | [Purdue University Northwest](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/purdue-university-northwest) | Hammond, IN | 43% | $48,318 | $6,079 | $21,229 | 0.44x |
| 11 | [Purdue University Fort Wayne](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/purdue-university-fort-wayne) | Fort Wayne, IN | 34% | $45,872 | $13,171 | $21,500 | 0.47x |
| 12 | [Anderson University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/anderson-university) | Anderson, IN | 52% | $48,899 | $25,021 | $27,000 | 0.55x |
| 13 | [Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/indiana-institute-of-technology-college-of-professional-studies) | Fort Wayne, IN | 28% | $47,327 | $20,473 | $26,391 | 0.56x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Engineering Colleges in Indiana." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-engineering-indiana

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.